Healthy Cats

Pregnancy and Gestation in Cats

Prenatal Checkups

The first prenatal visit should be scheduled two to three weeks after mating. Any further tests your veterinarian believes are necessary can be scheduled at this time. Your veterinarian will discuss any diet changes or supplements that might be indicated. Intestinal parasites, if present, should be treated by your veterinarian.

Vaccinations, most medications, and many deworming products are not recommended once pregnancy is established. This includes some of the flea and insecticide preparations, dewormers, and certain hormones and antibiotics. Tapeworm medications, in particular, can be quite toxic. Droncit is a tapeworm preparation safe for use in pregnant queens. Revolution is a flea control product approved for use in pregnant and lactating cats. Live virus vaccines (for example, feline panleukopenia and feline respiratory virus) should not be given to pregnant females. Check with your veterinarian before starting a pregnant queen on any drug, supplement, or medication.

One week before the expected kittening date, make an appointment to have the queen checked again. Your veterinarian will want to discuss with you the normal delivery procedures, alert you to signs of potential problems, and give you instructions for care of the newborns.