Pregnant Sphynx cat period of gestation of kittens and childbirth

Ultrasound of a pregnant cat today is possible and is a significant help in examining the pet and maintaining it during such an important period for her. Pregnancy and the birth of offspring in general is not the easiest process for both humans and animals. Thanks only to the enormous efforts of the mother’s body, a small kitten can be born from a small embryo in the stomach, which will delight its parents and owners. The birth of kittens to a cat is a magical time and the owner’s task at this time is to provide maximum assistance to the pet.

However, you should not help the cat yourself . In order for the birth procedure to go well, a qualified veterinarian who has already delivered births and knows what and how to do must be present during the birth. After all, at any moment something can go wrong and only an experienced doctor can direct the process in the right direction so that the kitten is born healthy and happy. To do this, even at the initial stage of pregnancy, using various procedures, the veterinarian provides assistance and monitors how the embryo develops. For example, only a doctor can perform an ultrasound of a pregnant cat.

Where is it better to do an ultrasound of a pregnant cat: at a veterinary center or at home?

At the same time, taking an animal to a veterinary clinic is quite dangerous, because the stress of moving and unnecessary anxiety will only aggravate the situation. There is a risk that the mother will get sick, and it is not worth exposing the immune system to additional stress during such a period.

Our veterinarian provides the service of calling a veterinarian to your home. Thanks to many strongholds in Moscow and the Moscow region, a veterinarian can come to your home within an hour. After a careful examination and diagnosis, the doctor answers all questions about caring for a pregnant cat, and if labor has already begun, then, of course, he accepts them. Next, we will look at the main stages of pregnancy and what diagnostic methods are used at each of them.

The summary shows the approximate prices for an ultrasound of a cat, including during pregnancy, at the home veterinary center “Ya-vet”:

Service	Price, rub
Calling a veterinarian with an ultrasound to a cat within the Moscow Ring Road	300
Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity of a cat	2500
Ultrasound of the chest cavity of a cat	3500
Ultrasound of 1 cat organ	1000
Ultrasound of the uterus of a pregnant cat - determining the vitality and number of fetuses	2000

Canadian Sphynx cats

The Sphynx is a smooth, graceful, and somewhat magical creature.
The gracefulness of movement, the front legs are slightly curved, the belly is similar to a pear, the tail is curled into a donut and slightly pressed to the side distinguish the Sphynx from another breed. The Canadian Sphynx has ears that are wide at the base and simply large. The tips of the ears are rounded. The ears are set neither high nor low. The shape of the eyes resembles a lemon. Their skin is quite thick and elastic. And there are folds on the head, neck, stomach, and quite a bit on the body. The hind legs of sphinxes are always longer than the front ones. This is why many people note the originality of their gait.

When stroking a cat, the body resembles suede. There is barely noticeable fluff on the nose, behind the ears, and rarely on the tip of the tail and paws. But even here you should know some nuances. From time to time, sphinxes still have fur. Causes:

1. estrus
2. pregnancy
3. lactation
4. poor nutrition
5. low temperature in the house.

How to care for the Canadian Sphynx? What should you expect from this unique and graceful animal? Let's try to figure it out further. If you think that due to their uniqueness, sphinxes are very demanding in our time, then you are mistaken.

At this point, the sphinxes will definitely please their owners. These cats are omnivores. Sphynxes are never too spoiled; they will happily eat whatever their owner offers. The reason for this ideal behavior is an increased metabolism due to high temperature and lack of fur. If the Sphynx greedily grabs pieces of food and swallows it, do not think about feeding your pet more often. This is a feature of the breed. Of course, you should not feed the Sphynx only on canned or dry food

What is important here is a combination that provides all the necessary vitamins to the animal. Do not forget that any food should, first of all, be of high quality.

When choosing this animal for your home, you must be prepared for the fact that your things will not always look perfect. This is especially true for those things that the Sphynx will love. The reason is simple - these cats sweat and get dirty. A light brown coating is released through their skin. For the Sphynx, this coating is important because it protects the skin.

Causes for concern

Let's dwell on this point a little more, since the issue is related to the life and health of your pet. If, after mating, the animal behaves as if it were sick, including vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, there are several reasons for this:

• Reaction to stress. Presence of a male, moving.
• Digestive disorders due to dietary habits, if the animal was given to another home for mating.
• The possibility of toxic infection cannot be ruled out. It has nothing to do with knitting.
• Before mating, check whether the male is vaccinated against the most dangerous diseases. There are a number of bacterial or viral infections that can be sexually transmitted.

If a cat does not eat for more than two days after mating, then the reason is more serious than it seemed at first glance. It is especially important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible if your cat refuses water.

Puberty of cats

The onset of puberty depends on belonging to a particular breed. For example, Siamese and Balinese ripen earlier. Representatives of large-bodied breeds, Maine Coon and Scottish Straight, are distinguished by late maturation. Physiological maturity also depends on the time of birth of the kitten. Those born in summer become sexually mature faster than in winter.

During the maturation period, the so-called “cat” songs begin. These are gentle meows and uterine sounds that communicate intentions. Such “concerts” can last a long time. The cats become overly affectionate and loving. They constantly clean themselves up and mark their territory. They often rub against the owner's legs and the legs of tables and chairs.

