Cat
How Long Are Cat Pregnancy? If you have been wondering how long are cat pregnancy, there are many important factors to consider. The length of the pregnancy varies with each cat.[1]While some are known to give birth in as little as two weeks, others take several months. Regardless of how long you expect your cat to give birth to your new kitten, there are several steps you can take to ensure the health and well-being of your little furry one.
Increased appetite
During cat pregnancy, cats may exhibit increased appetite. Typically, a pregnant female cat gains two to four pounds. This is due to the hormone surge that occurs when the embryo transforms into a baby. The baby’s growth is quite rapid, and it demands a great deal of nutrients.[2]
The good news is that most causes of increased appetite in cats are easily treatable, especially when detected early. If you suspect that your cat is pregnant, be sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to ensure the safety of your pet.
There are many other ways to help your feline friend during her pregnancy, from a change in diet to increased activity. [3]Cats will display maternal behavior, like meowing more than usual and begging for more food. You will also notice changes in your cat’s feces and weight.
Choosing a quality diet is essential for the health of your kitty. While it is normal for your cat to gain a few pounds, a sudden drop in weight can cause complications. In addition, you will want to make sure that your cat has access to abundant fresh water.[4]
Adding water to your kitty’s food will help her drink more. It will also help her be more interested in solids.
When preparing a calorie-rich meal for your cat, remember that the best time to feed is in the morning. Many of the nutrients your cat needs will be absorbed by the body during the first hours of the day.
While you can purchase pet food designed specifically for a pregnant kitty, your best bet is to consult with a veterinarian. He or she will have a better understanding of the complexities of pregnancy, and can advise you on how to ensure that your cat’s diet is optimal for her.[5]
Some veterinarians will recommend giving your cat vitamins during the pregnancy. But, be careful, as some supplements can have negative side effects. Also, be sure to limit your cat’s food intake until she delivers her kittens.
Most veterinarians will recommend that you take your cat for a urinalysis. Urinalysis can reveal many things, including sugar in the urine. Using a urinalysis, you can learn a lot about your kitty’s overall health.
Fetal membranes
Fetal membranes during cat pregnancy occur in stages. The first stage occurs between 12 and 24 days of gestation. During this time, the kitten is still small and in a double-layered bag of membranes.[6] These membranes have a cytoplasmic surface with light purple pixels.
In the second stage, blood vessels develop within the embryo. Nerves also begin to form. At this stage, the fetus is approximately one inch in size.
When a cat is pregnant, she may experience a swollen vulva. She will also have a brownish vaginal discharge. This discharge is a result of the fetal membranes.
During the third stage, the placenta separates. The membranes are passed together, but the inner layer can be trapped temporarily.[7]
A clear mucous discharge is also seen, though it is not associated with any specific symptom. It may be accompanied by fever. If the uterus is enlarged, it is possible that there is an infection.
As the fetus grows, the uterus becomes heavier and larger. Uterine contractions become stronger and more frequent. [8]By the time of delivery, the uterus is a muscular sausage-shaped bag that provides a distending and stretching force.
Fetal membranes in cats can be difficult to recognize. However, they can be detected through ultrasonography. Ultrasound examinations have the potential to damage a pregnancy. Therefore, veterinarians often make a diagnosis through abdominal radiography.
Placentas in cats can be classified into three different categories. They are: endothelial, vascular, and zonary. Each type of placenta has a different function.
Cats with feline placentas are characterized by a syncytium, which directly abuts the epithelium of the maternal uterus. It is not known whether this relationship is an epithelia-chorial or preplacental.[9]
Unlike human placentas, the feline placenta has a large amount of acellular material. This includes the feline labryrinth, which contains giant cells. Most other placentas do not have these cells.
Malassine’s study of the paraplacenta demonstrated a trophoblastic giant cell border. Her study also revealed that erythrocytophagocytosis occurs at this location.
Malaspina’s work did not ascribe great importance to feline placentas. He also noted that they had a trabecular structure.[10]
Dystocia
Dystocia is one of the most common birthing emergencies. It is usually associated with a lack of oxytocin and other uterine contractions. These can result in a difficult or painful parturition.[11] There are several different causes of dystocia, so it is important to be able to recognize the signs.
Maternal factors are the most common cause of dystocia. Cats have an increased risk of dystocia when they are exposed to a variety of maternal factors, such as malnutrition or obesity. The size and composition of a cat’s litter is also an important factor. Kittens that are too large may be unable to pass through the birth canal.
Fetal factors can cause dystocia, as well.[12] Fetal dystocia occurs when a baby’s position is incorrect, usually due to a malpresentation of the baby. Examples of malpresentations include a true breech, flexion of the head and neck, and flexion of the legs.
Some causes of fetal dystocia are ectopic pregnancy, uterine rupture, and uterine prolapse. If there is a lack of fetal blood or a dead baby, a Cesarean section is recommended.
Fetal dystocia can be treated by applying a lubricant liberally. Malposition can also occur during parturition. A sterile digital vaginal examination should be performed to assess the position of the baby. This can help your veterinarian determine whether a cesarean section is necessary.[13]
Depending on the cause of the dystocia, your vet will prescribe medications to assist the labor. They will also determine if there are any other problems that need to be addressed.
A Caesarean section is the most appropriate method to correct dystocia. Cats without extreme medical conditions are generally safe during this procedure. Your veterinarian will make a thorough history of the pregnancy to help in the diagnosis.
In addition, your cat should be monitored closely for any abnormalities during the labor process. If the mother is not stable, she should be treated on an inpatient basis until all offspring are delivered.[14]
In rare cases, a kitten can be stillborn. Even if the cat is born normally, this can be a serious problem.
Postpartum care
Postpartum care during cat pregnancy is important. The mother needs to have a nutritious diet and fresh water. It is also important that she is left alone to give birth. If she has trouble giving birth, she can get human assistance. For help, contact your vet or a local shelter.[15]
To ensure the health and wellbeing of your cat during its pregnancy, it is important that you monitor her labor. Some kittens are born weak, and may require extra care. Also, the mother cat may not be able to tend to the baby as well. She needs your support to keep her happy and healthy. You should also encourage her to continue with regular preventive healthcare.
One of the most common problems is a retained placenta. This happens when the mother cat fails to expel the placenta during the birth. A retained placenta can lead to infection, and can even cause fever. In addition, the kitten may develop neglect or a lack of appetite. Depending on the severity, she will need to be spayed.
During the cat’s pregnancy, she should be kept in a quiet area, and should have access to food and water at all times.[16] She should also be given a lot of attention and love. Several days after birth, she may be encouraged to eat solid food. However, it is not recommended to increase her portion size. Instead, she should be allowed to eat smaller meals more frequently.
It is also very important to monitor the cat’s vaginal discharge. When it looks like pus, it may indicate that the queen is infected. Once the vaginal discharge starts to look red or black, she should see a veterinarian. Normally, this discharge is normal up to three weeks after the kitten’s birth.[17]
Regardless of the type of postpartum care you choose, it is important to remember that the kitten will need to be fed a lot more during the early months of its life. Your vet can provide you with advice on what to feed and when.
