Fluffy is Pregnant

Fluffy is Pregnant

A female kitten reaches sexual maturity (goes into "heat") between the ages of 6 and 10 months. How do you recognize her "heat period"? This is what you can expect: rolling around on the floor, almost in a frenzy; rubbing her backside against you or any other fellow creature; yowling loudly at the door or window; arching her tail and standing with stiff back legs whenever she is touched. Most veterinarians recommend spaying before the cat goes into her first heat, at around 5 months, for the cat's future health and wellbeing. The heat period will typically last between 4 and 7 days - and will get longer and more frequent if she isn't bred. She will have several (by the second or third time, you will be thinking "MANY") heat periods over the course of a year.

With that said, if Fluffy "somehow" gets outside and finds a mate (you've probably got about 5 minutes to catch her before she does), she will be pregnant for about 9 weeks (between 62 and 65 days). A female can and will mate several times (with every willing male) during her heat period; kittens in the litter, therefore, can have different fathers.

You don't need to do anything special for a pregnant cat, other than keep her safe, comfortable, and out of stressful situations, until the last week or so - then she will need more food and will start looking for a place to build a "nest." You can provide her with an out-of-the-way spot in a closet or back room - but be aware that, especially if this is her first pregnancy, you may wake up to discover her giving birth in your bed.

If the cat appears to be in any distress during the birthing process, call a vet for assistance immediately. If there are no problems, the whole thing will usually be over within an hour or so. And get Fluffy fixed as soon as the kittens are weaned, please.