It happens that a cat demands a cat, but due to her age she is not yet ready for pregnancy. In this case, on the advice of a veterinarian, you can reduce libido with medications. This will calm your pet, and she will stop asking to go outside. The owner will protect himself from unplanned mating and the associated unwanted pregnancy of the cat.

Duration of pregnancy

New owners are interested in the question: how long do Sphynx cats stay pregnant? Numerous observations and statistical data confidently put the figure at 60-62 days. Of course, the individual characteristics of the pet cannot be excluded.

ATTENTION! Deviations from the given deadline are normal and common. No need to worry about minor differences within 4-5 days

It is also useful to keep a kind of pregnancy calendar, where the due date and condition of a particular pet are noted.

Experts have noticed an interesting pattern: the older the cat, the more kittens it can bear. Let us also note the relationship between the number of kittens and gestational age. The larger the offspring, the faster the birth of the sphinx occurs. This is where the pregnancy calendar will help the owner, since large deviations are fraught with serious illness and loss of kittens.

Hairless sphinxes of various breeds (Canadian, Don, etc.) enter puberty before the body is fully formed. Therefore, pregnancy before a year is undesirable for cats. The optimal period varies around 13-15 months. To avoid health problems, sterilization of the Sphynx (Canadian, Don, etc.) should be carried out exclusively after the first birth.

For clarity, let us note the stages of the sexual cycle of the sphinx:

1. Condition preceding estrus. A kind of preparatory stage. Lasts 1-2 days.
2. Estrus. Lasts up to a week.
3. Condition after estrus. Lasts 3-4 weeks until the cat becomes pregnant.

Experts note some features of bearing kittens and pregnancy in general. Due to hormonal imbalance and lack of progesterone, estrus may become more frequent, which will lead to positive mating. What does this mean? At the time of birth, the Sphynx gives birth to kittens of various kinds.

ATTENTION! The first babies will be healthy, but the rest will remain premature, which will lead to additional diseases and, more often, death of part of the offspring

How long a cat bears kittens is determined by the following factors:

1. Litter size. The natural mechanism of protection against exhaustion does not allow the female to carry a large litter to term. With such a number of kittens, births occur mainly in the early stages. If no more than 3 cubs are expected, then the day of birth may be delayed by 1-2 weeks. Fetal counts on ultrasound suggest the approximate date of birth.
2. Age of the animal. Young females give birth to a small litter (1-3 kittens), and older females give birth to 1-2 kittens. This allows the babies to remain in the belly longer. At the same time, too early and late matings are risky, since there is a high probability of gestational pathologies, stillbirths and miscarriages. If there are complications, birth may occur earlier than in a healthy mature cat. Older females who become pregnant for the first time often carry the fetus beyond term and can only give birth with medical assistance.
3. Heredity. Breeding characteristics and coat length directly affect the duration of gestation. Family history is no less important: the number of kittens in the litter, the characteristics of estrus and the duration of gestation in the female mother. Reproductive characteristics are often inherited in a straight line.
4. Pathologies in kittens. If there are severe defects in the fetus, the cat’s body may reject it, which will lead to uterine spasms and premature birth.

No one can accurately predict how many days cats carry kittens. But the approximate period lasts about 9 weeks. There is a deviation of 5 days in one direction or another. Premature babies are born weak and non-viable. Post-term pregnancy is also unfavorable for the health of the babies. But it happens that they are born healthy, without pathologies, even if they deviate from the gestational age.

It is believed that the period can be determined by the breed.

But it can also depend on the length of the animal’s fur:

• According to this theory, short-haired representatives give birth to kittens a week before the usual due date. These include sphinxes and orientals. This is due to rapid metabolic processes in the body. Naturally, this also affects the early development of the fetus. The kittens will be born healthy;
• cats with medium length hair, such as Siamese, Burmese and Scottish, give birth to kittens 3-5 days before the standard gestation period;
• Representatives of long-haired breeds bear their young the longest. These are Maine Coons, Persian and Siberian.

By this time, the delivery area should be prepared. Otherwise, the cat will find it herself, for example, a closet with clothes, a laundry basket or a bed.

Vaccine for a pregnant cat and other prevention

If the pregnancy is planned, then you should take care of vaccinating your cat. After all, the expectant mother cannot be vaccinated during pregnancy. Most often, the vaccination is done approximately two to three months before mating , so that the immunity is not too weak, and also to transfer some of the minerals and vitamins to the kittens. If it didn’t work out and the pregnancy turned out to be unexpected, then it is worth vaccinating the cat and kittens immediately after birth. A cat to restore its strength, and kittens to protect it from diseases and infections.

also important to cure the animal of all parasites and diseases that it has, so that nothing harms the kittens either . For prevention, it is not uncommon to give an anti-worm tablet about a week before mating. If this does not happen, then it is worth giving the kittens special medications that the veterinarian will recommend. However, medications should not be given until the kitten is at least four or five weeks old.

Features of the first mating

The first meeting of a cat and a male cat does not always end in pregnancy. There are many reasons for this - from banal fear (you have to get used to your partner) to loud scandals and, oddly enough, incompatibility. The female may become aggressive if she does not feel safe, is hungry, or is extremely agitated.

