Cat Pregnancy Calculator — Queen Due Date & Kittening Prep

Cat (queen) gestation averages 65 days with a normal range of 63–67 days. Cats ovulate after mating (induced ovulation), so counting from the first mating is typically accurate to within 2 days.

At 2–3 weeks, nipples become pink and enlarged ('pinking'). From day 21 an ultrasound confirms pregnancy. From day 40 x-ray shows kitten skeletons and allows counting. Weight gain (1–2 kg) typically starts in week 5.

Average litter size is 3–5 kittens. First-time queens and older queens tend toward smaller litters; prime-age queens can have 7+ kittens.

Rectal temperature drops below 100°F (37.8°C), queen becomes restless, visits the nesting box, vocalizes, may stop eating, and shows visible contractions. First kitten is usually born within 1–2 hours of active labor.

Provide the kittening box by day 55 so the queen can acclimate. Use a quiet, warm room away from other pets. Line with clean newspaper and soft towels (avoid loose fabrics kittens could tangle in).

Yes — by week 4 gradually switch to a high-quality kitten food and feed to appetite. By late pregnancy expect 25–50 % more caloric intake than maintenance.

Yes. Cats are induced ovulators and can mate with multiple males during one estrus cycle, resulting in a litter with different fathers (superfecundation).

Kittens should stay with the queen until at least 8 weeks old, ideally 10–12 weeks, for proper socialization, immunity (colostrum and milk antibodies), and weaning to solid food.