Cats Pregnant
If you are wondering How Long Is a Cats Pregnant For?, you will be glad to know that a cat can be pregnant for up to six months. During this time, your cat will be experiencing a lot of changes.[1]Some of the changes include weight gain, morning sickness, and even the retained placenta.
Weight gain
A pregnant cat may gain 2 to 4 pounds during her pregnancy. The exact amount varies depending on a variety of factors.[2] Regardless of the exact weight, the energy required for the pregnant cat is reflected by her weight gain.
A pregnant cat will experience increased affectionate behavior. This is due to changes in the cat’s hormonal system. Additionally, the cat will sleep more during this time. It may even look for a spot where it can nest.
Other signs of a pregnancy include a swollen belly. [3]Swollen nipples are also a sign. In the early weeks of a pregnancy, the nipples will enlarge and turn pink.
Cats can also experience morning sickness. Although it is not as common in cats as in humans, it is a major symptom. If your cat suffers from this condition, it is important to continue to feed it and give it extra care.
Other symptoms that you might be able to detect include a bloated belly, a lack of appetite, or a general malaise. [4]These signs are typically associated with more serious problems. You may have to visit your veterinarian if your cat shows any of these symptoms.
During week three, the fetus becomes much bigger. This is because the fetus has started to develop into an actual baby. Fetuses are not furry, but they do have tiny claws on their toes.
During week eight or nine, the milk will begin to drop. [5]If your cat has been nursing for some time, this might be a good time to switch from canned food to a dry food diet.
A pregnant cat may also exhibit a higher than usual level of aggression towards other animals. When your cat is experiencing this symptom, it is important to keep it indoors. Since your cat is likely looking for a quiet place to give birth, you might want to consider a different location.
Finally, a pregnant cat should also have access to a litter box. This is important to ensure the proper development of the kittens. Also, you should check to make sure the litter box is clean.[6]
Morning sickness
Morning sickness is not uncommon in cats, but if you’re expecting a feline, it might be more of a pain than it should be. You may want to take your cat to a vet, but it might be easier to just monitor your cat’s diet and kitty behavior. If you’re concerned about the potential of mishaps, consider buying a small pet carrier.
Cats can get sick anytime, so if your cat displays any of the following signs, visit your veterinarian right away.[7] The most common afflictions include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In fact, some cats are so prone to these symptoms that they require daily visits to a vet. Fortunately, you can keep your kitty healthy by making sure he has a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.
There’s no such thing as a foolproof cat diet, but you can at least take steps to ensure that your kitty gets enough food and water. A good rule of thumb is to feed your cat about 25% more than usual.[8] On average, a cat will gain about two to four pounds during pregnancy. This is normal, but if you’re expecting dozens or even hundreds of kittens, you might want to rethink your feeding routine.
The nipple a nipple is an old adage, but it does exist in the real world. For instance, you may want to keep your cat indoors during the night, but you can’t always do this.[9] Likewise, you may want to restrict your cat from eating certain types of food. As a bonus, your cat might be more receptive to other foods, such as treats.
Besides, your cat might enjoy the company of a few other furry friends! To help reduce stress on your kitty, consider enlisting a neighbor or a pet sitter to keep an eye out for any signs of illness. Also, if you’re traveling with your kitty, you might want to consider a crate or a carrier.
Although you might not see any visible results for days or even weeks, you can still give your cat a treat. [10]Be sure to make the experience as fun and rewarding as possible.
Retained placenta
Retained placenta is a medical complication of a pregnancy. [11]It is defined by the American Pregnancy Association as “when part of the placenta stays in the uterus after childbirth.” This condition can cause life-threatening bleeding and infection in the mother.
Symptoms of retained placenta include heavy bleeding and infection. Typically, retained placenta is diagnosed during the third stage of labor. However, this diagnosis is not always possible. A woman may experience retained placenta even without antepartum risk factors. [12]Surgical removal of the placenta is sometimes required.
Placental villi adhere to the uterine myometrium and the serosa, preventing delivery. In some instances, the mother cat will eat the placenta. She may also develop a fever and loss of appetite. Her prognosis is dependent on the type of treatment she receives and the time it takes for the placenta to pass.
If you suspect that your cat has a retained placenta, you should seek veterinary assistance immediately. The placenta will need to be removed within 24 hours of the birth. Your veterinarian may administer oxytocin or carbetocin to stimulate the uterus to contract. [13]He or she may also perform an abdominal ultrasound to find out the location of the placenta.
In severe cases, a hysterectomy or ovariohysterectomy may be required. However, this procedure is not needed for healthy bitches. Only if the animal is ill or has a valuable breeding history should the procedure be performed.
Other conditions that can lead to retained placenta are herd-based diseases. For example, calves born prematurely can cause retained placenta.[14] Also, an abnormally large litter size can cause dystocia, a condition where the placenta is not delivered.
Some women with retained placenta have a higher risk of having it again. Therefore, it is recommended that women with retained placenta talk to their midwives and have regular checks. They should know if they have had previous complications during labor.
Cats are very vulnerable to postpartum hemorrhage, so it is important to have your cat examined by your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms. Early diagnosis and proper management can help prevent catastrophic postpartum hemorrhage.[15]
Signs of a second stage of labor
If you have a cat that is pregnant, you may want to monitor her for signs of labor. While cat parturition is not as common as that of dogs or humans, it is still possible. You can expect your cat to show some signs of labor, including excessive grooming and frequent pacing.[16]
There are three stages to feline labor. The first stage begins when the cervix begins to dilate. This may last 4 to 24 hours. During this time, the uterus stretches and relaxes, allowing contractions to occur.
Once the cervix stretches, the fetus’ head is pushed into the pelvis and causes the muscles to tighten. [17]These contractions become stronger when the cervix is nearly open. Depending on the size of the uterus and the mother’s condition, delivery can take anywhere from five to thirty minutes.
If you notice your cat straining, contact a veterinarian. An obstruction can be caused by various reasons, such as a pelvic fracture or maternal pelvic malformation.
In addition to these signs of labor, your cat may also become restless. She might be searching for a quiet place to give birth. It is important to keep her warm and safe.[18] Make sure you have a pet carrier and warm water and towels ready.
If your cat has multiple kittens, make sure the placentas are passed. If there are less than two placentas, it is a sign of retained membranes. Your vet may need to perform an ovariohysterectomy.[19]
Cats will sometimes try to delay giving birth until you are home. During this time, you can offer her food, drink, and plain yogurt. But you should not force her to move to a place where she will give birth.
When the second stage of labour begins, the cervix becomes fully open. Normally, this happens in a matter of 5 to 30 minutes.
When your cat begins to strain, she may yowl or bite the umbilical cord. Her nipples may expand and she may discharge fluids. A second-stage birth can be exciting for your cat.[20]
However, if your cat doesn’t give birth after 12 hours, it is best to consult a veterinarian. Obstructive dystocia, in which the uterus ruptures, is an emergency. Symptoms of this type of disorder can include a brown vaginal discharge.