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But aggression at the time of mating or after pregnancy is only one, perhaps the most striking sign of changes in the life of a pet. Let's look at other possible signs.

Attitude to food

A female Sphynx can dramatically change her taste preferences. For example, I am happy to eat egg yolk or cottage cheese instead of meat products. Even a short-term refusal of semi-finished products (dry food, etc.) is possible.

Of course, if your pet lives on food produced by well-known brands and consumes little organic food, sooner or later he will return to his usual diet. No need to worry about this

But it is important to keep in mind that the diet of a pregnant cat should be adjusted depending on individual characteristics and the advice of a veterinarian

In practice, a pregnant Sphynx often eats more than usual because it is necessary to feed the embryonic offspring. A categorical refusal to eat is also possible, but it is isolated and not long-term. As a rule, after giving birth, the cat will return to its usual diet.

Lifestyle

It's easier at this point

Even hyperactive animals tame their agility and pay great attention to arranging their favorite sleeping place and their own safety. Any contact and encroachment on the sleeping area can lead to aggression

A loving owner should pay special attention, understand the difficult situation of the pet and help arrange the future “nest”. Of course, this is true for city cats that live in apartments

Freedom-loving inhabitants of private and country houses, as a rule, go to attics, bathhouses or barns to give birth. These are the strange cat ideas about comfort and safety.

External changes

20-25 days after the fateful meeting with the cat, a pregnant Sphynx can be recognized by external signs. The color of the nipples becomes milky and they rise slightly. The nipples will fill with milk a little later, around the sixth week. The cat is gaining weight.

From 30-35 morning toxicosis and general lethargy of the Sphinx are observed.

The most effective way is palpation of the abdominal cavity. But for inexperienced breeders this can be a real challenge, so it is recommended to turn to specialists.

During the first heat, it is advisable to isolate a teenage cat from contact with the opposite sex. This must be monitored especially carefully if she has free access to the street, which most often happens in private houses. Before the body is fully formed, any pregnancy should be excluded.

Representatives of some breeds are bred for the first time at one and a half years old. Before this, you need to show the cat to the veterinarian. It will determine how mature the pet’s body is to bear healthy offspring. It may be necessary to compensate for the lack of vitamins and microelements before the impending pregnancy. All necessary vaccinations must be completed.

Care and concern

Carrying kittens and a two-month pregnancy greatly affects the health and behavior of the pet. Hormonal changes will bring with them apathy and nervousness

The main point during pregnancy is increased attention to the Sphinx

For food, you can use special food for pregnant cats or even food for newborn kittens. Portions should be small and well ground. The cat must have access to fresh and clean water. Moreover, there is no difference in the pregnancy of a Canadian or Don Sphynx.

Any additional medications must be approved by your veterinarian. During pregnancy, it is not recommended to experiment with medications and suspend any treatment courses. Among the general recommendations, the following can be noted. Try to limit walking outside (especially important for owners of private houses).

The pet needs peace and care, but keeping it locked up for two months of pregnancy is not entirely correct. Two or three walks in the early stages (in the later stages - solely at the owner’s own risk) can be completely tolerated. The ideal option for a pregnant cat would be a personal home. Of course, this is expensive, but what can’t you do for bald pets?

A budget option would be a regular cardboard box with soft padding.

It is important that the toilet and food bowls are within walking distance

Protect the pregnant Sphynx from contact with other animals and excessive attention from children.

Childbirth takes place quickly, but much depends on the state of health and the number of kittens. In rare cases, labor can last a whole day with long breaks.

It is important to keep in mind that the shorter the periods between the births of kittens, the better. Otherwise, specialist intervention will be required

Do not leave a pregnant cat alone, do everything possible for comfortable pregnancy and childbirth, and soon your home will be filled with the joyful squeaks of newborn babies.

1. The appearance of white discharge.
2. A pregnant Sphynx becomes lethargic.
3. The nipples begin to protrude significantly.
4. There is an enlargement of the mammary glands.

Sexual maturity in this breed occurs at the age of seven months. Often, if there is insufficient production of the hormone progesterone, the cat may go into estrus every three weeks. Each time the mating can produce results, the kittens will eventually be born at different ages. The first embryos will be healthy, while all subsequent embryos will be premature and unlikely to survive birth. How long the pregnancy will last in this case will depend on the date of first fertilization.

How to tell if your cat is late in pregnancy

How to understand that a cat loves you - signs of your pet's feelings

How to understand that a cat is pregnant and in late stages:

• the presence of embryos in the abdomen is determined by palpation;
• nipples swell and change color;
• Appetite improves dramatically, and taste preferences may also change;
• the cat looks fatter as the belly is rounded on the sides;
• in the later stages, the movement of the babies is felt.

Initial signs

It is difficult to find out if a cat is pregnant at first.

Symptoms that indicate that she is expecting offspring appear after 3-4 weeks:

• behavior becomes calm. The cat sleeps constantly;
• some feel weak, and occasionally you may notice that the animal is vomiting;
• appetite and food preferences change;
• becomes aggressive towards the opposite sex: hisses and arches his back;
• after 20 days the nipples turn pink;
• at four weeks, when stroking the cat, you can notice the cubs moving;
• at 5-6 weeks the belly becomes large;
• a cat's weight increases 1.5 times during pregnancy;
• 10-14 days before birth, the search for a place to build a nest begins.

