Introduction
It’s common for pregnant cats to increase their water intake leading up to delivery. As a cat owner, you may notice your feline drinking more water than usual and wonder if this signals an impending birth. Knowing what to expect with a pregnant cat’s water consumption can help you provide the best care during this important time.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details around water intake for expecting felines. We’ll look at how much more water cats tend to drink before labor, what the increased thirst signifies, and how to keep your pregnant kitty hydrated. By understanding the link between water consumption and birth, you can feel prepared when your cat is ready to deliver her kittens.
Increased Thirst
It is very common for cats to drink more water as they near the end of pregnancy and prepare to give birth. According to CatsBest, your cat may drink a lot more than usual the day before labor begins. This increased thirst serves an important purpose for both the queen and her kittens.
The extra fluids help the mother cat’s body produce the amniotic fluid that surrounds and protects the fetuses in utero. Drinking more water also helps prepare the mammary glands to produce milk for nursing once the kittens are born. So increased water intake leading up to delivery is a healthy sign that the queen’s body is getting ready for the demands of labor and supporting newborn kits.
It’s a good idea to monitor your pregnant cat’s water intake in the final week or two before birth. Make fresh, clean water easily available at all times. Increased drinking is normal, but if her appetite decreases it’s especially important to ensure she’s staying well hydrated. Provide multiple water bowls around the house and watch to ensure she is able to take in adequate fluids.
Recommended Water Intake
Cats should always have access to clean, fresh water throughout the day and night. According to Cats Protection, cats drink anywhere from 4-10 ounces of water per day on average (1). The amount of water a cat needs to drink can vary based on factors like age, activity level, diet, and environmental temperature. Kittens and older cats tend to drink more water than adult cats. Nursing mother cats need to stay especially hydrated, and may drink up to double their normal water intake (2).
It’s a good idea to provide multiple water stations around your home, so your pregnant cat always has easy access to the water she needs. Use heavy, tip-proof bowls and refresh the water daily. Make sure the water is cool and tastes appealing to your cat. Some cats prefer running water sources like faucets or cat water fountains.
Monitor your pregnant cat’s water intake in the weeks leading up to delivery. Her thirst should steadily increase as her kittens grow and she produces more milk. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any decrease in water consumption or signs of dehydration.
Signs of Dehydration
Dehydration can develop rapidly in cats, so it’s important to watch for signs during pregnancy. According to WebMD, symptoms of dehydration in cats include lethargy, sunken eyes, dry or sticky gums, and refusal to eat (1). Pregnant cats may show additional signs like excessive panting, dry nose and mouth, dark yellow urine, and constipation.
Kittens can also be affected if the mother is dehydrated during pregnancy. The Cornell Feline Health Center notes that severe dehydration in the mother can result in smaller litter size or fewer surviving kittens (2). Kittens may be born small, weak, or unresponsive.
Very young and old cats are especially vulnerable to dehydration. VetMedics Pharmacy says kittens under 12 weeks and senior cats should be monitored closely, as they can become severely dehydrated very quickly (3). Immediate veterinary attention is needed if a pregnant cat or kitten shows multiple symptoms of dehydration.
(1) https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/dehydration-cats
(2) https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hydration
(3) https://vetmedicspharmacy.com/pet-dehydration/
Providing Water
To encourage cats to drink more water, it’s important to provide fresh, clean water in multiple locations around the home. Use heavy, tip-proof bowls and place them away from food bowls to avoid contamination. Change the water frequently, at least twice a day, to keep it fresh and appealing to your cat. Consider getting a pet water fountain, as the movement and sound of the flowing water will entice many cats to drink.
Giving wet food is an excellent way to increase moisture intake, as the canned formulas contain up to 75% water. Even adding water to dry food to make a mash or broth can help hydrate your cat. You can also add a bit of tuna juice or low-sodium chicken broth to the water to make it more enticing. Just a few simple tricks like these can go a long way in getting your cat to drink up.1
When to Call the Vet
As your cat’s due date approaches, it’s important to monitor her health and wellbeing closely. Contact your vet promptly if you notice any concerning signs, including:
- Signs of dehydration like lethargy, dry gums, or skin that stays tenting when pinched (https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/pregnancy-and-kitten-care/caring-for-your-pregnant-cat)
- Decreased appetite or not drinking water in the days leading up to delivery (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pregnancy-and-parturition-in-cats)
- Noticeable decreases in fetal movement compared to normal (https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/cat-pregnancy-and-kittens-complete-guide)
Your vet can check for any concerning signs and may perform tests to ensure the health of your cat and her unborn kittens. Don’t hesitate to call them if you have any worries at all, as it’s much better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your cat’s pregnancy.
Labor and Delivery
Being well-hydrated helps lead to a smoother birthing process. Cats typically withdraw to a safe space when labor begins, as their primal instincts take over. Most cats don’t need assistance giving birth. However, it’s important to observe from a distance in case any issues arise. Contact your vet immediately if labor stops progressing or other problems occur, such as excessive straining for over 30 minutes without producing a kitten. Some key signs that a cat is in labor include nesting behaviors, restlessness, loss of appetite, and contractions. The cat will likely vocalize during labor as well. Each kitten is delivered after strong contractions, followed by the severing of the umbilical cord. Kittens are born every 30-60 minutes on average. The entire birthing process usually lasts 6-12 hours, sometimes longer for larger litters. It’s crucial to allow mom and kittens privacy during this intimate process. However, you’ll want to step in if labor is not progressing normally. With patience and proper preparation, most cat births go smoothly thanks to a mother cat’s natural maternal instincts.
After Giving Birth
Once the kittens are born, the queen’s thirst dramatically increases due to the demands of nursing newborns. According to Purinainstitute.com, “Nursing queens also require adequate water intake to support milk production, so they should have easy access to fresh, clean water.” Nursing kittens can nurse up to 20 times per day, so the mother cat needs ample hydration to keep up with milk production.
It’s important for caretakers to provide constant access to fresh, clean water while the mother is nursing. The kittens will start to wean around 4-6 weeks old, which will gradually reduce the demands on the mother cat. According to Wikihow.com, kittens can start the weaning process with kitten food, meat mixes, and milk replacements around 3-4 weeks old.
As the kittens wean, the queen’s water demands will decrease. However, nursing takes a toll, so it’s essential to monitor the mother cat’s food and water intake until the kittens are fully weaned.
When to Worry
It’s normal for a mother cat to be tired after giving birth, but watch for signs of illness or complications. Contact your vet if the cat seems lethargic or dehydrated after birth, as these can indicate problems like retained placenta or eclampsia. According to [WebMD](
Seek help for milk production problems or signs of mastitis, which is an infection of the mammary glands. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and pus or blood in the milk, per [PetMD](
Kittens appearing weak or dehydrated need medical care. Make sure they are nursing regularly and watch for signs of fading kitten syndrome like crying, inability to stand, and low body temperature. According to veterinarian Dr. Sue Huebner [article](
Conclusion
In conclusion, pregnant cats tend to drink more water leading up to giving birth. This increased thirst is their body’s way of preparing for the demanding process of labor and delivery. Ensuring expectant cats stay well hydrated supports a healthy pregnancy and successful birth.
Cat owners should provide easy access to fresh, clean water at all times. Monitor your pregnant cat’s water intake and watch for any signs of dehydration, like lethargy or dry gums. Contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect dehydration. With plenty of fluids, attentive care, and vet supervision, your cat can have a smooth delivery and welcome happy, healthy kittens.