How Long Are Cats Pregnant? 63–65 Days (Week-by-Week Timeline)

How Long Is Cat Pregnancy?

Most cats are pregnant for about 63–65 days (around 9 weeks). A normal cat pregnancy can range from 58–70 days, depending on the cat and the litter. If your cat is past day 70, has bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, severe lethargy, or won’t eat, contact a veterinarian.

Key takeaways (what you’ll learn in this guide)

• Typical cat gestation: 63–65 days; normal range 58–70 days.

• Earliest at-home clue: nipples may enlarge/pink up around ~2–3 weeks (varies).

• Most changes become obvious mid-pregnancy: weight gain + belly rounding.

• In the last week, watch for nesting + appetite drop and prep your birthing area.

• Know the red flags (bleeding, fever, severe lethargy, prolonged hard straining with no kitten).

What you’ll learn in this guide: A week-by-week timeline, pregnancy signs by stage, vet confirmation timing, care tips, and labor warning signs—so you can support your queen confidently from day 1 to delivery.

Quick note: This guide is for general education and doesn’t replace veterinary advice. If your cat has bleeding, fever, severe pain, stops eating for an extended period, or seems unwell—contact your veterinarian.

How Long Does a Cat’s Pregnancy Last?

A cat’s pregnancy (gestation period) usually lasts about 63–65 days (roughly 9 weeks), though healthy pregnancies can fall anywhere from 58–70 days.

Think of this as a window, not an exact due date. Genetics, litter size, and individual variation can shift timing slightly. If your cat is approaching the end of the normal range and you’re not seeing any signs of impending labor—or if she seems unwell—check in with your veterinarian.

Why Cat Pregnancy Length Varies (and Why “Mating Date” Can Be Misleading)

Cat pregnancy is usually 63–65 days, but the “normal range” looks wider because many people estimate from the mating/breeding date, and cats can mate multiple times during a heat cycle. When timing is uncertain, veterinary references note gestation can be roughly 58–72 days from breeding, while it’s closer to ~62–64 days from ovulation (when ovulation timing is known via veterinary testing).

What this means for you:

• If you only know the mating date, use a due-date window (not a single day).

• If your cat is nearing the end of the range and you’re unsure of dates, a vet can help assess progress and safety.

Common reasons the due date shifts by a few days

• Dating uncertainty: mating can happen before/after ovulation; multiple matings can confuse the “start date.”

• Litter size: bigger or smaller litters can slightly influence mom’s body changes and perceived timing.

• Individual variation: genetics, age, and overall health can affect how pregnancy progresses.

• Medical issues: illness, fever, discharge, or pain are never “normal timing differences”—they’re reasons to call a vet.

Safety note: Because home dating is imperfect, if you believe your cat may be past ~day 70, or she has bleeding, foul smell, severe lethargy, or won’t eat, contact a veterinarian.

To better understand this timeline, we can divide the pregnancy into stages or “trimesters.” Experts often split cat pregnancy into three roughly equal stages of about 3 weeks (around 20 days) each. Each stage comes with its own changes in the developing kittens and in the mother cat’s body and behavior. We’ll break those down in detail next. But first, here’s an overview chart of the cat pregnancy timeline:

Cat Pregnancy Timeline (Week-by-Week): The chart below summarizes key fetal developments and common signs from week 1 through birth.

As you can see, a lot happens in a short time. Now, let’s walk through these stages in detail so you know what to expect during each phase of your cat’s pregnancy.

Cat Pregnancy Timeline (Week-by-Week)

Use this as your quick reference. Every cat is different, but this is the pattern most pet parents recognize.

How Far Along Is My Cat? (At-Home Clues + Vet Confirmation)

If you don’t know the mating date, you can still estimate progress using a mix of behavior, body changes, and veterinary tools.

Quick clues at home

• Weeks 2–3: nipples may “pink up” / enlarge (not always obvious).

• Weeks 4–6: appetite rises; belly gradually rounds.

• Weeks 7–9: nesting behavior ramps up; fetal movement may be visible.

Vet confirmation timeline (simplified)

Your veterinarian can confirm pregnancy and assess health; timing and methods depend on your cat and clinic approach.

Early Stage: Weeks 1–3 (Days 1–21)

Week 1 (Days 1–7): Fertilization and the “nothing looks different yet” week

This is the earliest phase of cat pregnancy. If your cat mates while in heat (estrus), fertilization can occur soon after mating—but implantation (when embryos attach inside the uterus) happens later.