After 10 days, its presence can be determined by palpation. This procedure is carried out within a matter of days. Then it will be difficult to palpate the cubs due to the large amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus.

How to determine pregnancy in the first weeks?

The most successful period for mating is 3-5 days from the start of estrus.
For the process to be successful, the cat must temporarily move in with the cat, and in the first few hours the animals may have misunderstandings and even fights. It is better to give the female time to calm down and get used to the new environment. It is best for the move to take place on the first day of estrus. Moreover, the cat itself begins to flirt with the cat, provoking him to take active actions, then shows aggression, not letting him near her. Sometimes a cat covers a cat, several times, but the long-awaited success is not observed. In order to figure out whether full coverage has occurred or not, you need to know the signs of successful mating:

• After contact with the cat, the female begins to roll around on the floor.
• The mucous membranes of the genital organs swell and become brighter in color.
• The male completely loses interest in the cat, calmly moves away, and begins to lick himself with enthusiasm.
• If, nevertheless, the cat continues to pay attention to the female, he receives a sharp refusal.
• The cat may lose its appetite and become lethargic within 4 days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=819WMjAgRSk

If your cat has a fever and bleeding from the genitals, you should consult a veterinarian.

The decision has been made, now we need to wait for the right moment. In young females, sexual desire is often weak. But each time the desire to become a mother will become stronger, and the pet will demonstrate it more and more often. Under optimal conditions, a cat can give birth twice a year, but she can only be bred if she is in good physical shape.

Young animals often behave timidly with partners or even refuse to mate. In this case, it would be best to choose an experienced partner, then the process will most likely be completed successfully. Moreover, pets need to be introduced in advance, leaving them together for 15 minutes or more.

Sometimes owners rush to the veterinarian to show their pet. And here the specialist’s task is to tell how the cat behaves after mating. For several days she will look tired and spend time in her house. This does not mean that she is sick. It’s just that mating is an extremely energy-intensive process. The pet now needs to sleep and regain its strength.

But you can’t completely let down your guard either. If the animal is just sleeping, then leave it alone. It is worse if this is accompanied by high fever, vomiting or diarrhea. This already suggests that the mating took place against the background of a progressive disease. Normally, you may notice changes within a few days. The cat develops a wonderful appetite. However, just by how a cat behaves after mating, it is impossible to say for sure whether she is pregnant.

After heart-rending screams in search of the groom, the cat calms down - this is the first sign of pregnancy.

Only an owner who truly loves his cat will notice that the animal is changing some of its habits. For a long time before mating, she meowed loudly and expressed concern. And now there is complete calm. This means we need to wait for a new addition to the cat family. Time passed, and the pussy became agitated and screamed demandingly again - the cat with whom the cat was walking failed to make her happy and make her a mother.

Another example of the behavior of a pet if she carries kittens under her heart: the cat suddenly becomes unsociable and behaves very aggressively towards other felines during a walk. Later this will pass, and like an ordinary woman expecting a child, her mood will change dramatically.

During the first pregnancy, a cat's nipples should begin to turn pink.
She needs affection, attention, she no longer wants to sleep alone as before. If the kitten kittens for the first time, in the third week you can definitely tell from her bright pink nipples that she is an expectant mother.

A week before giving birth

A week before giving birth, the cat becomes restless again, looking for a secluded place to hide her offspring from prying eyes. Let her find a safe place where she can give birth in peace. There is no point in harassing the expectant mother, let her calm down. She needs help setting up her den by placing an old blanket or sheet in the place the cat prefers.

You can observe, but you cannot pursue. You need to know where the birth will take place in order to help the cat or invite a veterinarian. Complications may arise.

Diet

Due to the fact that these cats have active heat exchange, they have an excellent appetite, they do not know moderation in food. Pets chew everything they come across on the way. This should under no circumstances be allowed, since overeating and poor quality food lead to the development of urolithiasis. Eating meat in large quantities leads to protein poisoning. Frequent and abundant feeding causes obesity.

Malnutrition is also undesirable, since with such a diet problems with the gastrointestinal tract can develop.

Feeding the Sphynx involves some rules. Every owner should know the main ones:

• portioned food;
• strict diet;
• lack of access to toxic substances or plants that a cat can try out of curiosity;
• Contact your veterinarian if you lose your appetite.

The Sphynx is given larger portions than other breeds. Due to the lack of fur, he is much more active and therefore loses energy. You need to feed the kitten 6 to 8 times a day. A serving should be 25 grams. As they grow older, the number of feedings should be reduced to 2-3 times, and portions increased to 50 grams.

The Sphynx's diet should resemble a children's menu. A kitten that is one month old should receive formula, porridge, yolk and milk. At the age of 2 months, he needs to add cottage cheese, cheese, and lean meat to the menu.

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At 3 months, the diet becomes more varied and includes both boiled and raw meat. You can also give your pet fresh vegetables and fruits.

It is better to give preference to natural food. Animals need high-quality products to be healthy and active. This list should include:

• beef;
• chicken;
• cereals;
• greenery;
• fruits;
• vegetables;
• dairy products;
• cheeses.

