PawsMathHow the kitten due date is calculated
Cats are induced ovulators (mating triggers ovulation about a day later) so the mating date is a fairly good starting point. Gestation averages about 65 days, and the calculator adds this to the mating date. It also shows the normal window of 61 to 70 days. If your cat mated over several days, count from the first.
Cat pregnancy week by week
| Week | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Fertilization and implantation. Few or no outward signs; some cats are more affectionate. |
| 3 | "Pinking up": nipples become larger and pink. Ultrasound can confirm pregnancy. |
| 4 | Vet may feel the kittens. Some cats have mild morning sickness. |
| 5–6 | Belly visibly rounder; appetite increases. Start feeding kitten food. |
| 7 | X-ray can count kittens. Movement may be visible when she rests. |
| 8 | Nesting begins. Set up a quiet kittening box. |
| 9 | Labor and birth (queening). |
Caring for a pregnant cat
- Feed kitten food from the second half of pregnancy and through nursing. It has the extra calories, protein and calcium she needs. Allow her to eat more frequently; by late pregnancy she may need 25–50% more food.
- Keep her indoors and away from unfamiliar cats.
- See your vet to confirm the pregnancy and discuss safe parasite control. Avoid medications not approved by your vet.
- Prepare a kittening box: a cardboard box with a side entrance lined with clean towels, in a warm, quiet room.
- Plan for the kittens. They can be neutered from around 8–16 weeks and rehomed from 8–12 weeks of age.
Your questions answered
How long are cats pregnant?
Cat pregnancy (gestation) usually lasts 63–67 days, about 9 weeks, with an average of around 65 days from mating. Healthy births can happen anywhere from about day 61 to day 70.
How can I tell if my cat is pregnant?
The first visible sign is usually "pinking up": nipples become enlarged and rosy around 15–18 days after mating. A vet can feel the kittens at about 17–25 days, confirm with ultrasound from around day 16–21, and count kittens by X-ray after about day 45.
How many kittens do cats usually have?
An average litter is four kittens, but anything from one to eight or more is possible. First-time and older mothers tend to have smaller litters.
What are the signs a cat is about to give birth?
In the last day or two, a cat may become restless, nest in a quiet spot, stop eating, groom her belly and vulva a lot, and vocalise. Her temperature may drop below 100°F (37.8°C) about 12–24 hours before labor, though this is less reliable than in dogs.
When should I call a vet during cat labor?
Call if she strains strongly for more than 20–30 minutes without producing a kitten, if more than 2–3 hours pass between kittens when you know more remain, if there is foul or heavily bloody discharge, or if she is past day 70 with no labor.
Sources
- Management of Reproduction of Cats, Merck Veterinary Manual (pet owner version)
Use this as a starting point, not a diagnosis. Every cat is a little different, so check with your vet before making big changes, and call them straight away in an emergency. Disclaimer