Spaying your cat is a good idea if you don’t intend on breeding in the future. However, you’ll need to give them a lot of attention if you decide to allow your cat to have kittens because pregnancy in felines is a big deal. A mommy feline is typically efficient in giving birth on her own. But, there are simple and easy tasks you can do to make things a lot easier for them.
How to Care for a Pregnant Cat
While it’s suggested to have most pets neutered or spayed, it’s still essential to ensure that your cat is given the best care she requires when she is pregnant. Here are five simple tips to help you care for your pregnant feline.
1. Confirm their pregnancy
It is necessary to know your feline is pregnant before looking after them. People often use simple blood and urine tests in the house to affirm pregnancy, but this does not apply to felines. In the early stages of pregnancy, your cat’s body will display signs that she’s carrying kittens. Cats have a relatively short gestation period of 60 to 70 days which you will have to observe.
You might approach animal experts who provide breeding consultations to know the common signs to watch for when a feline is pregnant. For inquiries that have something to do about reproductive planning, C-sections, artificial insemination, and reproductive services, pet breeding consultants can accommodate your concerns.
2. Make a nesting location
Your feline’s comfort and security are important during the birthing process. Besides bringing your beloved pet inside your home, putting up a cozy and safe nesting space where they can nurse their offspring is a mandatory thing to provide for them. If your cat has a favorite blanket or bed it lays on, it must be transferred to a quiet and undisturbed place.
A nesting area can be a big cardboard box lined with her bed. A day or less before the pregnant cat gives birth, she will likely begin to position herself in a nesting location. If your cat selects a nesting space outside what you created, just accommodate her to her preferred location instead of moving her.
3. Pay attention to their nutrition
Being sure your pregnant feline is in good condition will guarantee the kittens in them are healthy. By their sixth week of pregnancy, you should be providing them with 25% more food. Ensure their diet plan is high in protein and calcium since this is crucial for the lactation of the mother and her kittens. Kitten foods are a good option to include in your pregnant feline’s diet as they are rich in calcium and protein.
Keep feeding them with cat foods in their gestation and even after delivery. Buy high-quality and trusted brand food for your cat to get the best nutrition they need to have. Freshwater is just as necessary as food, so make sure your cat always has access to it. Additionally, you may speak with a vet to learn more about the essential nutrition your cat will require during her gestation.
If you’re looking for pet professionals to have your pregnant cat checked, you may search the internet for “vet near me” for specific results.
4. Ensure they’re healthy
While healthy felines do not usually have conditions introduced by pregnancy, it’s still essential to check up on them every day to guarantee they’re healthy throughout their birthing or pregnancy. Taking your felines to animal facilities for regular check-ups, up-to-date vaccinations, and tick prevention is necessary to avoid any health conditions throughout their gestation. You can click here to learn more about routine wellness exams and how it keeps your pet’s health in good condition.
5. Know when they will give birth
If you are an eager owner who has been monitoring your feline’s pregnancy since you noticed some indications, you could already have a rough estimation about their birth delivery date. However, there are ways to know that labor may be near if you’re unsure of the timeline. A few of these signs are:
- Your feline always looks for secluded places for nesting
- They’re less active and eat less
- A decrease in body temperature
- continuous licking of the genital area
