Cat Pregnancy Stages (Complete Week-by-Week Guide)
Learn every stage of a cat’s pregnancy with this complete week-by-week guide. Includes symptoms, fetal development, care tips, and how to estimate your cat’s due date with a pregnancy calculator.
A cat’s pregnancy, also known as queening, typically lasts about 63–67 days. While the process is natural and usually smooth, understanding each stage helps you support your cat and recognize any warning signs early.
This complete week-by-week guide explains fetal development, symptoms your cat may experience, and what care steps you should take. To estimate your cat’s due date instantly, use the Cat Pregnancy Calculator.
How Long Are Cats Pregnant?
Cats are pregnant for an average of 63–67 days (around 9 weeks). However, some queens can deliver as early as day 58 or as late as day 70.
Because exact fertilization timing varies, most owners estimate gestation using heat cycle timing or a tool like the Cat Pregnancy Calculator.
Cat Pregnancy Week-by-Week Timeline
Here is a complete breakdown of pregnancy symptoms and fetal development each week.
📅 Week 1 (Days 0–7): Fertilization
- Fertilization occurs after mating
- No visible behavioral changes
- Normal appetite and activity
Kitten development: Fertilized eggs begin cell division.
📅 Week 2 (Days 7–14): Early Development
- Hormone changes begin
- Slight fatigue may appear
Kittens: Cells multiply and start forming embryo structures.
📅 Week 3 (Days 14–21): Implantation
- Possible mild nausea
- Pink, enlarged nipples (“pinkening”)
- Slight appetite changes
Kittens: Embryos implant into the uterus.
📅 Week 4 (Days 21–28): Pregnancy Detectable
- Nipples more pronounced
- Mild abdominal swelling
- Increased affection or moodiness
Vet can confirm pregnancy via ultrasound around days 23–28.
📅 Week 5 (Days 28–35): Rapid Growth Phase
- Noticeable belly growth
- Increased appetite
- Weight gain begins
Kittens: Organs and limbs rapidly develop.
📅 Week 6 (Days 35–42): Body Changes Increase
- Belly becomes round
- Milk glands develop
- Reduced jumping or climbing
📅 Week 7 (Days 42–49): Nesting Behavior
- Looking for quiet spaces
- Restlessness
- You may feel kitten movement
📅 Week 8 (Days 49–56): Nearing Labor
- Visible kitten movement
- Reduced appetite
- Nesting intensifies
📅 Week 9 (Days 56–67): Labor Approaching
- Temperature drops under 99°F
- Pacing, panting, vocalizing
- Loss of appetite
Labor typically begins within 24 hours after temperature drop.
Cat Pregnancy Care Timeline
| Week | Care Recommendations |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Normal routine; no diet changes yet. |
| 3–4 | Schedule vet check or ultrasound. |
| 5–6 | Switch to kitten food; reduce intense activity. |
| 7–8 | Prepare nesting area; monitor weight. |
| 9 | Check temperature twice daily; watch for labor signs. |
Early Pregnancy Symptoms in Cats
- Nipple pinkening
- Increased affection
- Reduced appetite
- Mild vomiting
- Slight abdominal swelling
Late Pregnancy Symptoms in Cats
- Large, firm abdomen
- Visible kitten movement
- Restlessness
- Milk production
- Low appetite
How to Estimate Your Cat’s Due Date
Use:
- Mating date
- Heat cycle timing
- Ultrasound age
The Cat Pregnancy Calculator gives:
- Estimated due date
- Current pregnancy week
- Kitten development progress
When to See a Veterinarian
- Green or foul discharge
- No kittens after strong contractions
- 2+ hours between kittens
- Heavy bleeding
These signs require urgent veterinary care.
Conclusion
Knowing each stage of cat pregnancy helps you support your queen safely from conception to birth. For instant due date estimates, use the Cat Pregnancy Calculator.
FAQ
How long are cats pregnant?
Cats are usually pregnant about 63–67 days.
What are early signs of cat pregnancy?
Pink nipples, slight vomiting, and mild appetite changes.
When can a vet confirm pregnancy?
Ultrasound is accurate between days 23–28.
What are signs of labor?
Temperature drop, nesting, restlessness, and refusal to eat.