How long are cats pregnant?
A cat’s pregnancy, or gestation, lasts about 63 to 65 days, a little over 9 weeks. Healthy kittens are born from about day 61 to day 70 after mating. Cats ovulate in response to mating, so the mating date gives a fairly good estimate, though a queen may mate several times over a few days.
The dates
- Expected birth date = mating date + 64 days
- Normal range = 61 to 70 days after mating
- Pinking up of the nipples around day 15 to 18
- Ultrasound from about 3 weeks
Worked example
Your cat mated on October 4, 2026.
- Expected birth date: December 7, 2026.
- Normal range: December 4 to December 13.
- Her nipples should turn pink around October 20, and an ultrasound can confirm pregnancy from October 25.
- On November 3, she is on day 30, with 34 days to go.
Stages of pregnancy
| Weeks | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | fertilization and implantation; no visible signs |
| 3 | nipples turn pink and enlarge; ultrasound can confirm |
| 4 | the vet may feel the kittens; some queens have morning sickness |
| 5 to 6 | belly visibly rounder; appetite grows |
| 7 | X-ray can count kittens from about day 45 |
| 8 to 9 | nesting behavior, then birth |
Caring for a pregnant cat
Switch her gradually to a high-quality kitten food from mid-pregnancy, and let her eat as much as she wants by the last weeks; food intake can rise by 50% or more by the end. Do not give medicines or flea products without your vet’s approval.
Preparing for the birth
About a week or two before the due date, set up a quiet nesting box lined with washable towels in a warm, calm place. She may become restless, vocal or more affectionate, and stop eating in the last 24 hours. Most queens give birth without help, with kittens arriving every 30 to 60 minutes.
When to call the vet
Call your vet if she goes past day 70 after mating, strains for more than 30 minutes without producing a kitten, rests for more than 2 hours between kittens while more are expected, or has a foul-smelling or very bloody discharge. Spaying after the kittens are weaned prevents further unplanned litters.
A note on medical advice
This calculator gives estimates based on averages. It does not replace advice from your veterinarian, who can confirm the pregnancy and follow it with exams and imaging.