According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there are more than 60 million cats in the United States today with 26% of American households (37 million in total) owning at least one.
Of course, that doesn’t include the millions of feral cats roaming free across the country.
And that number is only expected to rise with the hundreds of thousands of pregnant cats that will give birth to millions of kittens every year – some of which may even be born in the comfort of your own home.
How Long Is Cat Pregnancy?
Anyone who owns a cat that isn’t neutered should have a deep understanding of what to expect during a cat pregnancy – including how long the gestation period is and how to tell when you have a pregnant cat.
So, how long are cats pregnant for?
On average, a cat’s pregnancy lasts anywhere between 63 and 65 days (about two months). The actual birth usually takes no more than six hours, and they can technically give birth up to five times every year.
With that said, a cat’s pregnancy can be broken up into six different stages – fertilization, embryonic development, formation of the fetus, noticeable changes, preparing for birth, and (at last) giving birth.
Let’s take a closer look at what to expect at each stage of a cat’s pregnancy.
Fertilization (Days 1-10)
The only way a female cat can get pregnant is if they mate with a male cat. This process begins when the female cat (also known as the ‘queen’) starts her estrus cycle – commonly referred to as being in heat.
While in heat, the female cat emits pheromones that can be detected by male cats (also known as the ‘tom’). After the tom courts the queen, he’ll bite her neck and begin the mating process – a swift process.
Over the next 10 days or so, the tom’s sperm fertilizes the queen’s egg before traveling to the uterus – where it implants itself in the uterine lining. This is the official beginning of the cat gestation period.
Embryonic Development (Days 10-20)
During this stage, the fertilized eggs start dividing and forming into tiny embryos – which is considered the initial stage of development for a soon-to-be kitten. This generally begins at around the 10-day mark.
The embryos then implant themselves into the queen’s uterine wall, which is required if the embryo (and ensuing fetus) wants to receive the necessary nutrients (and proper amount of nutrients) to develop.
By the end of the second week (and start of the third week), you’ll start noticing minor behavioral changes in the queen. Some become more affectionate and loving, while others seem more irritated than usual.
Formation of the Fetus (Days 20-30)
At this point, what was once just a sperm and an egg is starting to transition from a tiny embryo into a recognizable fetus. This process usually begins by the third week and continues all the way up until birth.
During the early stages of this process, the head and tail are the first body parts to be distinguished. It’s also at this time that the circulatory and gastrointestinal systems begin their development in the kitten.
As the embryo grows into a fetus, they start to develop mouths, eyes, ears, forelegs, hindlegs, chins, noses, cheeks, teeth, paw pads, and muscles. And just like that, your queen is halfway through gestation.
Noticeable Changes (Days 30-40)
The start of the second month is when most owners begin to notice behavioral and physical changes in the queen. And don’t worry – it’s normal to have no idea your cat is pregnant until these changes appear.
Some of the most common signs of pregnancy include enlarged nipples that are more pink than usual, morning sickness, a round or swollen belly, weight gain, an increase in appetite, and maternal behaviors.
If you suspect your cat is pregnant, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian so they can confirm (or deny) your suspicion. They can also help you better understand how to care for your cat at this time.
Birth Preparation (Days 40-63)
By now, your furry little queen is just a few weeks away from giving birth. She’ll start looking for and preparing a safe space to have her litter (known as a nesting space) and will exhibit nesting behaviors.
Nesting behaviors can include everything from scratching their birthing spot, seeking solitude, and collecting her favorite toys and other comfort items so she can give birth in peace.
As for you, it’s important to let her be alone when she wants to be alone, but also give her some love and affection when she needs it. You can also help her keep her nesting area clean and make it more comfy.
Giving Birth (Days 63-65)
Your queen is usually ready to give birth a few days into the second month of pregnancy – between 63 and 65 days. Of course, like humans, it’s normal for cats to give birth a few days early or a few days late.
When contractions begin, she’ll seek out her nesting area and begin the delivery process. Her litter will come out one at a time, with each kitten being born anywhere between 15 minutes and one hour apart.
Make sure you’re keeping an eye on your cat (but at a distance). While she’ll nurse and clean her litter all by herself, she’ll need a little help keeping her nesting area clean and free of any potential hazards.
And just like that, you have yourself a new litter of kittens to raise, love, play with, and care for!
