Cat Pregnancy Calculator
Track your cat pregnancy timeline with estimated due date, milestones, and week-by-week development guide.
Cat pregnancy (gestation) lasts approximately 63–67 days from the date of mating, with 65 days being the average. This is about 9 weeks. Unlike human pregnancies counted from the last menstrual period, cat pregnancies are counted from the actual mating date if known, or estimated from physical signs.
Pregnancy Timeline Week by Week:
| Week | Day Range | Development |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Days 1–7 | Fertilization occurs. No visible signs yet. |
| Week 2 | Days 8–14 | Embryos implant in the uterus. Cat may seem slightly quieter. |
| Week 3 | Days 15–21 | Nipples become pink and enlarged (“pinking up”). Morning sickness may occur. |
| Week 4 | Days 22–28 | Embryos are detectable by ultrasound. Gentle belly swelling begins. |
| Week 5 | Days 29–35 | Kittens develop rapidly. Belly noticeably larger. Weight gain accelerates. |
| Week 6 | Days 36–42 | Kittens can be felt by gentle palpation. Cat’s appetite increases significantly. |
| Week 7 | Days 43–49 | Kittens are nearly fully formed. Cat may start nesting behavior. |
| Week 8 | Days 50–56 | Kittens are viable if born early. Milk may appear. Increased rest. |
| Week 9 | Days 57–67 | Kitten movement visible through belly. Cat seeks nesting spot. Birth imminent. |
Estimated Litter Size: Average litter size is 4–6 kittens, but can range from 1 to 12. First-time mothers typically have smaller litters (2–4). An ultrasound at week 4–5 can estimate the number of kittens, but is not always precise. X-ray after day 45 provides a more accurate count since kitten skeletons become visible.
Nutrition During Pregnancy:
- Weeks 1–4: Feed normal adult cat food. Quality matters more than quantity at this stage.
- Weeks 5–9: Gradually switch to kitten food (higher calories and protein). By week 7–8, the queen should be eating kitten food exclusively.
- Calorie increase: A pregnant cat needs approximately 25–50% more calories by the end of pregnancy.
- Fresh water: Always available. Hydration is critical.
- Supplements: Do not give supplements unless directed by a veterinarian. Over-supplementation can cause problems.
Signs of Labor (12–24 Hours Before Birth):
- Body temperature drops below 100°F (37.8°C) — normal is 100.5–102.5°F (38.1–39.2°C)
- Loss of appetite
- Restlessness, nesting behavior, pacing
- Increased vocalization
- Licking of genital area
- Visible contractions
Preparing for Birth: Set up a quiet, warm nesting box (cardboard box with clean towels) in a secluded area at least 1 week before the due date. Keep the room at 72–80°F (22–27°C). Have clean towels, dental floss (for tying umbilical cords if needed), and your veterinarian’s emergency phone number ready.
When to Call the Vet:
- More than 1 hour of strong contractions with no kitten delivered
- More than 2 hours between kittens
- Green or dark discharge before the first kitten
- Mother appears exhausted or in distress
- Kitten stuck in the birth canal
- Pregnancy extends past day 70
Post-Birth Care: The mother cat handles most care instinctively — cleaning kittens, stimulating breathing, and cutting umbilical cords. Ensure all placentas are delivered (one per kitten). Kittens should nurse within 1–2 hours of birth. Keep the environment quiet, warm, and stress-free for the first few weeks.