What you’ll notice at home: usually nothing. Most cats act completely normal in the first week because the pregnancy is still microscopic and hormone shifts are subtle.

What to do:

• Keep your cat’s routine stable (food, sleep, quiet time).

• Avoid giving any medications or flea products unless your vet confirms they’re pregnancy-safe.

• If you suspect pregnancy, start a quick note with possible mating dates and any changes you observe.

Weeks 2–3 (Days 8–21): Implantation + early development

Around days 12–14, implantation typically begins, and early development starts accelerating. Hormones gradually rise to support the pregnancy, even though physical changes may still be minimal.

Early physical signs (often subtle)

Most queens show little to no visible change in the first two weeks. But toward the end of week 3 (often days ~15–21), you may notice the earliest at-home clue:

• “Pinking up”: nipples can look slightly larger and more pink than usual.
  This is one of the earliest visible signs of pregnancy, but it’s not guaranteed—some cats show it clearly, others barely change.

Tip: Look gently (no squeezing). Part the belly fur under good light and compare to your cat’s usual look.

Early behavioral signs

Many cats still behave normally. If you do see changes, they’re usually mild, such as:

• a small appetite increase

• occasional nausea/vomiting (“morning sickness”) near week 3

• becoming a bit calmer or more affectionate

What to do (important):

• Don’t press or squeeze the belly to “check.”

• If vomiting is frequent, your cat stops eating, or seems unwell, contact your veterinarian—early pregnancy shouldn’t cause severe symptoms.

Middle Stage (Weeks 4–6): When the Pregnancy Becomes Noticeable

By weeks 4–6, most cats start to look and act pregnant—this is when belly rounding, appetite changes, and “nest scouting” often begin.

This is the “middle” (second-trimester) phase of cat pregnancy. By now, the embryos have developed into fetuses and begin growing quickly. Each kitten develops inside a fluid-filled sac along the uterine horns.

What’s happening with the kittens

• Rapid growth: major organs are formed and the kittens grow steadily in size.

• Bones start to harden: fetal skeleton calcification begins earlier, but X-rays typically don’t show skeletons clearly until later in pregnancy.

Vet confirmation (what’s realistic in this window)

If you want pregnancy confirmation or guidance, this is a common time to book a visit:

• Around ~3–4 weeks after breeding, vets may confirm pregnancy with abdominal palpation and/or ultrasound, depending on the cat and clinic approach.

• Later (around ~6+ weeks), imaging may also help with planning and (sometimes) estimating kitten count—though accuracy varies and is more reliable as pregnancy progresses.

At-home safety: avoid pressing or “checking” the belly yourself—palpation should be done by a veterinarian to reduce the risk of injury.

Physical signs you may notice

This is when changes become obvious to most pet parents:

• Belly rounding + weight gain: the abdomen starts to look fuller, and by week 5–6 many queens look visibly pregnant.

• Nipples look larger/pinker: nipples become more prominent and may remain pinker than usual.

• Belly fur may thin: some cats naturally lose a little fur around the mammary area as the body prepares for nursing.

Appetite and feeding (what’s normal)

Many queens become noticeably hungrier in mid-pregnancy. Energy needs typically rise gradually—often reaching about 25–50% more calories than normal by late pregnancy.

Practical feeding tip: as her belly expands, switch to smaller, more frequent meals to keep her comfortable and reduce stomach upset.

Behavioral signs

Many cats become:

• calmer, clingier, or more affectionate (though some show minimal behavior change)

• less interested in rough play, and

• occasionally a bit nauseous.

Call your vet if vomiting is frequent, she’s losing weight, or she seems unwell.

By the end of this stage, some cats begin light nesting behavior—sniffing out quiet corners, pawing at blankets, or lingering in closets. It usually intensifies later, but this is a good time to set up a nesting box in a calm, low-traffic area.

Late Stage (Weeks 7–9): Big Belly, Nesting, and Final Prep

By weeks 7–9, your cat is in the home stretch. Her belly is noticeably large and round, the kittens are rapidly gaining weight, and you’ll likely see stronger nesting behavior as birth gets close.

Weeks 7–8 (Days 43–56): Rapid Growth + More Visible Signs

In weeks 7 and 8, kittens are developing fur and putting on size—so it’s normal for your cat to look clearly pregnant.

