At 7 weeks pregnant, a cat looks visibly pregnant with a large, rounded belly, and you might even see kittens moving inside; she'll likely start nesting, lose some appetite as kittens take up space, groom her belly fur, and her nipples will be very swollen and pink, signaling labor is approaching soon.
Late Pregnancy: Weeks 7-9
During these last weeks, your cat will appear bulkier and have reduced mobility. The kittens become very active while her pregnancy belly grows larger. The mother cat will sleep more because her offspring occupy most of her stomach space. Her appetite will decrease too.
Your cat will have a nine-week pregnancy, so from around 63 days after mating, you can prepare for your cat to give birth. Preparation for your cat to give birth should have been made in advance (read our article on pregnancy for more detailed advice).
Week six. At this stage your cat will have a very round tummy! You might be able to see the kittens moving around. Your cat will also be feeling very hungry as she starts to build up all the nutrients she needs to nurse her kittens.
The 3-3-3 rule is a roadmap for the first three days, three weeks, and three months after pet adoption. It emphasizes patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement to help pets acclimate to their new environment.
Since cats show early, if you look at a pregnant cat from the side you will see a bulging abdomen. Avoid touching the belly as you may hurt the mother or the unborn kittens. Overweight cats usually gain weight all over and not just the abdomen.
New Cat? Set Realistic Expectations! You can expect that it will take your cat some time to get used to the new routines and environment. The 'Rule of Three' means that you can gauge the time it might take for your cat to fully acclimate to his home in threes: three days, three weeks, and three months.
Your cat's belly will swell and there will be increased nipples and breast changes. Their appetite can become voracious, start licking their belly and vulva often. Your cat will start nesting to prepare a spot for their kittens, often hidden away from any disruptions.
Most cats would prefer to be left alone, and they definitely don't want to be pet or touched while they are giving birth. It's best to give your pregnant cat as much privacy as possible while also leaving yourself the ability to monitor the birthing process for any signs of issues or distress.
A study of 2332 female cats revealed an average of 1.4 litters/year with litters averaging three kittens/litter. Approximately 75% of kittens died or disappeared by six months of age. Trauma was most common cause of kitten death when cause could be identified.
Is My Cat Pregnant?
Seeking Secluded Spaces: As your cat progresses through her pregnancy, she may start looking for quiet, hidden spots in your home. This nesting behavior is a natural instinct as she prepares a secure area for her kittens. You might find her spending time in closets, under beds, or other out-of-the-way places.
Chronic kidney disease is the most common silent killer in cats, and can be genetic. With this disease, 75% of both of your cat's kidneys don't work properly, and there are a few symptoms you can identify: Excessive drinking and urinating.
Let the cat make contact first
Use the '3-second rule': touch for 3 seconds, then pause to see if the cat wants more.
Be careful not to overfeed your pregnant cat during her early weeks of pregnancy. Yes, she needs plenty of good nutrition for herself and her kittens. However, the kitten food contains the extra calories and nutrients she needs. If she becomes overweight, it can cause problems for her and the kittens.
Kittens under the age of 9 months must have another age appropriate cat or dog in their home. If you have no other pets, then you must adopt two kittens (or a kitten and older cat).
Black Cats and Dogs Have Lower Adoption Rates
Research verifies that black dogs and cats have a lower chance of being adopted. It's a tragic fact that they tend to stay in shelters longer and are more likely to be euthanized due to shelter overcrowding than animals of other colors.
Follow this simple rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats, you should have three boxes. Making sure everyone has their space can help ease elimination issues. Some owners prefer a hooded box, but some cats don't like them.