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 (morning sickness)
- Pink, enlarged nipples (“pinkening”)
- Slight appetite changes
Kittens: Embryos implant into the uterine walls.
📅 Week 4 (Days 21–28): Pregnancy Detectable
- Nipples more pronounced
- Mild abdominal swelling begins
- Increased affection or moodiness
Veterinarian can confirm pregnancy via ultrasound around days 23–28.
📅 Week 5 (Days 28–35): Rapid Growth Phase
- Noticeable belly growth
- Increased appetite
- Mother may gain 1–2 lbs
Kittens: Organs and limbs develop rapidly.
📅 Week 6 (Days 35–42): Body Changes Increase
- Belly becomes round and firm
- Milk glands develop
- Reduced jumping or climbing
📅 Week 7 (Days 42–49): Nesting Behavior
- Searching for quiet spaces
- Restlessness
- You may feel kitten movement
📅 Week 8 (Days 49–56): Nearing Labor
- Enlarged, firm abdomen
- Visible kitten movement
- Reduced appetite
- Nesting intensifies
📅 Week 9 (Days 56–67): Labor Approaching
- Temperature drop below 99°F
- Panting, pacing, vocalizing
- Loss of appetite
Labor typically begins within 24 hours after temperature drop.
Cat Pregnancy Care Timeline
| Week | Care Recommendations |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Keep regular routine; no diet changes yet. |
| 3–4 | Schedule vet exam or ultrasound. |
| 5–6 | Switch to high-quality kitten food; reduce intense activity. |
| 7–8 | Prepare birthing area (nest box); monitor weight. |
| 9 | Check temperature twice daily; watch for labor signs. |
Early Pregnancy Symptoms in Cats
- Nipple pinkening (pink and enlarged)
- Increased affection or clinginess
- Reduced appetite for a few days
- Mild vomiting (morning sickness)
- Slight abdominal swelling
Late Pregnancy Symptoms in Cats
- Firm, enlarged abdomen
- Visible kitten movement
- Restlessness or nesting
- Milk production
- Low appetite
How to Estimate Your Cat’s Due Date
Due dates can be estimated through:
- Date of mating
- Heat cycle timing
- Veterinary ultrasound
Use the Cat Pregnancy Calculator for:
- Estimated due date
- Pregnancy week
- Kitten development overview
When to See a Veterinarian
- Green or foul-smelling discharge
- No kittens after strong contractions for 20–30 minutes
- More than 2 hours between kittens
- Excessive bleeding
These can indicate an emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.
Conclusion
Understanding the week-by-week stages of cat pregnancy helps you support your queen through every phase—from conception to labor. With proper nutrition, monitoring, and preparation, most pregnancies progress smoothly.
For an estimated due date and pregnancy tracking, use the Cat Pregnancy Calculator.
FAQ
How long are cats pregnant?
Cats are usually pregnant for about 63–67 days.
What are early signs of cat pregnancy?
Pinkened nipples, mild morning sickness, and slight appetite changes are common early signs.
When can a vet confirm pregnancy?
Ultrasound can detect pregnancy around days 23–28.
What are signs a cat is going into labor?
A temperature drop, nesting behavior, restlessness, and refusal to eat often appear within 24 hours before birth.