The gestation period for a cat is approximately two months, or 63-65 days. However, there may be exceptions to this rule, and cats can sometimes give birth a little early or a little late. If it is the cats first litter, she could be pregnant for a few days longer. Early labor can be triggered by various factors such as hormonal imbalances, infections, injury, malnutrition, ovarian cysts, and stressors. If a cat is pregnant for fewer than 60 days, there is a chance that the litter will not survive. Both older and younger cats tend to produce smaller litters, two or three kittens.
To determine if a cat is pregnant, there are a few signs to look out for, such as a change in heat cycle, increased appetite, and "pinking" of the nipples. A veterinarian can also confirm pregnancy through palpation or X-rays. It is important to note that cats can become pregnant as soon as they reach sexual maturity, which is around 4-6 months of age. Therefore, it is recommended to have cats spayed early on to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
