How long does a Maine Coon cat's pregnancy last? How to help the expectant mother while bearing kittens?

How to determine if a cat is pregnant

If the owners consciously engaged in breeding, then they will not have problems determining pregnancy in the early stages. What you should pay attention to:

• two weeks after mating, the cat’s appetite increases;
• gradual weight gain occurs;
• nipples become darker and increase in size;
• toxicosis is rare, but it also happens. The pet may begin to vomit and have diarrhea;
• more aggressive behavior.

Pregnancy is a crucial period in the life of an animal

For your information! If a cat and a pregnant cat live together, the male may begin to show additional signs of attention to his chosen one and constantly protect her.

First signs of pregnancy

Your cat has mated and you are worried whether to expect kittens from your pet? The easiest way to determine whether a pregnancy has occurred is around 21 days after the start of the last estrus.

Characteristic features:

• The nipples of a cat expecting offspring swell and become more pink.
• No heat. The cat does not ask to meet the groom, calms down, and becomes more domestic.
• Slight weight gain.
• Change in taste preferences.

There are no pregnancy tests for cats yet, and only an experienced veterinarian and ultrasound can reliably detect the presence of kittens in the tummy. At the same time, it is not recommended to disturb the cat and take it to the veterinary clinic, as stress increases the likelihood of miscarriage. It is better to be satisfied with the external signs of pregnancy.

How long does a cat's pregnancy last?

A cat's pregnancy lasts on average from 10 to 17 weeks. However, these indicators are relative, since animals, just like people, can bear a fetus longer or, conversely, less.

How long does pregnancy last in cats: duration

However, prematurity and late labor can lead to unpleasant consequences. If kittens are born earlier than 10 weeks, there is a high probability that they will not be viable. If the gestation period exceeds 17 weeks, this may already threaten the health of the cat herself. In this case, she may need medical assistance to give birth safely.

It should be remembered that the future furry mother also requires a medical examination during pregnancy:

• to assess the general physical condition of the animal;
• calculate the cat's pregnancy calendar;
• find out the number of kittens;
• determine whether there is a need for medical assistance during childbirth. In rare cases, a cesarean section is even prescribed.

Important! If the owner has the opportunity, it will be better if the entire pregnancy period takes place under the supervision of a specialist, just like in humans.

Ultrasound

Complications

The most common complication of pregnancy in the Maine Coon breed is miscarriage. Reasons for this problem:

• rough treatment of a pet;
• poor quality and inadequate nutrition;
• hypothermia or dehydration;
• hormonal disbalance;
• infectious lesion.

In most cases, miscarriages occur in the 4th–5th week of pregnancy. If rejection occurs late in pregnancy, there is a high probability that dead fetuses will remain in the uterus. This is deadly for the female, so you need to take her to the veterinary clinic immediately.

After childbirth, due to excessive milk production, inflammation of the abdominal glands may occur. Mastitis can be identified by reddened and painful nipples, from which yellowish fluid flows. The cat will have to be protected from kittens; treatment is carried out using antibiotics.

When infection penetrates the uterus, metritis develops, accompanied by an increase in body temperature and the release of purulent fluid from the vulva. An infected pet is lethargic and nervous. Metritis is treated with antibiotic medications.

How to determine the gestational age of a cat

A gradually increasing belly makes many owners nervous and worried. For greater peace of mind, you can keep a calendar until your cat gives birth. However, this method is suitable for those who approximately or exactly know the moment of conception.

Discharge from a pregnant cat: bloody, yellow

Pregnancy is determined and significantly manifests itself already on days 16-18. The belly gradually grows, the nipples swell and become darker. The expectant mother's appetite increases, which undoubtedly affects her weight.

However, these are only visual signs that can tell the owner little. A pregnancy calculator can help you determine when your cat will give birth. Such programs are available on the Internet and are quite easy to use. However, the owner will also need information about the day of mating.

Important! If there is no information about conception, only a veterinarian can tell you a more precise date.

What you may need during childbirth

Under natural conditions, all animals give birth on their own, but domestic cats need help. The characteristics of the breed can cause an unfavorable course of labor, so the presence of a specialist will not be superfluous.

