Tips To Care For Your Pregnant Cat
You suspect your cat is pregnant and want to make sure that your cat receives the care she needs to ensure both her and her kittens are healthy. In addition to working with a veterinarian, there are several things you can do to ensure your cat is properly cared for throughout the entire experience, including when your cat gives birth. Here are a few simple tips to help you care for your cat when she is pregnant.
Signs Your Cat Is Pregnant
There are several telltale signs you can watch for that will let you know your cat is pregnant, including:
- Lack of heat cycles
- Eating more and gaining weight
- Increased affection
- Swollen nipples
Additionally, just like humans, cats can suffer from morning sickness, so watch for vomiting and lethargy in your cat. If you suspect your cat is pregnant, the pregnancy can be confirmed during a checkup at your local veterinarian.
Feeding Your Pregnant Cat
Your cat's nutritional needs will change during pregnancy and a veterinarian can help recommend quality cat food. For example, to ensure your cat's caloric and protein needs are met, a veterinarian might recommend switching your cat to a kitten formula. Make sure to gradually switch your cat over to kitten food to prevent any stomach upset.
Ask a veterinarian how much more to feed your cat. For example, you may need to add an extra feeding each day to ensure your cat and the growing kittens are getting the calories they need.
Watch For These Signs of Potential Complications
Just like humans, your cat can experience complications during her pregnancy. For example, if your cat is nearing the end of her pregnancy and starts meowing more, licking her vulva, and seems like she is in distress but has not given birth after a few hours of labor, it could be a sign of an issue. Additionally, if your cat seems agitated or has a seizure near the end of her pregnancy, it could be a sign of a condition called eclampsia.
If you are concerned about your cat's health or your cat is exhibiting strange or concerning symptoms throughout her pregnancy, contact a veterinarian.
Prepare For Your Cat to Give Birth
Finally, the best thing you can do to help your cat prepare for birth is to provide your cat with a clean, safe place to have her kittens. Your cat can typically birth her kittens without your assistance. However, you should be on standby if there is a potential issue, such as if one of the kittens does not move or show any response after being birthed.
With some extra care and the help of an animal care hospital, you can ensure your cat has a safe and healthy pregnancy.