What you may notice at home

• A firm, rounded “baby bump” (especially obvious from the side)

• More frequent rest and lower activity levels

• Nipples enlarge and the mammary glands become more noticeable

• In some cats, gentle belly ripples or visible movement when she’s relaxed (not always easy to spot)

How to support her

• Offer small, frequent meals (her belly leaves less room for large portions)

• Keep her indoors, calm, and on a predictable routine

• Start setting up (or refining) a quiet nesting area: a box with clean towels in a warm, low-traffic corner

Tip: Avoid squeezing nipples or pressing the belly to “check” progress—if you’re unsure how things are going, a vet exam is safer and more accurate.

Week 9 (Days 57–63): Full-Term for Many Cats

Week 9 is often when queens deliver. The kittens are fully formed and mainly finishing weight gain and positioning for birth.

What you may notice

• She may spend more time in (or near) her nesting spot

• She may become clingier or more withdrawn

• Many cats show a reduced appetite in the last day or two before labor (some stop eating for 24–48 hours, though not all cats follow this pattern)

• Restlessness, pacing, or increased grooming can happen as labor approaches

What to do now

• Keep the environment quiet and stress-free

• Re-check your nesting setup (fresh bedding, easy access to water and litter)

• Review the “Labor signs & when to call a vet” section below so you know what’s normal—and what isn’t

If your cat seems unwell (severe lethargy, heavy bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, or prolonged straining with no kitten), treat it as urgent and contact a veterinarian.

If pregnancy extends to Week 10 (Days 64–70)

Some cats, especially certain breeds, may not deliver until the 10th week. For instance, Siamese cats are noted anecdotally to have slightly longer pregnancies on average. If your cat is still pregnant past day 65, don’t panic – keep monitoring her and stay in touch with your vet.

By day 70 at the latest, kittens should be born; going much beyond that is uncommon and veterinary advice is recommended if day 70+ arrives with no labor.

Labor signs & when to call a vet

As your cat reaches the final days of pregnancy, you may notice behavior and body changes that signal labor is close. Many cats become restless, spend more time in their nesting spot, or seek extra reassurance.

Signs labor may be within 24–48 hours

• Appetite drops or she stops eating

• More nesting (rearranging bedding, hiding in quiet spots)

• Clingier or more withdrawn behavior

• Milk/colostrum may leak or crust near nipples

• Panting, pacing, or vocalizing can happen as labor nears

When to call a vet urgently

Contact a veterinarian promptly if you notice:

• Heavy bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, or pus-like discharge

• Extreme lethargy, collapse, or signs of severe pain

• Strong contractions for 60+ minutes with no kitten delivered

• A kitten appears stuck and your cat is straining

• Your cat is past day 70 with no labor signs

Recap of the timeline: From conception to birth, most cat pregnancies last just about 9 weeks. In summary: the first 2–3 weeks have virtually no visible signs (other than maybe pinking of nipples). Weeks 4–6 bring a growing belly and increased appetite. Weeks 7–9, the queen is clearly pregnant, often hungrier than ever until right before birth, and she’ll display nesting and other late-term behaviors as her body prepares for kittens.

Keeping track of the timeline can help you anticipate what’s normal and when to expect the next changes.

Recognizing the Signs of Cat Pregnancy

If your cat wasn’t intentionally bred, you might not realize she’s pregnant until she’s well along. Cats are masters at hiding pregnancy in the early stages. However, there are a number of signs – some subtle, some obvious – that can tip you off that kittens are on the way. Here’s what to look for from early to late pregnancy:

Heat Cycles Stop

If your female cat was going into heat (yowling, restless, seeking males) every few weeks and suddenly those cycles stop, pregnancy is a possibility. A pregnant cat will no longer go into heat until after the kittens are born and weaned. Cessation of estrus is an early indirect sign.

“Pinking Up” of Nipples (Weeks 2–3)

As mentioned earlier, one of the first visible signs is a change in the nipples. Normally, a non-pregnant cat’s nipples are small and not very noticeable under the fur. After about 15–21 days of pregnancy, the nipples swell slightly and turn pink or red in color. This is easier to spot on a light-colored cat than a dark-colored one, but if you gently part the belly fur you may see it. This pinking is a strong hint – especially if you’re also noticing other changes.

