Cat Pregnancy Calculator
When is your cat due? Enter the mating date to calculate the estimated delivery window (63-65 days). Learn the week-by-week stages of feline pregnancy.
Feline Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
Feline Gestation Timeline
Cats have a relatively short gestation period compared to other mammals. The average pregnancy lasts 63-65 days from mating to delivery.
Week-by-Week Pregnancy Development
Fertilization occurs. Embryos travel to the uterus and implant. No visible changes in the cat.
Nipples become pink and swollen ("pinking up"). Some cats may experience morning sickness. Veterinarian can detect pregnancy via ultrasound at week 4.
Abdomen begins to swell. Weight gain of 1-2 pounds. Increased appetite. Kittens' skeletons begin to calcify (visible on X-ray after day 45).
Abdomen is noticeably large. Mammary glands enlarge. Cat may become restless and seek nesting sites. Kittens develop fur and complete organ development.
Milk production may begin. Temperature drops 1-2°F (0.5-1°C) 12-24 hours before labor. Loss of appetite, nesting behavior intensifies.
Nutrition & Care During Pregnancy
Dietary Recommendations
- High-quality kitten food: Switch to kitten formula around week 4-5 for extra calories and nutrients
- Gradual increase: Increase food by 25% in the first half, then 50% in the second half of pregnancy
- Multiple small meals: Feed 3-4 times daily as abdomen enlarges
- Calcium: Important for milk production but supplement only under veterinary guidance
Veterinary Care Schedule
- Week 4: Pregnancy confirmation and health check
- Week 6: Ultrasound to check kitten viability and count
- Week 8: Final check before delivery
- Post-delivery: Check mother and kittens within 24-48 hours
Signs of Labor & Delivery
Stage 1: Early Labor (6-12 hours)
- Restlessness and pacing
- Nesting behavior intensifies
- Loss of appetite
- Vocalization (crying, meowing)
- Temperature drop to 99°F (37.2°C)
Stage 2: Active Labor (2-6 hours)
- Strong contractions visible
- Straining and pushing
- Water breaking (clear fluid)
- Delivery of kittens (usually 10-60 minutes apart)
Stage 3: Afterbirth
- Placenta delivered after each kitten
- Mother cleans kittens and severs umbilical cords
- Kittens begin nursing within 1-2 hours
When to Call the Veterinarian Immediately:
- Strong contractions for over 30 minutes without kitten delivery
- More than 2 hours between kittens
- Green discharge before first kitten (indicating placenta separation)
- Excessive bleeding
- Mother appears weak, distressed, or stops trying
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the cat pregnancy calculator?
The calculator provides a reliable estimate based on the average feline gestation period of 63-65 days. Individual cats may deliver a few days earlier or later, so consider the result as a 3-5 day window rather than an exact date.
Can cats get pregnant while nursing?
Yes, cats can become pregnant as early as 2 weeks after giving birth while still nursing. This is called a "back-to-back" pregnancy and is stressful for the mother. It's recommended to keep her indoors and separated from intact males.
How many kittens will my cat have?
The average litter size is 4-6 kittens, but can range from 1 to 12. First-time mothers typically have smaller litters (2-3 kittens). Your veterinarian can perform an ultrasound or X-ray to estimate the number of kittens.
When should I set up a nesting box?
Prepare a nesting box around week 7-8. Choose a quiet, dark, warm location. Line it with soft, washable bedding. Introduce your cat to the box gradually so she becomes comfortable with it before labor begins.
How long does labor typically last?
Total labor usually lasts 2-12 hours. Stage 1 (early labor) lasts 6-12 hours, Stage 2 (active labor) lasts 2-6 hours, with kittens born 10-60 minutes apart. If labor exceeds 24 hours or stops progressing, contact your veterinarian.
References & Veterinary Sources
- Feline Reproduction - American Association of Feline Practitioners
- Gestation Length in Domestic Cats - Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
- Feline Pregnancy and Parturition - Merck Veterinary Manual
- Nutrition for Pregnant and Nursing Queens - Waltham Petcare Science Institute