Sometimes the owner may not have time to cook for his cat, but he needs to be fed. There is a way out - a simple recipe:

1. Grind chicken breast or beef (1 kilogram) through a meat grinder.
2. Grate 150 grams of cheese.
3. Grind 2 small carrots and greens through a meat grinder.
4. Add 1 chicken egg yolk and 5 chalk tablets to the mixture.
5. Add 20 drops of vitamin D and 1 tablespoon of brewer's yeast to this.
6. Make balls or cutlets from the resulting mixture and freeze. This food can be thawed as needed and given to the cat. This way your pet will receive adequate nutrition and essential nutrients.

If you want to feed your animal with ready-made food, then you need to choose only a high-quality premium product. Cheap store-bought food will be harmful to the cat's health, since it only temporarily gives a feeling of fullness, but has absolutely no benefit.

The Sphinx needs organized, proper care, adequate nutrition and care. This is the only way to raise a healthy pet that will live for many years and will treat its owner with gratitude. Sphynx cats are incomparable to anyone else. They are so good-natured and affectionate that their owner will never regret taking such a friend.

It’s worth noting right away that the nutrition of hairless cats has a number of features. This is due to increased energy exchange and high heat transfer, that is, nutrition must correspond to rapid metabolism. It is recommended to feed the Sphinx 3-4 times a day in small portions. Be sure to follow the feeding regime.

Don Sphynxes can be fed natural food or ready-made food. The choice is always up to the owner.

If the cat is not picky, then you can choose a convenient diet and cook the food yourself. The basis of natural nutrition is meat, some porridge and vegetables; sometimes fermented milk products; once a week fish and raw quail egg. Vitamin and mineral supplements must be given in courses.

But if the Donetsk dog is very picky and cannot be provided with adequate nutrition with natural products, then it is better to opt for ready-made dry food of premium class and higher. High-calorie diets for domestic active cats or food designed specifically for hairless breeds are best suited.

Many Sphynx cats are prone to overeating, which leads to excess weight gain. The diet of such pets must be closely monitored.

Main stages

The process of forming kittens from conception to birth is quite complex.

The following important stages of their development during pregnancy are distinguished:

1. The first stage covers a month after mating the animal. Hormonal changes occur in the body. This affects character and behavior. The cat becomes affectionate and calm. Her nipples swell and their color changes. The process of embryo formation begins in utero.
2. The second stage includes 5-6 weeks of pregnancy. The pet is sleeping at this time and needs a sufficient supply of food. The future offspring develops intensively inside the mother. This can be seen as the cat's belly size and weight increase.
3. At the next stage, the future kittens are formed. They gain weight and become active, which causes the abdomen to sag. The cat changes dramatically: the maternal instinct awakens. She prefers to be with small children if there are any in the house.
4. The time of formation of fur in cubs is difficult. During this period, all internal systems of the body are launched. Due to the increased intensity of metabolic processes, the excretory function increases. This affects the condition of the expectant mother. Her appetite decreases, which can lead to a complete refusal of food.
5. The last stage begins at 8 weeks. Future kittens are quite large. The mother cat may have urinary incontinence. 1-2 days before lambing, she becomes restless and begins to look for a place where she can give birth to kittens.

Ultrasound of a pregnant cat: at what period does the animal know that pregnancy has occurred?

In the first weeks, having done an ultrasound of a pregnant cat, a person will know whether the mating was successful. The question arises: when does the animal realize that pregnancy has occurred? During the first weeks, the cat itself does not yet understand that it is pregnant, but after two to three weeks the cat’s behavior changes. Expectant mothers become calmer, sleep longer, and try to be more careful than usual. If they jump off a table or sofa, they do it carefully and not immediately; they also do not like it when their stomach is touched, they try to protect it and may even become aggressive. Most likely, maternal instincts are at work and there is no full awareness, only the feeling that the future generation must be protected. If we consider the issue from the point of view of biology, then the main role here is played by hormones and some other changes in the body and neurons that protect on a subconscious level. It’s not for nothing that they say that mothers often love their children precisely because of the neurons that appear and are produced in the brain.

Nutrition during pregnancy in a cat

Of course, it is important to pay special attention to nutrition during pregnancy in a cat. After all, what the expectant mother eats also affects the health of the future kitten. If the nutrition and food are not comprehensive, there are no minerals and vitamins, then there is a chance that the kitten will be born with a deviation. Of course, the products must be of high quality and fresh; it is better to abandon dry food for a more specialized diet for pregnant women. However, any decisions on diet are made only after consultation with a specialist in this field.

After mating, the cat is fed as usual ; if she is still slim, then the portion is increased by ten percent. After the third week, the portions are made even larger, and there is also a transition to three meals a day in the event of a confirmed pregnancy in a cat. It is worth weighing your pet regularly to prevent excessive obesity, which should not be at this stage. The weight should increase proportionally and only at the expense of the kitten. After the fifth week, the cat's belly grows faster and larger, and the belly also increases in size. Other symptoms here are increased pressure on the stomach, as well as on the pet’s bladder. The cat becomes very hungry at this time, but it is definitely not worth feeding a large and heavy portion right away. This is an extra load that she can hardly bear. It is better to feed about four or even five times a day in small portions. Veterinarians recommend including dairy products and muscle meat in the diet.

