Understanding How Long a Cat Pregnancy Lasts

So your cat is expecting—now what? If you’re wondering how long is a cat pregnant and what lies ahead, you’re in the right place. Whether this is her first time or you’re simply preparing for the arrival of kittens, knowing the timeline can help you prepare your home and recognize when it’s time to contact your vet.

When Can Your Cat Get Pregnant?

Before diving into pregnancy duration, it’s worth knowing when your feline friend can actually become pregnant. Though cats can technically get pregnant as early as 4 months old (though this is rare), most cats can become pregnant around 6 months of age. However, younger cats who do become pregnant face serious complications—they may need emergency C-sections or fail to care for their newborns properly. Veterinarians recommend waiting until your cat is fully grown (around 18 to 24 months) before breeding, allowing her body to develop fully.

How Long Is a Cat Pregnant? The Basic Timeline

Here’s the straight answer: a cat’s pregnancy typically lasts about 64 days from the time of breeding, though the range spans from 52 to 74 days. According to Dr. Joe Peterson, D.V.M. and medical director at VCA North Division Animal Medical Center, this duration is divided into approximately three gestational stages, each lasting roughly 20 days. However, these divisions can be tricky to spot at home without veterinary help. As soon as you suspect your cat is pregnant, reaching out to your vet is your best move.

The Three Stages of Feline Pregnancy Duration

Knowing what to expect during each pregnancy stage helps you spot problems early and provide better support for your expecting cat.

Stage One: Days 1-20

In the first trimester of pregnancy, your cat may display several telltale signs. She might show reduced appetite, nausea, or even vomiting. Behaviorally, she typically becomes more affectionate and docile. You’ll also notice her nipples enlarging and taking on a noticeably pinker color than usual. Another key indicator: she won’t go back into heat at her typical cycle (every two to three weeks), which can help confirm pregnancy.

Stage Two: Days 20-40

The middle pregnancy stage brings more noticeable changes. Your cat’s appetite may actually increase, and she’ll start grooming underneath her belly and tail more frequently. Weight gain becomes apparent, and her nipples continue to enlarge as milk glands begin producing milk. This is also when she’ll start searching for a safe nesting spot. You can help by creating a quiet, comfortable birthing area using a cardboard box lined with old blankets, towels, or newspapers. Place it in a warm, draft-free location—newborn kittens are sensitive to temperature changes.

Stage Three: Days 40-65

During the final stretch of her pregnancy, mammary development becomes extremely obvious. Her grooming behavior intensifies, especially around her belly and rear end. She’ll become increasingly focused on finding and preparing her nest. This is your cue to ensure her birthing box is ready and accessible.

Early Signs Your Cat Is Pregnant

Not sure if your cat is actually pregnant? Your veterinarian can confirm through a physical exam—by two weeks into pregnancy, they can typically feel the developing kittens. Around three weeks, ultrasound can detect their heartbeats. By six weeks, X-rays will show their skeletons. This progression helps pinpoint exactly how far along your cat is and when to expect labor.

One rare condition to rule out: pseudopregnancy (false pregnancy). Cats with this condition display all the symptoms of pregnancy—including mammary development and even lactation—without actually carrying kittens. That’s why veterinary confirmation is essential early on.

What to Expect During Each Pregnancy Stage

The behavioral and physical changes during cat pregnancy follow a predictable pattern. Early on, reduced appetite and increased affection dominate. Mid-pregnancy brings increased eating, more grooming, and obvious weight gain. As labor approaches, your cat becomes intensely focused on nesting and grooming preparation.

The Final Countdown: When Your Cat Is Ready to Give Birth

About 24 to 48 hours before labor begins, you’ll see milk appearing in her mammary glands. In the last 24 hours, her rectal temperature will drop to below 100°F. Warning signs include nervousness, excessive grooming, and panting. Some cats stop eating entirely on their final day of pregnancy.

When labor actually starts, the first stage (especially for first-time mothers) can last up to 35 hours. Kittens are typically born 15 to 20 minutes apart, though intervals can range from 10 minutes to an hour depending on litter size. If more than three hours pass between births, call your veterinarian immediately—this could signal birthing complications like a kitten stuck in the birth canal.

Your cat’s natural instincts will guide her through most of the process. She’ll remove the amniotic sacs surrounding each kitten and lick them to help them breathe. In rare cases, a veterinarian may administer oxytocin (a hormone) to strengthen contractions and stimulate milk production.

Expect some vaginal bleeding during and for several days after birth—this is normal. However, if bleeding continues beyond a week, contact your vet, as she may have postpartum complications like a retained placenta.

After all kittens are born, schedule a veterinary visit within 24 hours to confirm no kittens remain inside and to ensure milk production is adequate.

How Many Kittens Will She Have?

If this is your cat’s first litter, expect one to three kittens on average, though she could have anywhere from one to nine. The record? Dr. Peterson notes that the largest litter ever recorded contained 19 kittens!

Cats can produce litters three times yearly, but once or twice annually is recommended to allow the mother proper recovery time and to help address the already growing kitten overpopulation problem.

Preparing Your Home for a Pregnant Cat

A pregnant cat’s nutritional needs increase dramatically—by about 50% early on, and potentially more than double by pregnancy’s end. You may need to feed her multiple times daily to help her meet her own needs plus those of the developing kittens.

During pregnancy and for one month after weaning the kittens, feed a premium growth and development diet or all life stages formula. These specially formulated foods provide the complete nutrition she needs to carry the pregnancy safely and nourish her litter.

Create a designated birthing space: a quiet box in a closet or dark corner with enough room for her to move freely and for you to reach in if needed. Line it with disposable, absorbent materials like newspapers or old linens initially—they’ll absorb birthing fluids. Once kittens arrive, replace soiled materials with soft bedding and return the newborns to their mother for nursing.

Bottom Line

Cat pregnancy lasts roughly two months, bringing predictable physical and behavioral changes you can monitor at home. However, professional guidance is invaluable—speak with your veterinarian if you suspect pregnancy or have any concerns. If you’d prefer to avoid pregnancy entirely, spaying is a safe, effective option that prevents future litters and contributes to controlling the overpopulated kitten population.