Cat Pregnancy Care Information
The cat should be given a health examination early in her pregnancy. Examine her for fleas, lice and ticks and keep her free from these pests. Ask the vet to examine a stool specimen for signs of worms or other internal parasites. Remember, acaroids and hook-worms can be transmitted to the fetuses. Worming is not advisable after the second week of pregnancy, however, since there is danger of aborting the fetuses. If your cat shows signs of worms later in the pregnancy, do not worm her until after the kittens are born.
The pregnant cat is hungry most of the time, especially in the later stages. Feed her well, but do not overfeed her. After the first month of pregnancy, two or three meals a day will be all right. She should be fed her regular ration, plus milk, vitamins and minerals. It is very important that the pregnant cat receive a vitamin and mineral supplement, preferably one high in calcium, to guard against a postnatal condition known as eclampsia.
As her pregnancy progresses, the cat will become more and more inactive and will lie about, basking in the sun. Leave her alone—this imperfectly normal.
At about the eighth week, milk usually appears in the pregnant cat’s breasts, although it may be produced earlier in some cases. The breasts will swell and may become hard and caked, and the cat will show signs of discomfort. She will constantly lick her breasts in an effort to relieve the pressure. You can offer her some relief by milking a few drops out of each breast by gently squeezing each nipple with a downward pressure. This will not harm the cat or “dry her up”. If her breasts are dry or caked, apply olive oil.
As the time for her delivery draws near, the cat will become very restless, wandering around and scratching in her bed. Keep an eye other, as she may decide to have her kittens in some secluded place, such as a cellar, garage, attic or other place where they may be difficult to find. Some mother cats try to hide their kittens in old barrels, boxes, drawers and other out-of-the-way places.
The cat may lose her appetite from twelve to twenty-four hours before the kittens are due. Also, her temperature will drop a degree at that stage.
You can make some preparations for the big event. If your cat is long-haired, trim away the hair around her breasts. This will help the kittens find the breasts. Also trim the hair around the anus and vagina.If the cat is constipated, do not give her any laxatives, but consult veterinary surgeon.
- Hundreds of thousands of cats give birth every year with little or no help from human beings.
- Occasionally there are some difficulties and these will be discussed a bit further on. While the chances are you will not have to assist at the birth of the kittens, you should be prepared to help. Keep the following materials handy:
- Newspapers Vaseline baby bottle
- Blunt-end scissors hot-water bottle eyedropper
- Clean hand towels absorbent cotton thermometer
- Thin rubber tubing (I inch in diameter and 6 inches in length) with syringe attached.