A Guide to Pregnant Cats: What to Expect When Your Cat’s Expecting
If your cat’s belly is looking a little rounder and her personality’s shifting, she might be pregnant. In this guide, we’ll cover the signs, timeline, and how to care for her every step of the way—from “Is she even pregnant?” to post-birth checkups. Whether this was planned (or a surprise), here’s everything you need to know.
Cats Can Get Pregnant Shockingly Young
Here’s the thing many people don’t realize: female cats can become pregnant as early as 4 months old. That’s around the same time they hit their first heat cycle—which, by the way, can happen every two to three weeks during breeding season.
If she hasn’t been spayed and sneaks outside or meets an intact male, a single mating can result in a litter. And just to raise the stakes a bit: one heat cycle can involve multiple fathers, so it’s possible for a single litter to have kittens from more than one male.
Did You Know? Feline reproduction is fast, frequent, and surprisingly complex for such small creatures. Basically—if she isn’t spayed and isn’t supervised, pregnancy is always on the table.
Changes You Might See Early On
Most cat pregnancies aren’t instantly obvious, but your cat may start dropping subtle clues within a few weeks. Around days 15–18 post-conception, her nipples may become pinker and more pronounced—a process called “pinking up.” This is often the first visible sign.
You may also notice changes in behavior. Some cats become clingier or more affectionate, while others go the opposite route and start seeking solitude. She might nap more, eat more (or sometimes less), or show less interest in play or mating behavior.
By week four, the signs become more physical. Her belly will start to round out—not dramatically at first, but enough to notice if you’re paying attention. Around this time, your vet can usually confirm pregnancy through abdominal palpation or ultrasound.
Some common signs include:
Enlarged, pink nipples
Slight weight gain and belly rounding
Increased or decreased appetite
Changes in mood or behavior
Decreased interest in mating
A vet exam around week 3–4 is the best way to confirm things and start prenatal planning.
Week-by-Week Timeline
Pregnancy in cats, called gestation, usually lasts between 63 and 65 days. Here’s a general idea of what to expect:
Weeks 1–2: Fertilization and implantation. No visual signs yet.
Weeks 3–4: Nipples pinken, belly begins to change, and you may notice mood swings or vomiting (yes, cats can get morning sickness too!).
Weeks 5–6: Appetite increases. Belly becomes visibly rounder. Nesting behaviors may begin.
Weeks 7–8: You might be able to feel (or see) the kittens moving. Mom may slow down and spend more time resting.
Week 9: She may stop eating just before labor and start nesting in preparation. Look out for restlessness or frequent trips to her nesting area.
What Should a Pregnant Cat Eat?
Pregnancy and nursing are extremely energy-intensive, so diet matters more than ever. One of the best things you can do? Switch her to a high-quality kitten food as soon as pregnancy is confirmed.
Yes—kitten food. It’s higher in calories, protein, and essential nutrients to support growth and reproduction. Adult maintenance food usually isn’t enough to meet her needs at this stage.
Look for a product labeled for “growth” or “all life stages” with AAFCO certification. Stick with reputable brands like Purina Pro Plan, Royal Canin, or Hill’s Science Diet. Wet food is also a great way to increase hydration, especially if she’s not a big drinker.
Avoid raw or homemade diets unless you’re working with a veterinary nutritionist—there’s too much room for imbalance or contamination during pregnancy.
Setting Up a Nesting Area
In the final week or two of pregnancy, most cats start looking for a quiet, safe space to give birth. Help her out by setting up a simple nesting box. This gives her a cozy environment and keeps things clean for you.
What works best:
A medium cardboard box or plastic storage bin
Soft, washable bedding (old towels work great)
A quiet room with low lighting and minimal foot traffic
Try to place the box somewhere she already likes to rest. Don’t be surprised if she still chooses a closet, laundry basket, or drawer instead. She’ll pick where she feels safest, but having an option ready helps.
What to Expect When Labor Begins
Labor typically starts with signs like pacing, nesting, or even panting. Some cats become vocal, while others go totally silent. Delivery usually begins within 24 hours of noticeable nesting or restlessness.
During active labor, the first kitten should arrive within an hour of strong contractions. After that, it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour between each kitten.
Call your vet if:
There’s straining for over an hour with no kitten
More than 4 hours pass between kittens
She seems lethargic, confused, or in pain
You suspect not all kittens have been delivered
Helpful Tool: PetMD’s labor emergency guide outlines signs of trouble and what to do in each situation.
After Birth: What Comes Next
Once the kittens are here, your cat will mostly take the lead—but it’s still important to keep an eye on things.
Here’s what’s normal:
She’s eating, drinking, and staying close to the kittens
Occasional brief breaks from the nest
Mild discharge that clears up in a few days
What’s not:
Strong-smelling discharge
Swollen or painful mammary glands
Ignoring the kittens or acting restless
Pro tip: Keep her on kitten food while she’s nursing—it supports recovery and milk production.
Thinking About the Future: Spaying After Pregnancy
If this pregnancy was unexpected—or even if it wasn’t—it’s a good idea to talk to your vet about spaying once mom has fully recovered. Spaying prevents future pregnancies, eliminates the risk of uterine infections like pyometra, and greatly reduces the chance of mammary cancer later in life.
Most vets recommend waiting until the kittens are weaned (around 8–10 weeks) and mom’s milk has dried up before scheduling the surgery.
If you’re fostering:
Pregnant strays or rescue cats often need extra support, especially if they’re underweight or stressed. Don’t be afraid to lean on your local rescue group or shelter for supplies, post-birth vet care, or help finding homes for the kittens.
These guides from Alley Cat Allies are great resources for navigating TNR and kitten fostering.
Sources and Further Reading