Movement during pregnancy in cats and sleep

Signs that a cat is pregnant are also that activity decreases sharply and the amount of sleep increases. The gestation period is not the longest, only up to 70 days, which means that it is possible to interrupt it for a while and not play with the owner. Also, all movement around the apartment and jumping will be more accurate and smooth.

An ultrasound of a pregnant cat confirmed her condition, what types of activities with a pet are acceptable

There are two sides to the coin here. Of course, it’s good that the cat is calm and slow, because the risk of injury and some kind of blow is reduced. However, if the cat protects itself and moves little, then there is a risk of gaining excess weight, and this, as is known, makes childbirth more difficult. It is the owner’s responsibility to entertain the cat, try to stir it up and play active games that do not injure it in case of failure or awkward movement. A simple game with a laser pointer on the floor will serve as an excellent replacement for more complex and dangerous ones.

Only in the last week of pregnancy should you completely stop trying to entertain a cat , because during this period there should be complete peace and relaxation before giving birth. A kind of preparation and calm before the storm. And the cat itself is resting and even stops jumping, even on the bed.

also important to maintain sleep quality . After all, it is during sleep that the body is restored, energy is replenished, with which the expectant mother nourishes not only herself, but also the offspring in the stomach. Therefore, during a cat’s pregnancy, it is important to reduce noise to a minimum, do not play music at high volumes, do not watch TV, do not slam doors or frighten the cat. It is also worth limiting visits to the house from strangers. Such an atmosphere in the house is very important for the mother and future kittens.

It is worth providing access to a cozy place in the house where it would be dry and warm. After all, the cat most likely will not be able to get to her favorite places purely for physiological reasons, and helping her get down and up every time is also not an option, given that she often goes to the toilet. The resting place should be a warm home, a bedding or mattress that no one disturbs and that is not directly in the hallway where someone is constantly walking.

Hairless cats in the photo are not a reason to get Sphynx cats

Most likely, every person, when mentioning the word “cat,” imagines a fluffy, soft creature that constantly sleeps or purrs with half-closed eyes, fingering blankets or bedspreads with its paws. But imagine a cat without hair

Hairless cats in the photo very often cause bewilderment, then very mixed feelings - delight mixed with some disgust, because these animals are not at all soft and not fluffy, but are more like rodents, but their external aristocratic appearance deserves special attention

And we're not talking about shaved cats. Sphynxes (the name of a breed of hairless cats) are usually called aliens in the cat world, but their appearance fully justifies such a unique nickname.

Hairless cats in the photo have long captivated connoisseurs of exquisite paintings and photos, because each such image is a masterpiece. Proud posture, a look with a certain contempt, yellow eyes, a crumpled body, roundness of shape and set of ears, harmony and softness of outline - all this is very beautifully displayed in the photo of such cats.

In everyday life, it is not often possible to find these breeds of cats as pets. And this is not surprising, the price of hairless cats does not allow everyone who wants to acquire these unusual representatives of the feline genus, and caring for them requires special attention and knowledge, because their proud image and, to some extent, malicious attitude are also characterized by cowardice, and a special perception of the environment and living conditions.

Therefore, you should think carefully before deciding to get such a pet; perhaps the hairless cats in the photo will please you more than the real animal.

How to prepare for the procedure

When a clinic has been selected and a date for the study has been set, you need to prepare the pregnant cat for an ultrasound. To do this you will need to follow a few simple rules:

1. The day before the procedure, exclude all flour products from your pet’s menu, including pasta, dairy products and raw vegetables. Six hours before the examination, the expectant mother should not be fed at all; this is necessary to prevent flatulence on the doctor’s table.
2. A full bladder may be required during the test. If everything is simple with women, then the cat cannot be forced to drink a lot of water before the procedure, and even be patient afterwards. During the ultrasound, take a diuretic approved by your veterinarian, and if the need arises, give it to your cat.
3. Many specialists shave the examination area already in the clinic. But some may ask that the cat be brought already prepared. Find out the area to be shaved, and remove the hair from the area with a clipper without an attachment.
4. Cats, especially pregnant ones, do not tolerate the touch of strangers. To avoid injury to the veterinarian's hands, trim and file your pet's nails.

Estrus during gestation

Estrus is a period of sexual arousal; its occurrence and regularity depend on various factors. One heat lasts about two weeks. It is repeated approximately every 3-4 weeks until the cat becomes pregnant. Pets can experience sexual desire at any time of the year, but activity is most common in early spring.

In the first weeks, pregnant Sphynx cats become more affectionate, they experience drowsiness and loss of appetite. The main signs appear after three weeks:

1. 1. Nipples increase in size and change color.
2. 2. The fourth week usually begins with toxicosis.
3. 3. In the fifth week, the animal’s weight begins to increase.
4. 4. In the sixth week, colostrum appears in the mammary glands.

Early mating can lead to the death of the animal and its offspring.

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How to properly deliver a cat

There are cases of estrus occurring during pregnancy. This occurs in one in ten cats. Most often this happens at 3-6 weeks. If at this time there was mating with a male, then secondary conception occurs. The newly fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus. Embryos also develop from it.

