How long is a cat's pregnancy and how does it happen? - briefly
A cat's pregnancy typically lasts around 63 to 65 days, during which the fertilized eggs develop into kittens inside the queen's uterus.
How long is a cat's pregnancy and how does it happen? - in detail
A cat's pregnancy, also known as gestation, typically lasts between 63 to 65 days, though it can range from 58 to 70 days depending on various factors such as breed, health, and environmental conditions. The process begins with mating, during which the female cat, or queen, is induced to ovulate. Unlike many mammals, cats do not release eggs spontaneously; ovulation is triggered by the physical act of mating. After mating, sperm travels to the fallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs.
Once fertilized, the eggs, now called zygotes, move to the uterus and implant into the uterine lining within 10 to 12 days. The embryos begin to develop rapidly, forming the placenta, which provides nutrients and oxygen to the growing fetuses. By the third week, the embryos are about the size of a grain of rice, and the queen may start to show subtle signs of pregnancy, such as increased appetite or slight weight gain.
By the fourth week, a veterinarian can confirm the pregnancy through palpation or ultrasound. The fetuses' heartbeats become detectable around this time, and their skeletons begin to form. The queen's nipples may become more prominent and pinkish, a phenomenon known as "pinking up."
During the second half of pregnancy, the fetuses grow significantly, and the queen's abdomen becomes noticeably larger. She may exhibit nesting behavior, seeking out quiet, safe places to give birth. Proper nutrition is crucial during this period, as the queen requires more calories and nutrients to support the developing kittens.
In the final weeks, the queen may become less active and more affectionate. Labor typically begins with restlessness, panting, and vocalization. The first stage of labor involves uterine contractions and dilation of the cervix. The second stage is the actual delivery of the kittens, which are born enclosed in amniotic sacs. The queen usually breaks the sacs and cleans the kittens, stimulating their breathing. The entire birthing process can take several hours, with kittens being born at intervals of 10 to 60 minutes.
After giving birth, the queen enters the third stage of labor, expelling the placentas. She will continue to care for her kittens, nursing them and keeping them warm. Proper postnatal care is essential to ensure the health of both the queen and her litter. Monitoring for signs of complications, such as retained placentas or mastitis, is important during this period.