Introduction
Pregnancy is an exciting but delicate time for a cat and needs special care and attention to ensure her health and that of her kittens. There are several important dos and don’ts during cat pregnancy to avoid complications or issues. Providing good prenatal and postnatal care with help from your vet is key. This guide will cover some of the main things not to do when your cat is expecting, to keep mom and babies safe and healthy. With the proper care, your cat’s pregnancy and birth can go smoothly.
Don’t Skip Veterinary Care
One of the most important things when your cat is pregnant is to not skip veterinary care. According to this source, it’s crucial to bring your pregnant cat in for a check-up and exam. The vet will be able to confirm the pregnancy, determine how far along the cat is, and check for any potential health issues.
Regular prenatal vet visits allow the vet to monitor your cat’s health and the health of the kittens. They can check the cat’s weight, do an ultrasound, and run any necessary tests. This gives you peace of mind that your cat’s pregnancy is progressing normally.
According to PetMD, pregnant cats should be brought in to the vet before mating, around 4 weeks into gestation, and 1-2 weeks before their due date. Don’t skip these important prenatal checkups during your cat’s pregnancy.
Don’t Change Litter Brand
When a cat is pregnant, it’s best to avoid changing the brand of litter she is accustomed to using. Cats tend to be very particular about the texture and scent of their litter. Switching to a new brand can stress out a pregnant cat and disrupt her usual bathroom routine (1).
The nesting instinct will kick in for a pregnant cat, and she will become more attached to the familiar environment of her litter box. Altering the litter substrate at this sensitive time can confuse her and upset the routines she relies on. This unnecessary stress is best avoided (2).
Continuing to use the same litter brand will help the queen feel relaxed and comfortable. She will appreciate the consistency and familiarity of her litter when her world is about to be rocked by new kittens. Sticking with the tried and true litter she’s always used will be one less change during an already turbulent time (3).
Don’t Ignore Diet
During pregnancy and nursing, it is essential not to ignore your cat’s dietary needs. A mother cat requires almost double the calories and nutrition. According to veterinarians, the best diet for a pregnant cat is a high-quality kitten food (Source). Kitten food contains more calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals necessary to support the demands of pregnancy and nursing.
Do not change your cat’s diet brand or type during pregnancy. Suddenly switching foods can upset her stomach and cause her to reject the new food. Stick with the same premium brand of kitten food and slowly transition to the increased portions.
Feed your pregnant cat small but frequent meals and make food available at all times (Source). The growing kittens take up space in the abdomen, making large meals uncomfortable. Provide unlimited access to fresh, clean water.
Monitor your cat’s body condition throughout pregnancy and nursing. Adjust portions if she becomes overweight or underweight. Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about nutrition.
Don’t Give Deworming Medication
Deworming medication can potentially harm a pregnant cat and her unborn kittens if given at the wrong time or incorrectly.1 Most dewormers are not approved for use in pregnant or nursing cats.2 Before giving any deworming medication, consult your veterinarian first. Your vet can prescribe a dewormer that is safe for pregnancy and advise on the proper dosage and timing.
Some over-the-counter dewormers contain chemicals that could cause birth defects or complications if given at the wrong time.3 It’s crucial to follow your vet’s guidance and instructions exactly when deworming a pregnant cat.
If your cat has worms, it’s better to wait until after she gives birth and completes nursing before treating her. Your vet may recommend deworming the kittens as well when they reach the appropriate age. Allowing your vet to supervise your cat’s deworming ensures the safety of both your cat and her kittens.
Don’t Use Toxic Household Products
Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, air fresheners and pest control products around your pregnant cat. Ingredients like phenols, cresols and chlorine in cleaners can be toxic to cats if ingested. Pesticides and insecticides are also dangerous for cats and their unborn kittens. According to the CDC, exposure to some products during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects and miscarriage in cats.
Stick to mild, pet-safe cleaners or make your own with natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and lemon. Keep all chemicals and toxins locked away where your cat can’t access them. It’s best to limit their exposure as much as possible for the healthiest pregnancy and kittens.
Don’t Stress the Cat
It’s important to keep the home environment calm and stable for a pregnant cat. Cats can become stressed or anxious during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. They may act defensively as they try to find safe places to deliver their kittens.[1] Reducing stress is crucial because if the mother has a stressful pregnancy, the kittens are more likely to develop stress-related problems later on.[2]
To avoid stressing a pregnant cat, keep her routine consistent and avoid introducing major changes at home. Make sure she has quiet, comfortable places to rest and nest. Provide stability by feeding her the same food at the same times each day. Give her access to her litter box and keep it clean. Avoid exposing her to loud noises, children/strangers, or other pets that may be intimidating. Try to minimize events that could upset or startle her. Remaining calm and keeping things low-key will give her the stability she needs.
Don’t Forget the Litter Box
It is essential to keep the litter box extremely clean during your cat’s pregnancy. Pregnant cats may urinate more frequently, so the litter box needs to be scooped out at least twice per day. Remove all solid waste daily, and change the litter completely every 1-2 days.1 Soiled litter can harbor bacteria and parasites like toxoplasmosis, which can be harmful to the developing kittens if the mother is infected.
Consider placing additional litter boxes around your home to accommodate your pregnant cat. Cats prefer privacy when using the litter box, so make sure the location is quiet and secluded. As her belly grows, she may have trouble maneuvering in and out of a standard litter box with high walls. You can switch to a lower-sided litter box or even a baking pan with low edges filled with litter.
Maintaining meticulous litter box hygiene helps keep your pregnant cat comfortable and reduces health risks for her and the kittens. Be sure to continue diligent scooping and cleaning of the litter box throughout pregnancy and after birth as well.
Don’t Isolate from Other Pets
It’s important not to isolate a pregnant cat from other household pets unless there are aggressive behavior issues. Cats are social creatures that often take comfort from having feline and canine companions. Separating a pregnant cat can cause additional stress and anxiety.
According to the Cat Socialization Continuum guide from Alley Cat, pregnancy and mating are already stressful experiences for cats [1]. Isolating the pregnant cat from other pets it is bonded with will only compound that stress. This can negatively impact the pregnancy and cause behavioral problems.
The one exception is if the other pets demonstrate aggressive or inappropriate behavior towards the pregnant cat. Nipping, pouncing, or other forms of harassment from dogs or other household cats is unacceptable. In that case, it’s best to separate the pregnant queen until she gives birth and reintroduce later.
Otherwise, maintaining normal household routines and social structures is ideal. Let the pregnant cat continue interacting with people and pets she’s familiar with. This provides comfort and avoids disrupting established relationships.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several things cat owners should avoid when their cat is pregnant in order to keep the mother cat healthy and ensure the kittens are born safely. It’s important not to skip veterinary care like regular checkups and ultrasound scans to monitor the pregnancy. Cat owners should also avoid changing the litter brand suddenly, as familiar litter helps reduce stress. The mother cat’s diet must provide proper nutrition, so ignore diet is not advised. Deworming medication should be avoided unless a vet prescribes it. Toxic household cleaners and insecticides should be kept away from pregnant cats. It’s best not to cause additional stress by rehoming other pets or moving furniture around. Providing easy access to a clean litter box is essential. With proper care and by avoiding these common mistakes, a pregnant cat can have a comfortable pregnancy and healthy kittens.