Changes in behavior

The period for which sphinxes bear kittens depends on the age of the female. They usually bring from 1 to 12 babies per pregnancy. The number of offspring may increase as the cat gets older. If you allow the animal to mate too early, the body may not be able to withstand the load and the cat will die along with the kittens. During the process of bearing kittens, the behavior of the Sphynx can change significantly:

• the animal begins to refuse its favorite food and become picky;
• the cat walks around the apartment in search of a new shelter for its offspring;
• sometimes aggression towards the owner and other inhabitants of the house, including pets, occurs.

There is no need to worry about such changes. Gradually the animal will get used to its new state and behave as usual.

Character

The Don Sphynx breed is characterized by an interesting expression: “Not yet a person, but no longer a cat.”

They have a gentle character, are attached to their owners, are active, and love attention and affection. Don Sphynx kittens aged 2-4 months are quite active, they are interested in literally everything that is around, regardless of the subject, they try to test everything

Kittens are constantly looking for new fun, they love their surroundings, and if they are left alone in the house for a long time, they can become very bored and even cry.

During adolescence, they become calmer, pay less attention to games and give all their attention to their owners. They begin to distinguish who treats them better, caresses them more, who feeds them, plays with them, and treats them accordingly, in their own way

It is at this age that Sphynx cats’ character and temperament are finally established, and all the habits that they have acquired during this time are consolidated. Adult Don cats are the real pride of their owners. It should also be noted that the character of the Don Sphynx cat is different from the character of the Don Sphynx cat. Unneutered cats are almost always concerned about procreation.

The character of Don Sphynxes is greatly influenced by their content, the owners’ relationship with the animal, upbringing and genetic inclinations.

Frozen and false pregnancy in a cat. What will an ultrasound of a pregnant cat show?

Most often, pregnancy occurs not with one kitten, but with several. And, unfortunately, many of them die before they are born, simply because they have stopped developing. There are many reasons, and only an experienced veterinarian can understand each individual case. This is done so that the situation does not repeat itself, and also because the cause is sometimes an infection or a hormonal imbalance, which means that the cat must be treated first so as not to waste time and not aggravate the situation with pregnancy.

Our veterinarians constantly monitor the condition of the cat and its offspring, so with the help of ultrasound in a pregnant cat they are able to determine the slightest deviation. If it turns out that the only kitten or several died at once, then all that remains is to wait for a miscarriage. If there are dead, but also viable, then the pregnancy proceeds normally and miscarriages come out along with live kittens. After this, it is worth examining the cat so that no particles of dead offspring remain inside the body.

False pregnancy also exists . This is common for both humans and animals. There are many reasons, and most of them have not been fully studied. There are invisible manifestations: sleep, strong appetite, careful movements and others. But they are difficult to identify because they are also common in standard pregnancies. If the following symptoms are observed, then you should contact your veterinarian :

• The belly becomes too large, the nipples are plump and large, there is milk, the cat begins to nurse non-existent kittens immediately after the “birth”, which, in fact, did not happen.
• False pregnancy can occur immediately after estrus or after two.

Gestation period and number of kittens

Owners are concerned about the effect of the number of offspring on the duration of pregnancy. Although there is no scientific confirmation of this, it is still noted that the more kittens, the shorter the gestation period. In this way, nature protects the mother’s body from exhaustion. The variation in the number of kittens is quite large. This is influenced by many factors, the main one of which is the physiological characteristics of the animal.

For example, the Siamese breed is characterized by multiple births: up to 13 babies are born in one lamb. Gestation time is 8-9 weeks. Large breed cats give birth to four kittens, which last a long time. The female of the Scottish breed carries her offspring from 8 to 10 weeks.

Also, the number of cubs depends on the age of the pet. A first-time cat gives birth to 1-3 kittens; her body is not yet ready for multiple pregnancies. In the future, she can bear up to 6 cubs. An aging cat may give birth to one or two kittens.

In this state, the pet is more lethargic than usual.

The average duration of gestation for sphinxes is 8-9 weeks. All this time, while the hairless cat is bearing offspring, she is subject to apathy, indifference, and is reluctant to communicate with the owner and other family members. Usually, before the upcoming birth, the animal will choose some kind of box, where it will try to create a secluded corner suitable for newborn kittens.

Subject to regular examinations, the veterinarian can determine with an accuracy of 1-2 days when labor will begin. When analyzing, it takes into account family history, breed, ultrasound results and other factors. The duration and stage of development of the litter can also be guessed based on indirect signs - the behavior of the expectant mother, daily routine, appetite, etc.

At the beginning of labor pains, the cat behaves restlessly, may meow loudly in pain, and lick the genitals. It is recommended to negotiate with a doctor about obstetric care several weeks before the expected birth, and you can bring the cat to the hospital after you start looking for a nest for birth.

Giving birth to a Sphynx cat is not much different from giving birth to most other cats. On average they last from three to six hours. Each new kitten is born at intervals of 20-30 minutes. The onset of labor is signaled by the breaking of amniotic fluid.

First of all, the cat carefully licks the newborn kitten, removes the amniotic sac (amnion) from it, and clears its airways and oral cavity. After which he bites the umbilical cord and eats the afterbirth. Thus, she replenishes her strength and receives a dose of hormones necessary to begin the process of milk production. As a rule, the afterbirth comes out either with the kitten, or a little later.