Before giving birth, it is necessary to prepare the following “obstetric kit” in advance:

• sterile latex gloves;
• disinfectant;
• scissors with blunt ends for opening the amniotic sac;
• pipette with a round tip - to suck out liquid from the kitten's respiratory tract;
• small pieces of clean cloth that does not leave lint;
• artificial nutrition for newborns (if the young mother does not have milk).

Weighing scales, paper and pen for recording the weight and time of birth of kittens are an important addition. This will allow you to track the physical development of the offspring “from scratch.”

Cat pregnancy calendar by week

How is toxoplasmosis transmitted from cat to person?

Fetal development stages are most often indicated in weeks, and in the early stages days are used. Below we take a closer look at intrauterine development from the very first days.

Development by week

First week (0-7 days)

The embryo's cells divide but move freely throughout the uterus. Attachment to the wall occurs only 7-10 days after conception. This process is called implantation and the countdown begins with it. The online cat birth calculator also takes this period into account.

Second-third week (8-21 days)

The placenta is forming. Already on the 15th day, its formation is completed, and it is able to nourish and protect the embryo. The size of the future kitten is still very small. Outwardly, it looks like the letter C, but even in this form you can find the outlines of the future head and tail.

For your information! At this time, the first signs of pregnancy appear in the cat. The expectant mother becomes more capricious, picky, and may hide for a long time in a quiet, dark place.

Fourth week (22-28 days)

The fertilized egg increases to a size of 15-20 mm. At the moment, the cat embryo is difficult to distinguish from other mammals. The gradual development of internal organs, including the brain and heart, begins.

Important! An ultrasound at this stage shows a heartbeat of about 230 beats/min.

By the end of the 28th day, the baby’s paws, pads, and claws begin to form. The cat's behavior does not change during this period. Toxicosis may occur.

Fifth-sixth week (29-42 days)

At 5-6 weeks, sensory organs gradually form. As you know, cats have well-developed hearing and a sense of balance. Also at this stage, gradual preparation for growing a mustache occurs, and soft claws appear.

At this same stage, the nervous system and muscles develop. The child begins to actively move and push the mother cat. Most experts are inclined to believe that at this time the formation of the psyche ends, so it is worth paying great attention to the psychological comfort of a pregnant cat.

Seventh-eighth week (43-56 days)

The bones and spine are clearly visible on the x-ray. The fur is already fully formed. In general, on the 50th day, kittens are ready to be born, but this point also depends on the breed.

For example, the straight-eared British cat, Bengal, Maine Coon, and Scottish Fold grow a little slower than other members of the cat family and, accordingly, live longer. For this reason, you should not fit the pregnancy periods of sphinxes and “British” women into a single framework.

The ninth week is a harbinger of labor

The mother cat gradually begins to prepare for childbirth. The body shows the first symptoms, such as test contractions. The owner should carefully monitor the behavior, since in the prenatal state the pet is looking for a secluded place. It is also important not to create stressful situations for your pet and to feed it well.

Developed fetus

Week 10 (day 64 onwards)

By this time, those kittens that belong to the late breeds are already born. The cat's behavior during this period becomes calmer. The expectant mother expects the birth of her babies in a certain place, almost without leaving her bed.

Owners can purchase or make a special house for a cat. The main thing is that it is warm and closed from prying eyes.

Fetus at 13 weeks of gestation

For most cats that do not belong to certain breeds, the 13th week is already exceeding the norm. Further gestation can lead to the development of an overly large fetus, which can cause harm during childbirth.

Important! If the period has clearly exceeded the established period, it is better to seek help from a doctor.

Nutrition during and after pregnancy

A pregnant female Maine Coon eats more, and her portion should be increased. Food must be of high quality and rich in vitamins necessary for the full development of embryos.

The best option is to buy high-quality ready-made food for pregnant cats. They contain all useful components in optimal concentration.

When preparing food for your pet yourself, you have to use vitamin complexes and dietary supplements; you can buy them at a pet store. Add vitamins to food strictly according to the instructions, without exceeding the recommended dosage.

Routine ultrasound during pregnancy

A specialist can prescribe an ultrasound scan at almost any time during pregnancy if the animal’s condition is in doubt. In the early stages, the owner can contact the veterinarian to confirm or deny the presence of pregnancy.

