As a cat owner who just discovered their cat is pregnant, you probably have a lot of questions about how to properly care for your pregnant cat. Well, to help you and your feline friend at any stage of the pregnancy, we have compiled some helpful pregnancy care tips below. Of course, you will need to first consult your vet if you suspect that your cat might be pregnant, as they will give you personalised advice based on your cat’s age and health situation.
Create A Safe Space
At the beginning of the pregnancy, your cat may not be really worried about finding a space within the home that is safe enough for having her kittens. However, towards the end of the pregnancy, this changes and she will start to look for somewhere safe and secure to hide away. It is important that you help your cat set up this space well ahead of the time the kittens will be birthed.
You can use either plastic or cardboard to create a birthing box for your cat. Place some old blankets and towels inside the box and ensure that the box is kept in a quiet and secure room where your cat can get enough privacy. The birth could get messy, so only use towels and blankets that you don’t intend to keep.
Provide Good Nutrition
Pregnancy means that your cat will need different nutrients in her diet. Her new diet should be a high quality food blend specifically designed to keep both mother and kittens healthy. Most times, these food blends are similar to kitten food. There are also foods that you should definitely avoid during a cat’s pregnancy, some of which can be found listed on Mellowed Cats and similar sites. You can also give your cat treats during pregnancy; just be mindful of the quantity and the ingredients of the treats.
Keep Her Hydrated
Pregnant or not, hydration is important for all cats. And even though your cat might be picky about drinking enough water throughout the day, it is important that you find ways to keep her hydrated, as this ensures the safety and health of both herself and the kittens. Mixing water into her food, feeding her cat-safe broths, or switching to a wet diet are some of the ways you can ensure that your pregnant cat is getting enough water.
Regular Visits To The Vet
Keeping up with your cat’s vet appointments during and after her pregnancy is very crucial. This is because her health needs will be very different during this time and your vet is best suited to help you with these needs. Your vet will ensure that both your cat and her kittens are healthy. They will also educate you on the best way to care for them (cat and kittens) when the kittens arrive.
Conclusion:
With the above pregnant cat care tips, you should be ready to tackle the challenge of keeping your cat healthy throughout its pregnancy. Take your time to understand all the needs of your cat as she goes through pregnancy and delivery. Also, learn what needs to be done once the kittens are born.
On a side note, cat overpopulation is a serious issue, so unless you’re a qualified cat breeder, it is important that you get your cat spayed once the kittens are born to prevent another pregnancy.
