Caring for your cat during her pregnancy is an exciting time. Make sure you're well prepared for the new arrivals.
You can be present at the birth and be available for your cat in case of complications. The most important part of the process is the preparation you do ahead of time.
Change Your Cat's Diet
As soon as you find out your cat is pregnant, switch her kibble to one better suited than a kibble for neutered cats. Just like in humans, a pregnant cat needs a nourishing diet. Start giving her more nutritious cat food and keep going until her kittens are weaned. That way she'll have the energy and nutrients she needs to produce milk and help her kittens grow.
Set Up a Birthing Area
About 2 weeks before your cat gives birth, prepare a safe nesting spot. Cats are known for choosing to nest in the most inconvenient places. Most cats prefer a covered box, and you need to make sure it has no rough edges. The floor should be easy to clean and the opening should have a lip so the kittens can't fall out.
A brand-new kittening box
Put the kittening box in a dark, quiet spot, away from drafts and heavy foot traffic. Your cat needs to feel comfortable and safe. Once you've found the ideal spot, put her litter box, food and water nearby. Then let your cat sleep in the box so she gets used to it. Of course, when the time comes, your cat may choose another spot to have her kittens. If so, it's best to let her. She has her instincts and will follow them, whatever your good intentions.
Choose the right bedding
Line your kittening box with paper or puppy pads. Newspaper is a good choice, as it's clean, disposable and absorbent. Your cat may shred it while building her nest. You can also use soft, washable bedding such as blankets or towels. Change and wash the bedding every day.
Have Emergency Supplies Ready
Before the birth, put together an emergency kit containing:
- Dental floss to tie off the umbilical cord in case the mother doesn't do it herself;
- Clean scissors to cut the cord;
- Tincture of iodine or chlorhexidine to apply to the kittens' navels to prevent infection.
- It's also a good idea to visit the vet so you know what to expect. Ask them any questions you're worried about.
Call the vet if needed
Make sure your local vet's or emergency clinic's number is close at hand. You should call your vet if your cat strains unproductively for an hour or more during labor, if she doesn't seem to be caring for the kittens, or for any other concern. If your cat's pregnancy wasn't planned, talk to your vet about when you can have her spayed. Afterward, you can feed her kibble for neutered cats.
Prepare Nursing Formula and Kitten Food
For some reason, the new mother may be unable to feed her kittens. Or one or more kittens may be unable to nurse. In that case, you'll need to feed them. To do so, get a special formula that includes colostrum. Feed them with a small dropper throughout the nursing period. That means four weeks of continuous feeding and another four weeks for the weaning process. It's a good idea to weigh the kittens every day and, if one of them isn't gaining weight, contact your vet.
Also worth reading: How to Tell If a Kitten Is Male or Female | Kitten Socialization: Why Is It Crucial for Their Development?
