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The patter of tiny paws- how to care for the pregnant cat
There's something special about a cat who is in kitten.
Is it that smug expression? The way she saunters around? The hungry appetite - eating for how many - two, three, four, five, six? We've had all these numbers born at the sanctuary.
In an ideal world, cats would not breed until they are
over a year old. But it's often the case that youngsters from four
months onwards will be sexually mature, although it is more usual for
them to reach puberty around six or seven months.
The breeding season begins in mid-winter and lasts
until autumn. The female cat will start 'calling' which is one of
the ways she attracts a mate. Not all cats 'call' but when they
do it can be a fearful racket! Your cat will become more friendly and
fussy when in season and she'll roll over on the ground and then run
away when you try to catch her.
When she's ready to mate and has found the male cat of her dreams (and yes, it might be the mangy looking tom who's living rough and not the handsome persian guy you'd chosen for her) she'll probably run off for a weekend away with him. Suspenseful? You bet. But if all goes well, she'll eventually run back home and start begging for a huge supper.
Cats are pregnant for approximately 65 days, a day or two either side is nothing to worry about. If you have no idea when your cat was mated, you'll have to wing it and keep a close watch on her condition and development.
You can be sure that your cat is pregnant if she becomes more placid, has an increased appetite and stops 'calling'. Her nipples will also increase in size and become more pink.
The kittens reach most of their development size in the last three weeks of the pregnancy. Your mum-to-be needs fresh nutritious food throughout and to be fed to appetite, but with more meals on offer (three or four a day) during this latter period.
You can let your cat follow her normal routine throughout her pregnancy, but take care if you are wanting to pick her up, handle her gently and be sure not to put any strain on her tummy. part 2 tomorrow
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