Next, the development of the fetus is monitored and the number of future kittens is determined. In any case, a visit to the veterinary clinic is recommended both for preventive purposes and if you experience feelings of anxiety about the condition of your pet.

Scheduled ultrasound

First aid kit for feline birth

You should stock up on tools for your cat's first aid kit in advance. So, during childbirth you cannot do without the following devices:

1. Alcohol for disinfection.
2. Scissors.
3. Disposable diapers (they can be purchased at a veterinarian's store or pharmacy).
4. Soft cloths or napkins (may be needed for rubbing newborn kittens).

If the owner has not previously taken part in a cat’s birth and is afraid, you can call a veterinarian to your home for a fee.

Caring for a pregnant cat

After giving birth, the cat does not require any special care. After making sure that everything is fine with the pet and newborn kittens, the person should leave them alone and quiet. The female is able to chew off the umbilical cord on her own and lick her babies.

The only important nuance regarding care is that in the future the bed will need to be changed periodically. And for a certain time, water and food (wet or easily digestible) should be kept next to the young mother.

For humans, cat birth is not something difficult or scary. In most cases, the animal itself knows what to do and how to behave. The main thing is to feed the pregnant cat well and provide her with peace.

How is childbirth?

On the day of birth, the cat usually looks for a comfortable and, in her opinion, safe place, and may look worried.
On this day, the pet may be worried, often goes to the potty, looks for a cozy place around the house, or licks the fur under its tail. A few days before giving birth, mucus discharge often occurs, and the pregnant belly droops. It is necessary to consult with a veterinarian in advance whether it is worth giving your pet an anesthetic drug to reduce pain. If possible, then 5 drops should be given immediately, and then every 20 minutes until the last baby is born.

The cub is born on the 5th contraction, in a shell that tends to break through on its own or the cat licks it off itself. In Maine Coons, maternal reflexes need to be awakened - the owner should help cut the umbilical cord, clean the baby's face from the film and place it next to the cat. Next, you need to wipe the baby with a warm towel until it is dry; if necessary, use an enema to remove water and mucus from the mouth. Then the child's place comes out, it is possible to offer the animal to eat it or simply throw it away.

The interval between the appearance of babies increases and is 25 minutes to 1 hour, but childbirth can last up to a day. When labor decreases, it is recommended to place kittens under the nipples of the Maine Coon to stimulate the flow of milk. During the period when contractions begin again, the cubs should be removed so that the new mother does not crush them. When Maine Coon cats give birth, the animals calm down and fall asleep from powerlessness. Then it is recommended to put the pet in a box with soft warm sheets, pour clean water into a bowl and pour food, put it under the babies’ nipples. After childbirth, there may be spotting for up to a week.

What you need to know about Sphynx pregnancy

Mating of Sphynxes is almost no different from mating of individuals of any other breed. There are no peculiarities in the course of pregnancy either. There are only some differences in puberty and preparation for mating.

Puberty

Individuals of the Sphynx breed become sexually mature early. The first estrus begins already at 6–7 months of age. The behavior of a young female changes; she may become more affectionate or, conversely, more irritable.

But you need to understand that puberty does not mean the animal’s body is ready to mate. It is strictly forbidden to breed a female during her first heat, since there is a high probability of difficult childbirth and the birth of non-viable offspring.

Males become sexually mature later than females, at 8–9 months of age. The character of a young Sphynx cat also changes, becoming more arrogant and aggressive. The male begins to mark the territory. But you shouldn’t breed a cat, like a cat, too early; his body is not yet ready for mating.

Ready for mating

A female can become pregnant after her second or third heat. The optimal age for the first mating is 1.5 or 2 years, when the sphinx’s body is formed and the reproductive system is ready to work fully.

Search for a partner

It is important to find a suitable purebred male for the female. You should not mate a young cat for the first time with an inexperienced cat, for whom mating is also a new event, otherwise fertilization may not happen. It is better to choose an experienced gentleman for your pet.

Important! To ensure healthy offspring, it is important to breed hairless sphinxes with representatives of the velor (short straight coat) and brush (short curly) varieties. This reduces the likelihood of giving birth to kittens with genetic abnormalities.

