Cat pregnancy is a moment that comes with a lot of happiness and, at the same time, a lot of doubts - especially when it is the first time it happens and the owners have no experience with it. After all, how long does a cat's pregnancy last? What symptoms indicate a pregnant cat? How are the stages of pregnancy divided? To answer these questions, o Paws of the House has produced a very detailed infographic with everything you need to know about the subject. Take a look!

Symptoms of pregnancy in cats do not go unnoticed

How to know if the kitten has mated? The signs may not be so obvious at first, but those who have a closer look will notice some changes in the animal's behavior. Right after mating, one change that can happen is increased urination. The urine has a stronger and more striking smell. Over time, the symptoms of pregnancy in cats become clearer, and the pregnant catbegins to gain weight, her breasts become swollen and red, and she eats more.

The belly, on the other hand, only begins to appear around four weeks into the cat's pregnancy. Other behavioural changes that can also be observed are: a needy cat, with the need to be closer to her guardians at all times, and with the protective instincts more acute around other animals. This means that the kitten can become more skittish if she lives with otherscats and dogs, as an attempt to protect their young.

Understand the stages of a cat's pregnancy

Cat mating happens during heat. A female cat usually goes into heat several times a year, a process that lasts about 10 days and happens every two months. Male cats, on the other hand, are always ready to mate.

In any case, cat pregnancy happens as follows:

• First the female mates with the male;

• In the first 36 hours the eggs begin to appear in the kitten's uterus;

• Between the second and third day after mating, the eggs are fertilized;

• Between the 12th and 14th day of cat gestation, the eggs turn into embryos (called blastocysts) and it is at this stage that the formation of the placenta occurs;

• From the 26th day onwards, you can feel the kittens in their mother's belly. They are still very small, and the main organs are still forming, so it is not yet possible to say precisely how many kittens will be born;

• It is from day 35 that the embryos become babies and start to increase in size. This growth lasts until day 60 of cat pregnancy approximately, which is when the kittens are ready to be born.

Common questions about cat pregnancy

1) How long does a cat's pregnancy last?

In general, cat gestation is short and varies between 63 and 67 days (9 to 10 weeks). If it goes beyond this, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian urgently to understand what has happened. Sometimes the cat has strong contractions but cannot expel the kittens because there is an obstruction in the way or the kitten is above average size.

2) Is there a pregnancy test for cats?

There is even a pregnancy test for cats that is similar to what humans buy in pharmacies. However, this is not the most recommended attitude to confirm pregnancy. The ideal is to consult a professional, who will request specific tests to find out if the cat is pregnant or not. Usually, a cat ultrasound is requested, which is recommended from 15 days of pregnancy. In addition to theconfirmation, it is recommended to perform a new examination after 40 days of gestation to know how many puppies are on the way.

3) How to prevent cat pregnancy?

In cats, the gestation period is not very long, but it opens the door to a series of major problems, such as animal abandonment. For this reason, the ideal is to avoid unwanted pregnancy, which can lead to even more pets on the streets without a family and in very precarious conditions. Cat neutering is one of the best ways to take care of this and prevent a number of dangerous diseases in pets,Cats can be neutered between 6 and 8 months, but it is necessary to talk to a specialist first for further advice.