Anything Related To Stages Of Cat Pregnancy

Now that you know your cat is pregnant, it is necessary to take adequate and proper care to help her deliver smoothly. You will have to take special care of your cat during her pregnancy by feeding her with rich and nutritious diet and providing her with a comfortable environment. Besides this you will also have to protect her from insects, mites, allergies and food poisoning. This can be done by keeping her away from dirt and filth and providing her with proper medical care. The information below will help you understand the various stages of cat pregnancy so that you can take proper care of your pet during this crucial period.

 

Stages Of Pregnancy In Cats

 

A cat is capable of bearing more than one offspring during pregnancy. Its pregnancy period usually lasts between 9 to 10 weeks or 62 to 67 days. It can be roughly divided into three trimesters as given below.

 

The First Trimester

 

The first week of pregnancy includes the process of fertilization and movement of the fertilized eggs to the uterus. Fertilization is the process of joining together of sperm and ovum. This union results in the formation of a ball-shaped mass of cells known as cell mass. As this cell mass passes 16 cells it is called morula. The morula implants itself in the uterine wall with the help of an enzyme. In case of cats, the egg reaches the uterus in approximately five days and implantation occurs about two weeks after fertilization.

 

The development of the embryo continues with the cells of the cranium and the thoracic regions developing in the early stages. The embryo floats within a fluid filled cradle formed by the amnion and the allantois. The embryo is supplied with water, proteins and salts by the amniotic fluid. The placenta, which develops later, is the source of attachment between the maternal and fetal bloodstream. After the formation of the other organic structures the embryo becomes the fetus leading to the completion of the first trimester. The swelling and rosiness of the nipples occurs in the third week of pregnancy.

 

Second Trimester

 

By the fourth week, cats may experience some vomiting. It would be good idea to seek proper medical care during this phase. The cat’s babies are walnut size by the fifth week. The mother needs more food now to help the tiny kittens grow healthy.

 

Final Trimester

 

The kittens can be felt inside the mother by the eighth week and by the ninth week the breasts are filled with milk for the babies to-be-born. She is ready for labour anytime now.

 

Taking Care Of Your Pregnant Cat

 

It is very important to get your pregnant cat examined by a veterinarian to overrule any chances of serious contagious diseases. It is advisable to continue feeding her the same quality of nutritious canned cat food that she is accustomed to, for some time. But it is important to switch to nutritious canned kitten food especially during the last three to four weeks of pregnancy. You can even give her a supplement of kitten milk replacement in the final week of pregnancy. As pregnancy results in a depletion of calcium in the blood, your cat may experience a serious condition called eclampsia, especially during the final stages of pregnancy. This can be avoided by giving regular calcium supplements. Give your expecting mother good quality food and fresh clean water for a healthy pregnancy.

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