Cat Pregnancy Calculator & Gestation Timeline

Track cat pregnancy milestones and estimate due date

Cat Pregnancy (Gestation) Guide

Cat pregnancy (gestation) lasts 63-67 days (average 65 days) from the first mating. Our calculator tracks pregnancy milestones day-by-day and estimates due date to help you prepare for delivery. Use the mating date to calculate when kittens will arrive and what care is needed at each stage.

Cat Pregnancy Stages

Early (Days 0-21): Fertilization, implantation, first signs (pink nipples at day 16). Pregnancy confirmable at day 21 via ultrasound.

Mid (Days 21-42): Visible belly growth, increased appetite. Switch to kitten food at day 35 for extra calories.

Late (Days 42-63): Kitten movement visible, nesting behavior starts. Milk production begins around day 58. Prepare birthing box by day 42.

Labor (Day 63-67): Temperature drops to 99°F, restlessness, loss of appetite. Most queens deliver on day 63-65.

Signs of Pregnancy in Cats

  • Days 15-18: "Pinking up" - nipples turn pink/red and enlarge (earliest visible sign)
  • Day 20-30: Morning sickness (some queens vomit), increased affection
  • Day 28-35: Noticeable weight gain, abdomen swells
  • Day 35-42: Increased appetite (eat 1.5-2x normal amount), sleeping more
  • Day 50+: Visible kitten movement, nesting behavior (seeking dark, quiet spaces)

Litter Size Expectations

First-time mothers: 2-4 kittens (smaller litters)
Experienced mothers: 4-6 kittens (larger litters)
Record: Largest litter was 19 kittens (extremely rare)

X-rays after day 45 can accurately count kittens by counting skulls. Ultrasound earlier can confirm pregnancy but not exact count.

Emergency Complications

  • Dystocia (difficult labor): Straining 60+ min with no kitten, kitten stuck in birth canal
  • Eclampsia: Low calcium causing seizures (rare but life-threatening)
  • Uterine infection: Foul-smelling discharge, fever, lethargy
  • Stillbirth: Some kittens may not survive - queen will usually handle cleanup

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