About Feline Gestation, Due Dates, and Whelping Preparation
The average feline pregnancy lasts about 65 days from mating, though healthy litters can arrive a few days earlier or later. Because fertilization timing is not always known and cats may mate multiple times over several days, due dates are best considered as a window rather than an exact day. This timeline calculator estimates a target date and a conservative whelping window to help you prepare supplies, monitor health, and recognize when to call your veterinarian.
During early gestation, many queens show subtle changes—slightly increased appetite or weight gain and pinking of the nipples around week 3–4. Your veterinarian can confirm pregnancy and estimate fetal count with ultrasound or later with radiographs. Maintain a high‑quality diet approved for pregnancy and lactation, and ensure fresh water is always available. Avoid medications or parasite treatments without veterinary approval; some products are not labeled for use during pregnancy.
As the due window approaches, create a nesting area: a quiet, warm box or enclosed bed lined with clean, easily washable bedding. Keep a litter box, food, and water nearby but not directly inside the nest. Limit household stressors—loud noises, visitors, or introductions to new pets. Many cats prefer low foot‑traffic spaces where they feel secure.
Signs that labor is near may include restlessness, nesting behavior, decreased appetite, and a drop in rectal temperature within the preceding 12–24 hours. Stage I labor can last several hours with intermittent contractions. Stage II involves active delivery of kittens. Typically, a kitten may arrive every 15–60 minutes. If your cat has strong contractions for 20–30 minutes without delivering a kitten, or if you see foul‑smelling discharge, call your veterinarian immediately. Keep your vet’s emergency number accessible before labor begins.
After each kitten is born, the queen often breaks the membrane and severs the cord; intervene only if she does not do so promptly, and ask your vet in advance how to assist safely. Count placentas— the number should match the number of kittens to reduce the risk of retained placenta. Provide warmth but avoid overheating; kittens cannot regulate temperature well in the first weeks. In the days following birth, monitor the queen’s appetite, hydration, and demeanor, and check kittens for steady weight gain. Contact your vet for guidance about deworming schedules and early wellness checks.
This calculator offers a planning framework, not medical advice. Because every pregnancy is unique, rely on your veterinarian for tailored recommendations, especially if your cat has a history of complications or if this is her first litter.
Key features
- Estimated due date from mating date
- Conservative multi‑day whelping window
- Plain‑language guidance for nesting prep and monitoring
- Vet escalation cues for safe decision‑making
How to use
- Enter the mating date or estimated conception window.
- Click Submit to generate an estimated due date and whelping window.
- Prepare a nesting area and gather supplies well before the window begins.
- Monitor for pre‑labor signs and keep your vet’s number handy.
Tips
- Schedule a veterinary check to confirm pregnancy and discuss nutrition.
- Create a quiet nesting space away from foot traffic and drafts.
- Track signs of labor and escalate promptly if kittens are delayed.
- Count placentas and keep the area warm but not hot for neonates.