Pregnant cat: How to take care of the mother-to-be.  if you have one pregnant cat at home, it is important that you know how to take care of it in the right way. A cat's gestation lasts about 60 to 70 days, and during this period, she needs a lot of special care to ensure her health and that of her kittens. In this article, we will talk about how to take care of the future mother.

 

Food: From puppy food to mother-to-be

During pregnancy, food is essential to ensure the healthy development of kittens. A diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals is highly recommended. 

To meet these nutritional needs, it is advisable to offer the cat a kitten food, which contains a higher amount of protein, calcium and vitamins than the adult food. 

It is important to remember that proper nutrition is crucial for the health of the pregnant cat and her kittens.

 

avoid stress 

The environment in which the cat lives is also very important during pregnancy. She must have a quiet and comfortable place where she can feel safe and protected. It is important to offer a clean and spacious litter box, and to keep the environment always clean and organized. In addition, it is recommended to avoid excessive noise and agitation in the environment, to avoid stress in the cat.

 

Can a pregnant cat take worm medicine? 

Yes, it is safe and recommended that the pregnant cat take dewormer. It is imperative that deworming is done about 10 days before delivery and must be dewormed again 15 days after delivery and during breastfeeding, in order to protect both the mother and the puppies. 

It is important to be very careful and pay close attention to how long your cat has been pregnant, as if the dewormer is administered too soon, it can lead to fetal development problems such as malformations and miscarriage. 

However, it is important to point out that not all wormers are suitable for pregnant cats, so it is essential to seek veterinary advice to choose the right product and the appropriate dosage.

 

Can a pregnant cat get the vaccine?

During the gestation period, the cat's hormones can interfere with the effectiveness of the vaccine, reducing its ability to immunize. For that reason, the Vaccination during pregnancy is not recommended..

 

Ideally, the vaccine should be administered before the reproductive phase, in order to guarantee the protection of the mother and also of the puppies, who receive antibodies through breastfeeding. Therefore, it's important to talk to a trusted veterinarian to establish a suitable vaccination plan for your pet.

 

Veterinary follow-up

During pregnancy, it is important that the cat is regularly monitored by a veterinarian. He will be able to advise on food, the environment, vaccination and deworming, and also monitor the health of the cat and the kittens. In case of complications or problems, the veterinarian will be able to intervene quickly and avoid possible risks to the health of the animals.  

 

And the good thing about doing the follow-up is knowing how many kittens the cat has and avoiding despair if only one is born, which is rare, but not impossible. That way, you don't think there are still puppies in the belly and you don't worry unnecessarily, as I did.

 

Problems During Cat Pregnancy: When to Call the Vet

During your cat's pregnancy, it's important to be on the lookout for any unusual symptoms that could indicate health problems. Some of the less common signs you should look out for include:

 

. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea

. Excessive vaginal bleeding or outside the period of childbirth

. persistent fever

. Excessive or rapid weight loss

. Discharge of greenish or foul-smelling fluid

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's essential to take your cat to the veterinarian immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and timely treatment can help to avoid serious complications during pregnancy and ensure the health of the mother and puppies.

 

Preparation for the delivery of the pregnant cat

Before giving birth, it is important to prepare a quiet and safe place for the cat to give birth. This could be a box with a towel or cardboard where she can feel comfortable and safe. It is important that the place is clean and warm, with a temperature between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius.

It's also important to keep in mind that the cat may need privacy during labor, so be sure to choose a spot where she can be alone, away from other pets and children.

 

You need to be present during the cat's birth so that you can monitor the process and help if necessary. During labor, the cat may need assistance with removing the placenta and cleaning the kittens, especially if she is a new mother.

postpartum care

After giving birth, the cat needs special care to ensure her health and that of the kittens. It is important to offer a nutrient-rich diet and fresh water always available. In addition, it is recommended to keep the environment clean and organized, and to monitor the health of the cat and the kittens.

 

Breast-feeding

 

Nursing is one of the most important parts of puppy care. The cat must be fed a special food for lactating cats or kittens, which contains all the nutrients necessary for milk production. 

In addition, it is important to ensure that the puppies are suckling properly and receiving their mother's milk.

To ensure that puppies are nursing properly, it is important to observe their behavior. Puppies should be eating regularly and gaining weight consistently. They must be active and alert, and their stools must be yellow and soft.

 

If you suspect that a puppy is not nursing properly, you can try to help him position himself correctly on his mother's breast. Make sure the puppy is suckling on one of the nipples and not just nibbling or licking. If necessary, you can try to gently move the puppy's head towards the nipple.

 

If a puppy appears weak or unable to nurse, it may be necessary to supplement with artificial milk or consult a veterinarian for help. It is also important to ensure that the mother is eating properly and drinking fresh water to help maintain her milk supply.