How long do Scottish and British cats remain pregnant?

Owners of purebred cats should be aware not only of the care and dietary requirements of their pets, but also of the pregnancy process. The gestation period can vary depending on the cat's breed, weight, health, and even hereditary factors.

How long do Scottish Fold cats stay pregnant?

Scottish Fold kittens typically carry their kittens for 62 to 67 days. Don't worry if labor drags on for up to five days; this is normal. However, if labor begins before 60 days, the kittens will likely not survive.

How long does pregnancy last for British Shorthair cats?

Cats of this breed are pregnant for 63 to 70 days. However, it's important to note that multiple pregnancies may end earlier than this.

Features of pregnancy and childbirth in Scottish and British cats

Before mating purebred cats, you should consult a veterinarian who will examine your pet and give you the necessary recommendations.

There are certain signs that indicate pregnancy in cats:

1. The cat becomes inactive and lazy.
2. She has a decreased appetite.
3. Some cats may suffer from toxicosis during the first weeks of pregnancy.
4. The cat may change its behavior: become affectionate or, on the contrary, aggressive.
5. In the third week of pregnancy, the cat's nipples turn pink.
6. The cat is gaining weight and her belly is growing.

Particularly attentive owners take their cats for ultrasounds, which can accurately determine whether the cat is pregnant and how far along the pregnancy is. Furthermore, ultrasounds can help identify any abnormalities in the kittens.

British and Scottish Fold cats are often prone to complications during labor. This is due to the narrow pelvises of these breeds, as well as the fact that their kittens are often large. Therefore, they especially require veterinary supervision.

Read also: can you give anthelmintics? pregnant or lactating cat.

How to care for cats during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a cat needs special care and attention from its owners:

• It is advisable to keep your cat away from other animals to avoid the risk of infection.
• It is necessary to provide the expectant mother with a balanced diet.
• A pregnant cat needs to be provided with complete rest.
• You should not give your cat any medications without consulting a veterinarian, even if they are deworming tablets.

Nutritional requirements for pregnant cats

It's important to remember that pregnant cats require a special, balanced diet. It's best to feed your pet a special food for pregnant cats. If your cat eats homemade food, add cheese, cottage cheese, and meat to her diet. Vitamin supplements can also help support her health. The further along the pregnancy, the more frequent her meals should be. However, overfeeding should be avoided, as this can lead to obesity, which can lead to problems during labor.

Preparing for childbirth

It's important to prepare for your cat's birth in advance. To do this, you need to create a cozy place where the cat can safely give birth and nurse her litter. A box lined with a soft blanket works well for this purpose. Special cat houses are also now available.

You can tell when labor is approaching by your cat's behavior. Before labor, she becomes more restless, spends a lot of time grooming herself, and darts around the house looking for a secluded spot. Keep in mind that the spot you've prepared for her may not be to her liking. Don't insist if she chooses to give birth elsewhere. You can then move the mother and her litter into the house.

Read also:

• What to feed a British kitten?
• The difference between British and Scottish cats
• How to feed a newborn kitten without a mother cat?