September 14, 2018
Did you know that female cats tend to be especially fertile every two or three weeks?
This is often described as being ‘in season’ or ‘in heat’ – and if you have a female kitten, you need to start thinking about whether or not you’d like her to have offspring of her own.
If not, then neutering is recommended before the first season, which can occur as young as 4 months. But if you’re keen for a litter of kittens, it’s important to make sure your cat is healthy and properly supported.
In either case, the team at our friendly vet practice in Bayswater can help you get prepared. Want some advice? Simply book an appointment today.
What to expect when your cat’s expecting…
- Cat pregnancy usually lasts between 61 and 72 days (but most often between 63 and 67 days)
- Symptoms include vomiting in the early weeks, followed by pinked-up nipples, a swollen belly, weight gain of 1-2kg and increased appetite as the pregnancy progresses. However, to find out for sure whether your cat is pregnant, you should bring her to see one of our vets, as it’s important to establish that there are no other causes for her symptoms.
- Around 12 to 24 hours before labour begins, your cat’s body temperature will drop to around 37.8 degrees.
- Before labour starts, you may also notice a change in your cat’s behaviour. She may seek out a quiet place, seem restless and lose interest in food.
- You’ll see some discharge as labour begins, soon followed by kittens. However, if the discharge is discoloured or your cat appears to be struggling (without producing kittens), you should contact a vet quickly.
If you have any questions or concerns about your cat’s health during pregnancy, please remember that we’re here to help. You can make an appointment by popping into our Alexander Street practice, or give us a call on 020 7229 2040.
