Cat Gestation Period
Gestation in cats last approximately in between 60 and 63 days. When the brood is big, time comes short, and when it is small it is increased. Four to five days after the successful coupling, the fertilized eggs in the oviduct arrives to the uterus. The process of implanting the embryos begins in 14 days or 20 days, and the embryos have the size of a pea.
Pregnancy's main symptoms are reddening of the udder, after 3 to 4 weeks of service and abdominal growth. One has to very careful since symptoms previously described could also be due to a phenomenon referred to as false pregnancy which can last between 3 and 7 weeks. That is why the best way of detecting pregnancy is by using the ultrasound method applied after 24 days since being bred. Another method used is the abdominal palpation which should be performed after 30 days and lastly, the X rays which can be taken after 45 days of the gestation.
During the first 4 weeks of gestation, the cat does not need special attention. Nevertheless, it is best recommended that they be fed keeping the same serving amounts of food as before pregnancy, in fact, one should only add enhanced protein and energetic contents. One must also try not to bathe the cat during this period in order to avoid colds, traumatism or stress situations. If really needed, try to use products specifically indicated for gestating cats.
Two weeks before the programmed date of birth, mother's must be confined to a maternity area that way, it will start to get accustomed to the new environment.
