Having a pregnant cat can scare people because they are unsure of how they should react around the cat who is expecting (the Queen).

The first thing to remember is, that the cat who is pregnant is still the same pet she was before, so try not to panic for no reason. In pregnancy, there is a small chance of complications but this happens with all animals which is understandable.

A beautiful blue eyed white and grey cat looks to the side of the camera — Credit: Unsplash

Don’t treat your Queen cat any differently

With cats, you don’t need to treat them any differently. They are usually very self-sufficient when expecting little ones.

You should treat your cat exactly the same as you did before. Understand that they may want a bit more space, or be a little grumpier than usual. This can be due to tiredness or they may even be sick a few times in the first month.

What to do when your Queen cat is hungrier

You will notice as time goes by your cat becomes hungrier. Continue to feed them at the same times and places as usual. However, you can change them to a kitten food once you know they are pregnant.

This means they get extra calories for the same quantity of food. Always have some dried food out as well in case they are peckish during the day time.

They usually start to put on weight around the 35-40 day and will have pinker mammillae which appear fuller.

It’s almost time for kittens!

So your cat is at 40 days into her pregnancy and coming along nicely. Now is the time to perhaps add extra bedding or a larger bed box so they are used to a comfy bigger bed when the kittens arrive. You can give them cat milk now as well but this is not essential.

A fluffy young cat looks directly into the camera — Credit: Unsplash

60 Days

By the time 60 days is approaching your cat will be bulging with kittens ready to come out and greet the world but this can be a worrying time. You have to try and make sure the cat has plenty of places to relax and even have the kittens. A cat will not have the kittens in a dirty or in a noisy location so you have to provide a room or a situation which is cool and relaxed for when the time comes to deliver them.

Try and make sure you are around the home for them because complications can arise but you still have to try and treat them normally. Some cats like to be alone when they give birth and others need extra fuss and reassurance. I remember my first cat trying to sit on my lap just before birth as she was obviously scared.

Your cat might have issues sleeping when they are near the full term of the pregnancy and this is going to make them irritable in everything they do. This is understandable as just like humans they will feel a bit uncomfortable at this stage.

Their appetites change as well sometimes but the best idea is to keep the same food there because when they need to eat they will.

If the pregnant cat comes to you craving attention you should provide this attention because it lets them know you support them and that extra confidence can build them up for when the final push comes to delivering the kittens.

The cat may become more loving than you would ever know and they will try and be calmer in their own attitude but want space from other pets. The best idea is to not change too much of their normal routine though. Keep things as easy going as possible to help your cat know things will not change for them.

Cats will have kittens with little stress if you follow the instructions above. If you are ever worried though do call your vet. If the birth of one kitten takes a long time, such as an hour it’s always best to check with the vet for advice. Sometimes small cats who have mated with a larger cat can have very big kittens and this can cause them discomfort. So don’t hesitate to call the vet for reassurance.

Mostly nature will take over and your cat will instinctively know what they should do.