How Long Is a Cat Pregnant? Due Dates and Signs
A cat is pregnant for about nine weeks. VCA Animal Hospitals gives a normal range of 60 to 67 days from mating, with most cats giving birth between day 63 and day 65. If you know when she mated, you can work out the due date by counting forward from that day.
Our cat pregnancy calculator does the counting for you: enter the mating date and it shows the most likely birth dates, the full normal window and how far along she is today. If you are not sure when she mated, or this is her first litter, check with your vet. They can confirm the pregnancy and estimate how far along she is.
How long cat pregnancy lasts
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Normal range | 60 to 67 days from mating |
| Most common | 63 to 65 days |
| In weeks | about 9 weeks (roughly 8½ to 9½) |
Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, “Pregnancy and Parturition in Cats”.
Birth in cats is called queening, and a female cat is a queen.
How to work out your cat’s due date
The calculator uses two simple formulas:
- Most likely due = mating date + 63 to 65 days
- Normal window = mating date + 60 to 67 days
To use it:
- Find the date she mated. Cats often mate several times over a few days, so use the first date you know of, or your best guess.
- Enter it in the cat pregnancy calculator.
- Note the most likely dates and the full window on a calendar.
- Have her nesting area ready well before the start of the window.
The mating date is a good starting point because cats ovulate in response to mating. It is not exact if she mated over several days or was out roaming, so treat the dates as a guide rather than a deadline.
If you don’t know when she mated
This is common with cats that go outdoors. Your vet can confirm the pregnancy and estimate the stage by feeling the belly, by ultrasound, or by X-ray later on. Once you have their estimate, count forward to find the likely window.
Signs your cat is pregnant
The early weeks are easy to miss. The signs to look for, in rough order:
- Pinking up. The nipples become pinker and more prominent at about 16 to 20 days (PetMD). This is often the first sign owners notice.
- Appetite changes. Many pregnant cats eat more as the weeks go on.
- A growing belly. It usually shows in the second half of the pregnancy. It is harder to see in an overweight cat or one carrying a small litter.
- Behavior changes. Some cats become more affectionate, others more withdrawn.
- Nesting. Close to the birth she may look for quiet, hidden spots and seem restless.
None of these alone proves a pregnancy. A belly that grows can also be weight gain, fluid or a health problem, so a vet check is the way to be sure.
Cat pregnancy milestones
These are the points our calculator marks on its timeline:
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| About days 16 to 20 | Nipples pink up (PetMD) |
| From about day 45 | The kittens’ skeletons show on an X-ray, so the vet can count them (VCA) |
| Days 60 to 67 | The normal time for birth |
| Days 63 to 65 | When most cats give birth |
The X-ray count is useful. Knowing how many kittens to expect helps you tell when she has finished giving birth.
How to care for a pregnant cat
Feeding
Pregnant and nursing cats need much more food and nutrients than usual, and many vets suggest moving her to a kitten food during pregnancy and nursing. Do not guess the amount. Ask your vet how much to feed and how to change it as the weeks go on. Our cat food calculator has no pregnancy setting, but it has a custom factor box where you can enter the energy factor your vet gives you, and our guide to how much wet food to feed a cat explains how to read the label.
Vet care
Book a check-up early in the pregnancy. Ask your vet before giving any medicine, flea or worm treatment, or vaccine during pregnancy, since not all of them are safe for her or the kittens.
Preparing a nest
- Choose a quiet, warm room away from other pets and busy areas.
- Put out a box or a bed with low sides that she can step into easily.
- Line it with clean towels or blankets you do not mind washing or throwing away.
- Set it up a week or two before the start of the due window, so she can get used to it.
- Keep food, water and a litter box close by.
When to call the vet
Most cats give birth without any help, but call your vet straight away if:
- she strains hard for a long time without a kitten arriving
- a kitten seems stuck
- there is heavy bleeding, or a foul-smelling or dark green discharge with no kitten following
- she seems very weak, unwell or in pain
- she passes the end of the normal window (day 67) with no sign of labor
Have your vet’s number, and the number of an emergency clinic, ready before the due date.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a cat pregnant?
About nine weeks. VCA Animal Hospitals gives a normal range of 60 to 67 days from mating, and most cats give birth between day 63 and day 65.
How long is a cat pregnant in weeks?
Roughly 8½ to 9½ weeks. The normal range of 60 to 67 days divided by 7 days a week gives about 8.6 to 9.6 weeks, which is why people usually just say nine weeks.
How can I tell how far along my cat is?
If you know the mating date, count the days, or enter it in the cat pregnancy calculator to see the day and week. If not, your vet can estimate the stage by examining her or with an ultrasound or X-ray. From about day 45, an X-ray also shows how many kittens she is carrying.
When do pregnant cats start showing?
Pinking up of the nipples comes first, at about 16 to 20 days according to PetMD. The belly usually becomes noticeable in the second half of the pregnancy, though it is harder to see in an overweight cat or one carrying only a few kittens.
Can I find out how many kittens my cat will have?
Yes, with an X-ray from about day 45, when the kittens’ skeletons are visible and your vet can count them. Litter size varies a lot between cats, so the X-ray is the only reliable way to know. Check with your vet about the right time for it.