Preparing for mating

The animals selected for mating have their claws trimmed to prevent injury during the mating process. You should not bathe pets, since it is by body odor that partners determine each other’s sexual attractiveness.

Before mating, animals must be vaccinated and anthelmintic treated. The period between vaccination and mating should not be less than 2 weeks.

Hormonal drugs that suppress the manifestations of estrus are stopped given to the cat several weeks before mating. If this is not done, then the hormonal background will not allow the Sphynx to become pregnant. And if the female becomes pregnant, then there is a high probability of giving birth to sick cubs.

Knitting process

The female is brought to visit the male. The owners leave the sphinxes alone, but periodically keep an eye on them so that the animals do not harm each other.

The optimal time for introducing pets is the 3rd day of estrus. The cat is left to stay with the cat for 2–3 days, since mating does not always occur on the first day, and if it does occur, the first sexual intercourse does not always lead to fertilization.

Recommendation! To ensure that your cat does not experience discomfort when visiting and feels its own smells, you should take with you its tray, bed and food bowl.

The sound sign of successful mating of sphinxes is the uterine rumbling of the male and the piercing cry of the female. After sexual intercourse, the male begins to lick himself, and the female lies down on the floor and begins to roll from side to side.

Is it possible to cross the Don and Canadian Sphynx?

Mating is unacceptable, because these are two different breeds, the standards of which do not allow admixtures of foreign blood. Their only similarity is the lack of fur. Such crossing does not make sense, since the resulting Sphynx hybrids will have no prospects.

In what situations do you need help?

If the owner of a purebred cat is not sure that he can cope with the birth process on his own, you need to invite a veterinarian.

In force majeure circumstances, the woman in labor will have to help herself. This happens during a rapid birth: the kittens come one after another, and the mother does not have time to cope with them. An example situation: the cat has not finished licking the first one, the second kitten has already appeared, and attempts are being made on the third.

Assistant actions:

• quickly and carefully free the newborn from the membrane of the amniotic sac, slightly cutting it;
• using a sterile napkin, release the kitten from the shell;
• wipe him, at this moment he should begin to breathe;
• if the kitten is not breathing, you should turn it head down and shake it slightly;
• if this also does not help, you need to suck out the liquid from the spout using a pipette and do a light massage of the chest - rhythmically press on the heart area;
• Place the kitten close to the mother's nipple and help her latch on to it.

The cat did not have time to gnaw the umbilical cord:

• Tie the cord tightly with a clean thread at a distance of 1–2 cm from the kitten’s belly;
• cut the umbilical cord with scissors from the placenta side;
• remove the placenta.

The fetus came out partially, got stuck in the birth canal - the sphinx does not have enough strength to push. In this situation, you need to act as follows:

• lubricate the vulva around the fetus with Vaseline oil;
• Carefully grab the kitten using a napkin;
• wait for the next push, then lightly pull and help him come out;
• place the newborn next to the mother.

Normally, childbirth in sphinxes lasts from 4–5 hours to a day. The completion of labor is indicated by the behavior of the cat. She begins her own hygiene after licking the kittens.

To maintain your cat's strength, you can give her warmed milk with yolk.

Features of care

A pregnant Sphynx should not be left alone for long. During a difficult period, she becomes susceptible to stress and needs more care from her owner.

The Sphynx is fed special food for pregnant cats. Kitten food is also suitable. A pregnant cat should get enough proteins and minerals.

You should not let your pregnant pet go for a walk outside the house. Repeated accidental mating with a cat may occur, which will harm the embryos developing in the womb.

Attention! Any medications, including deworming medications, are given to a pregnant cat only after consultation with a veterinarian.

A cozy nest is built for the sphinx. A pregnant cat is not allowed to jump high or make fast movements. An accidental fall or impact may damage the embryos in the abdomen. To prevent a pregnant pet from becoming nervous, it is kept separately from other pets.

When the belly becomes large, it will be uncomfortable for the pregnant pet to lick itself. In this situation, the owner's help is needed. With a clean cloth moistened with warm water, you need to wipe the body of the sphinx in those places where it is dirty.