Increased Appetite and Mild Weight Gain (Week 3–4 onward)

Pregnant queens often start eating more around the third to fourth week of gestation. You might observe your cat is emptying her food bowl faster than before, or coming to you for extra food. Weight gain in early pregnancy isn’t dramatic – perhaps a gain of a few ounces – but it steadily continues. By mid-pregnancy (4–5 weeks along), many cats have gained around 20–25% of their pre-pregnancy weight. 

Note: Some cats have a brief episode of decreased appetite or even vomiting around weeks 3–4 (comparable to morning sickness in humans), but it should be transient and followed by normal/increased eating. If your cat repeatedly vomits or refuses food, consult a vet.

Behavior Changes – Affection and Calmness (around Weeks 3–6)

Cat owners often report that their pregnant cat becomes more affectionate or mellow as the pregnancy progresses. Your cat might seek out your attention more, purr and rub against you frequently, and generally be more people-oriented. The hormones of pregnancy can have a soothing effect, making some cats cuddlier and less playful/active than before.

Each cat is unique, though – a normally aloof cat might simply seem a bit more tolerant of interaction, while a clingy cat might become velcroed to your side!

Enlarged Belly (after ~5 weeks)

By the mid-point of pregnancy (around day 30+), you’ll notice your cat’s waistline expanding. Initially, it may look like a bit of weight gain, but soon it becomes a distinctly rounded, firm belly that sticks out even when viewed from the side or top.

This abdominal enlargement is a telltale sign of pregnancy, as long as you’re feeding appropriate amounts (ensure you’re not just overfeeding an open cat – but with other pregnancy signs present, a bulging belly likely means kittens). By around 6–7 weeks, the pregnant belly is very pronounced – even someone who didn’t know the cat was pregnant might suspect she’s carrying kittens due to her size and shape.

Fetal Movement (Weeks 7–8)

In the final two weeks, you might actually see movement beneath the abdominal skin. When the mother cat is resting, often you can observe little ripples or kicks on her side. This is a later sign, but an exciting one – confirming there’s live kittens in there! You can gently place a hand on her side and may feel kittens squirming.

(Be very gentle; if mom seems uncomfortable, stop. Also avoid pressing on a pregnant belly in general, leave examinations to a vet to avoid injury.)

Nesting Behavior (Week 8–9)

As delivery nears, a pregnant cat will start searching for a secure, cozy place to have her kittens. She may drag blankets or clothing to a hidden spot, or repeatedly paw at bedding as if to make a nest. You might find her disappearing to a quiet area of the house (closet, under a bed, etc.).

This nesting instinct usually becomes obvious in the last week of pregnancy. It’s a clear sign that labor is approaching.

Swollen Mammary Glands and Milk (Last few Days)

A day or two before birth, the mammary glands (around each nipple) enlarge as they fill with milk. You might see drops of milk leaking or crusted on the nipples in the final 24–48 hours. Not all cats leak milk before labor, but many do. If you gently squeeze a nipple and get a little milk, you can be pretty sure kittens will arrive within a day or so.

If you suspect your cat is pregnant but are not entirely sure, a veterinary check-up can confirm it definitively – through palpation, ultrasound, or X-ray at the appropriate times. When in doubt, see the vet to avoid mistaking false pregnancy or other issues for a real pregnancy.

How to Support a Pregnant Cat: What She Really Needs from You

Once you know—or even just suspect—that your cat is pregnant, your job shifts into a special kind of caregiver mode. The good news? Most cats are surprisingly self-sufficient when it comes to pregnancy. They’ve evolved to handle this journey instinctively, and in many cases, they’ll do just fine on their own.

But as devoted pet parents, we naturally want to make the process as healthy, safe, and stress-free as possible. That’s where thoughtful, gentle care makes all the difference.

Here are the key areas where your support matters most:

Nutrition: Fueling Two (or More!)

Your cat’s nutritional needs rise significantly during pregnancy—and not just in the final weeks. As soon as pregnancy is confirmed (or strongly suspected), it’s wise to transition her to a high-calorie, growth-formulated diet, like kitten food. These diets are rich in protein and energy, specifically designed to support both fetal development and milk production later on.

By the end of pregnancy, she may be eating 25–50% more than usual, but don’t be alarmed—this is normal. The trick is to offer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, especially once her belly starts to expand and her stomach has less room.

Keep a close eye on her weight, aiming for a slow and steady gain. And don’t forget hydration: plenty of clean, fresh water is essential every single day.

