Gestation in Cats
The term gestation means the period when the young are developing in the mother's uterus. In cats, gestation normally lasts 63-65 days. Siamese cats may carry their kittens for 67 days.
Diagnosis of Pregnancy
There are no practical blood or urine tests available for early diagnosis of pregnancy in the cat. The earliest possible time of diagnosis may be at 3-4 weeks after breeding, when the doctor may be able to detect pregnancy by feeling the abdomen.
Physical Changes
During the first 4-5 weeks of pregnancy, there are few noticeable changes. Weight gain and enlargement of the abdomen generally become noticeable after the fifth week. The increase, of course, varies with the size of the litter. The mammary glands may begin to enlarge during the fifth week, but typically no increase in size is noticed until the seventh week. Milk is normally present 1-2 days before delivery.
Behavioral Changes
During the last weeks of pregnancy, your cat may have difficulty finding a comfortable position and may seem restless. Many queens (female cats) seek seclusion. Occasionally the cat may soil the house because the heavy uterus is pressing the bladder or colon.
Exercise
Normally no restriction of exercise is required during the first 6-7 weeks. Your cat should be kept in the house during the last 2 weeks because she may attempt to have her kittens in an unsafe outside location.
Nutrition
Good nutrition is essential to the health of both mother and kittens. It is nearly impossible to overfeed a pregnant cat, since she requires 2-4 times as much food as normal.
Harmful feeding practices include feeding raw egg whites, raw fish and exclusive meat or fish diets. Your doctor may prescribe a special diet or supplementation.