by Daniela Baker

For the most part, cats are perfectly capable of fending for themselves. Even pregnant cats rarely need help with delivery. Still, there are some things that can make a pregnant cat more comfortable. In addition, occasionally birth does go wrong, and you will need a vet to help out.

Let Her Nest

It is instinct for your cat to begin nesting. She will look for a good spot to have her kittens. Do not disturb her, and let her select her own nesting spot if possible. For example, if she takes a liking to your best jumper, try not to interfere.

Of course, you can reduce the chances of a pregnant cat giving birth on clothing by providing comfy safe spots. Place a blanket or two around the house in her favorite dark corners. If she has a bed already, either move it away from high traffic areas or divert traffic.

Image courtesy of Christie Michelle M on Flickr

Avoid Vaccinations and Medications

It is safest to vaccinate cats before pregnancy. However, this is not always possible, in which case the cat should avoid vaccinations and interaction with cats who may have infections. Both vaccines and contagious infections can kill or cause brain damage to kittens in the womb. The same holds true for medications, deworming products and even flea products.

In addition, experts advise against vaccinating other cats in the same household once a housemate is pregnant. According to Pets.ca, “a live vaccine virus can be shed by vaccinated cats and affect the pregnant cat’s fetuses.”

Nutritional Needs

Your cat’s appetite will increase somewhere around its sixth week of pregnancy. Be sure to give her about 25% more food than pre-pregnancy.

As your cat reaches the last trimester it is recommended that you switch to kitten food that is high in protein and calcium. A decline of your cat’s appetite at the end of her gestation is often a sign of impending labor.

Finding A New Home For The Kittens

Yes, kittens are adorable and everybody loves them – still, finding a permanent home for them can be difficult. That’s why it’s important to start looking for a home now, while Mrs. Feline is still pregnant. Plus, once the kittens are born you’ll be too busy.

Watch During Birth

It is incredibly important to monitor the birth of your new kittens. Have a cat carrier ready along with the phone number for a local vet, just in case something goes wrong. Do not hover over the cat; only check in every so often to see how she is doing. Hovering can cause her great distress and slow the birth of the kittens, prolonging her pain and discomfort.

Most kittens are born about 30 minutes apart. In some cases, they arrive in quick succession. If this happens, you may need to help the mother cat break the kittens’ sacs. Kittens can’t breathe when still in the birth sac, and the laboring cat may not have time to break them quickly enough.

Once the kittens are born, the trouble isn’t over. Sometimes a cat refuses to nurse, in which case you might need to encourage her or feed the kittens yourself.

After the birth

Keep in touch with your veterinarian and look for any signs of ill health in the kittens. But most of all, enjoy the furry additions to your family!

About the Author

Daniela Baker is a social media advocate with CreditDonkey, where she helps families compare credit card rewards to stretch their budgets.  As someone who grew up with a lot of animals, ranging from a horse to a turtle, she loves pets and hopes this article will help you and your cat.

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