The mother pushes the clean, licked kitten with its nose towards the nipples. After the cat has finished tidying up her baby, before the next one is born, she tidies herself up and calms herself by purring. On average, newborn kittens weigh approximately 90-120 grams. Smaller individuals are considered weak and are less likely to survive.

There are times when labor in a Sphynx cat seems to be suspended. All processes associated with them stop, the cat calms down and works with the babies. And after several hours (up to a day), labor may continue again. There is no need to worry or worry about this - there is no pathology here.

Velor Don Sphynx

Don Sphynx cats are very good-natured and get along well with other pets and children. They are cheerful and playful. They do not remember evil and do not take revenge. They love their owner and consider themselves equal to him, sometimes behaving rebelliously and independently. They remember commands easily, but are not always in a hurry to carry them out.

The Canadian Sphynx is a breed of hairless cats that came to us in the middle of the last century from North America, from a small town in Ontario. An ordinary cat had one hairless kitten in its offspring.

The body of the Canadian Sphynx is strongly built with good muscles, but at the same time quite graceful. The skin is soft to the touch, sometimes covered with fuzz invisible to the eye, reminiscent of the skin of a baby. On the clearly defined face there are large, oval-shaped eyes.

The ears are large, widely spaced, wide at the base, devoid of any tufts, and sometimes covered with down on the outside. The animal's tail is long, thin, reminiscent of a whip, almost always curled into a ring and pressed to the body. Sometimes it ends with a small brush.

How to choose a specialist

Before sending a pregnant cat for an ultrasound, you need to take care not only of choosing a trusted clinic, but also make sure that the specialist who will perform the procedure is highly qualified.

It is better to choose a clinic rather than trust the health of your pet and her future offspring to a private doctor, and there are reasons for this:

1. Clinics are equipped with modern equipment for conducting research, and not every private veterinarian can boast of the same.
2. In the clinic it is much easier to learn about the professionalism of a specialist.
3. Not all private doctors have confirmed qualifications, and many of them do not have any at all. At the clinic, the pet owner can receive for review all the necessary documents confirming the specialist’s qualifications.

But there are also professionals in their field among private veterinarians. If acquaintances or friends were satisfied with the services received, then there is no point in neglecting his work and paying more at the clinic.

Signs of imminent labor

An experienced breeder determines the imminent onset of labor within a few days. This makes it possible to prepare for the process and make it as smooth as possible. The pregnancy of the Canadian Sphynx and the upcoming birth leave an imprint on the appearance and behavior of the animal:

• the mammary glands swell and colostrum oozes from them;
• the cat often licks its genitals;
• the animal may lose its appetite;
• the nose and ears become cold, the overall body temperature decreases;
• a pregnant pet is looking for a secluded corner where she tries to hide in order to build a place for herself to give birth;
• if the expectant mother accepted the place offered by the owner, she often climbs into it;
• From time to time the sphinx shows restlessness - it follows its owner, meows, rubs against its legs and demands attention.

Immediately before the onset of labor, the animal's breathing becomes intermittent. The cat can lie on its side with its hind legs extended. The most reliable sign is the release of amniotic fluid and the appearance of contractions.

When the kitten is born, the female licks it and bites through the fetal membrane, freeing first the head of the cub and then the body. Then the mother independently gnaws the kitten's umbilical cord and eats the afterbirth. She needs this, since the placenta contains a large amount of hormones and other biologically active substances that are beneficial for the cat.

When to urgently contact a veterinarian

Any condition of the cat that attracts the owner’s attention and seems unusual should be the reason for a consultation or visit to the veterinarian. Especially when one of the following manifestations is noted:

1. The appearance of any unexplained protrusions between the nipples that were not there before. This is especially true for the place between the penultimate and last pair.
2. Discharge of blood clots or just blood from the genitals.
3. Excessive anxiety of a cat, when it seems that the animal cannot find a place for itself: it will lie down, get up, try to lie down again, get up again.
4. The appetite completely disappears, the pet refuses to drink, there is apathy, weakness, and lack of initiative in relation to what is happening around.
5. Towards the end of pregnancy, the abdomen acquires unusual, irregular shapes and outlines, becomes barrel-shaped hard, and when lightly tapping the abdominal wall with your fingers, a dull sound is heard. The loop is swollen and very red.
6. There are either no training contractions, or they are very weak, and the uterus is unchanged, taking into account the fact that dilatation should already occur.
7. There was a miscarriage, rapid labor began, and bleeding began.
8. Abdominal growth is observed without other signs of pregnancy and fetal movements.

At this time, the cat especially needs a caring attitude from the owner. If she exhibits the following signs, you should call your veterinarian immediately:

1. The pet refuses to eat for more than 2 days.
2. Fever, above 39 degrees.
3. The cat drinks a large amount of fluid and at the same time breathes heavily.
4. The female licks herself very often, and dark discharge is observed from the loop. If the discharge is red, you should urgently take it to the clinic.

Attentive attitude to the animal after mating will help to easily determine the presence of pregnancy. Only a specialist will give more accurate information; he will also recommend methods of caring for the cat, tell you how to properly help her prepare for a difficult moment, and give recommendations for helping the animal during childbirth.