Reproduction in cats is a miraculous process of nature. It has been divided by scientists into different stages so that its study is easier and convenient. Here, however, we will discuss only the main, important details of pregnancy in cats.
Cat Pregnancy Stages
The first thing that happens in the reproductive process is the making of the zygote. The sperm joins with the ovum to make a zygote which subsequently makes a balls-shaped body containing cells, the cell mass. This cell mass becomes ‘morula’ when it passes 16 cells. The morula enters the uterus (which takes 5 days) and secretes an enzyme that eats away a small portion of tissues in the uterus wall. This portion is where the morula attaches itself to the uterine wall to further develop. Once, the morula has reached the uterus, it takes around 2 weeks after fertilization to get implanted in the uterus. As the cat produces more than one kittens at a time or is multiparous, the above process is repeated by as many eggs. However, all morulas are not able to plant themselves on the uterus wall and are destroyed. The ones that manage grow to later on be delivered as kittens.
The embryo is surrounded by fluid contained in a cradle of two sacs: amnion (containing water, protein, sugar, salts, fat, and traces of urea) and allantois (containing excretory products from the fetus). The cranium and thoracic regions of the cat start to develop earlier than the rest. Then, the placenta develops through which all exchange of nutrients, oxygen and excretory material between the mother and the kittens takes place.
The transition of the embryo to fetus is complete when all the organic structures have been shaped. This marks the end of the first trimester. The second trimester deals with the development and the third with the growth of the fetus.
Cat’s Care During Pregnancy
If you have a pregnant cat at home, make sure you get her checked by a veterinarian. She must be well-fed with foods rich in nutrients and have a continuous access to clean drinking water. However, in the last 20 days of pregnancy, her diet must be changed to a premium quality kitten food and must be stopped only after she has stopped weaning the kittens. The cat’s abdomen will be filled with kittens so she wont be able to eat a lot in one go. So, administer little amounts of food frequently. Also, make sure your cat remains indoors all the time.
In case you have a stray, pregnant cat in your house, the first thing to do is to take it to a veterinarian and get a ‘well-check.’ Then, get her tested for FeLV and FIV and also discuss the good and bad impact of vaccination on the cat with the veterinarian.
Symptoms of Cat Nearing Delivery
The first stage of labour in cats last for about 12 to 24 hours and during this, the cats have a set pattern of behavior that she follows. Some of the behavior pattern and other indications have been discussed below:
Nesting. There is a possibility that your cat starts searching in your cupboards and other secluded sections of your house for a place to deliver her babies. You can help her by placing a towel-lined box or basket in a secluded place. It isn’t necessary that she will bear the kids there. She may opt for the cold hard floor instead so nothing to worry about.
Increase/Decrease in Affection. Your cat will become more affectionate and loving, and will want to spend more time with you. However, the exact opposite may happen too. She may become quiet and prefer being alone.
Decreased Activity. Your cat will usually prefer to sleep most of the time and may not show any interest in food either.
Milk Discharge from Nipples. In the third week of pregnancy, about 24 hours from the delivering process, your queen’s nipples will become large and pink. They may also discharge milk which can happen earlier in cats that have given birth to kittens before.
Drop in Temperature. A sudden drop in the temperature of the cat (which is anywhere between 100.4° F to 102.5° F) indicates that the time of birth is very close.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