Veterinary Care: Quiet Checkpoints, Crucial Safety Nets

While most feline pregnancies proceed without complications, an early vet visit is still important. Your vet can confirm the pregnancy through palpation or ultrasound, check her overall health, and establish a care plan. If vaccines or deworming are due, they’ll advise on what’s safe during pregnancy. Certain medications and even flea treatments can be risky—always check with your vet first.

Later in pregnancy, particularly for older cats or breeds prone to complications, X-rays around day 45–50 can give a helpful look at how many kittens to expect and how big they are—useful information for anticipating labor and delivery.

Stay alert for any red flags: vaginal bleeding, a sudden drop in appetite, fever, or unusual discharge aren’t normal and should prompt a vet visit.

Comfort & Environment: Give Her a Safe Space to Nest

In the final weeks, your queen will start looking for a quiet place to give birth. Help her out by creating a cozy nesting area in advance—think cardboard box lined with soft towels, placed in a private, warm corner of your home.

Whether or not she uses it is up to her (cats have strong opinions!), but offering a safe option early helps reduce stress when the time comes.

In general:

• Keep her indoors and secure.
• Avoid sudden changes or stressful home environments.
• Ensure her litter box is accessible (low-sided and clean).
• Respect her boundaries—some cats get clingier, others prefer solitude.

Grooming and Physical Help (Only If Needed)

Most pregnant cats handle grooming just fine, but if she has long fur or trouble reaching certain spots, you can assist gently with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid baths unless absolutely necessary, and never apply flea products or topical treatments unless cleared by a vet.

A pregnant cat doesn’t need a hero—she needs a quiet advocate. By giving her nutritional support, a safe environment, gentle observation, and emotional space, you help her do what she’s hardwired to do: become a wonderful mother.

If you’d like a **step-by-step guide to caring for a pregnant cat—meal plans, nesting tips, grooming advice, vet visit timelines, and more—**check out our full article:

Conclusion

Cat pregnancy is a remarkable and fast-paced journey. In roughly 9 weeks, your tiny feline friend transforms into a glowing mother-to-be and finally into a proud mama cat with a litter of squirmy kittens at her side. Knowing the timeline (about 63–65 days, divided into stages) and the typical behaviors and changes in each stage can greatly help you prepare and not be caught off guard.

From the subtle early signs like pinking nipples and increased appetite, to the unmistakable late pregnancy waddle and nesting antics, your cat will give you plenty of hints about what she needs. By providing good nutrition, veterinary care when needed, a safe environment, and lots of love, you are doing everything necessary to support her.

Every cat’s experience is slightly different, but armed with the information in this guide, you’ll be able to distinguish normal pregnancy symptoms from potential problems, and you’ll know how to respond. Remember, stay calm and observant. Cats have strong instincts and most pregnancies progress normally without complications.

Trust your cat’s instincts and your own preparation. And when in doubt, involve a professional – veterinarians are there to help ensure healthy outcomes for both queen and kittens.

We’d love to hear your story. Share your experiences, join our cozy community of cat lovers at SnuggleSouls. Together, let’s celebrate every precious, whiskered moment.

FAQ

How long is a cat pregnant?

A cat’s pregnancy typically lasts 63 to 65 days, though it can range from 58 to 70 days depending on individual and breed factors.

What are the signs that my cat is pregnant?

Early signs include pinking of the nipples, increased affection, and mild appetite changes. Mid to late pregnancy brings a swollen abdomen, fetal movement, and nesting behavior.

Can I tell if it’s a false pregnancy?

A false pregnancy can mimic real pregnancy symptoms but results in no birth. Only a vet can confirm through ultrasound or X-ray if your cat is truly pregnant.

How many kittens will my cat have?

The average litter size is 3–5 kittens, but first-time moms often have fewer, and some cats may have up to 8 or more.

What should I do if my cat has trouble giving birth?

Contact a vet immediately if your cat has strong contractions for more than an hour without delivering, a kitten gets stuck, or more than 70 days have passed with no labor signs.

References

Beal, A. (2023). False Pregnancy in Cats. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/false-pregnancy-cats

Cats Protection. (n.d.). After birth – caring for mom and kittens. Cats.org.uk. https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/pregnancy-and-kitten-care

Abood, S. K., Williams, K., & Downing, R. (n.d.). Feeding the Pregnant Cat. VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-the-pregnant-cat

Chebat, S. (2023). How Many Kittens Are in a Litter?. Chewy.com. https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/health-and-wellness/how-many-kittens-can-a-cat-have-in-one-litter