Cat Due Date Calculator
Predict your cat’s kitten birth date from the mating date. Get a week-by-week pregnancy timeline, litter size estimates, and essential care tips for each stage of gestation.
Cat Pregnancy Calculator
Predict your cat’s due date and track pregnancy week by week
Enter the date your cat was last mated (most accurate predictor)
Cats are induced ovulators — mating usually triggers ovulation within 24-36 hours
Breed affects average litter size and gestation length
First-time mothers often have smaller litters and slightly longer gestation
Normal feline gestation ranges from 58-72 days, with 63-65 days being most typical
Your Cat’s Pregnancy
Due date, timeline, and care recommendations
Enter your cat’s mating date and click Calculate Due Date to see the predicted birth date, current pregnancy week, and care tips.
Cat Pregnancy Timeline
Key milestones and developmental stages during your cat’s 9-week pregnancy.
| Week | Days | Kitten Development | Visible Signs in Mother | Care Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Days 1-7 | Fertilisation; embryos travel to uterus | No visible changes | Maintain normal routine |
| Week 2 | Days 8-14 | Embryos attach to uterine wall | No visible changes | Continue normal diet |
| Week 3 | Days 15-21 | Organ development begins; embryos ~2mm | Nipples enlarge and turn pink (‘pinking up’) | Reduce vigorous play |
| Week 4 | Days 22-28 | Embryos ~1.5cm; vet can palpate abdomen | Some morning sickness; appetite may drop | Switch to kitten food; small frequent meals |
| Week 5 | Days 29-35 | Kittens ~3cm; toes and claws forming | Abdomen begins to swell; weight gain starts | Increase food by 25%; vet ultrasound possible |
| Week 6 | Days 36-42 | Kittens ~5cm; fur and whiskers growing | Clear pregnancy; nipples darken; appetite increases | Prepare quiet nesting area |
| Week 7 | Days 43-49 | Kittens ~10cm; bones hardening; active movement | Rapid weight gain; may feel kittens move | X-ray to count kittens; limit jumping |
| Week 8 | Days 50-56 | Kittens fully formed; ~14cm; practising suckling | Nesting behaviour; restless; milk production begins | Set up birthing box; keep environment calm |
| Week 9 | Days 57-65 | Kittens full-term (~17cm, 80-100g each); ready to birth | Temperature drops; contractions begin; labour starts | Stay nearby; vet on standby; do not disturb nesting |
Cat Pregnancy FAQ
Everything you need to know about cat pregnancy, due dates, and caring for your expecting queen.
A cat’s pregnancy (gestation period) typically lasts between 63 and 65 days, which is approximately 9 weeks. However, a normal range can be anywhere from 58 to 72 days. First-time mothers may carry slightly longer. If your cat goes beyond 72 days without going into labour, consult your veterinarian immediately.
To calculate your cat’s due date, add 63-65 days to the date of mating. For example, if your cat mated on 1st January, her due date would be approximately 5th-7th March. If you don’t know the exact mating date, you can estimate from when she was last in heat or have your vet perform an ultrasound. This calculator automatically computes the due date and provides a week-by-week pregnancy timeline.
First-time mother cats typically have smaller litters, averaging 3-5 kittens. Subsequent litters tend to be larger, with an average of 4-6 kittens. Litter size varies significantly by breed — Siamese cats may have 5-8 kittens, while Persians and other flat-faced breeds often have 2-4. The record litter size is 19 kittens, though this is extremely rare.
Key signs that your cat is about to give birth include: nesting behaviour (seeking quiet, dark places), restlessness and pacing, decreased appetite in the last 24 hours, drop in body temperature below 37.8°C (100°F), vocalisation or crying, licking of the genital area, and visible contractions. The first kitten usually arrives within 12-24 hours of these signs appearing. Prepare a quiet, warm birthing box in advance.
Signs of cat pregnancy include: cessation of heat cycles, pink and enlarged nipples (‘pinking up’) around week 3, gradual weight gain of 1-2 kg, increased appetite, more affectionate behaviour, and a visibly swollen abdomen from week 5 onwards. Your vet can confirm pregnancy through abdominal palpation at 17-25 days, ultrasound from day 21, or X-ray from day 45 to count kittens.
Feed your pregnant cat a high-quality kitten food from week 4 of pregnancy onwards. Kitten food is higher in protein, calories, calcium, and essential nutrients needed for foetal development. Gradually increase her food intake — by the final week she should be eating 25-50% more than normal. Always provide fresh water. Avoid raw diets during pregnancy due to bacterial risks. Continue kitten food while she is nursing.
It’s best to wait at least 2 weeks before handling newborn kittens extensively. For the first 14 days, minimise handling to allow the mother to bond and establish nursing. If you must handle them (e.g., if the nest is soiled), do so gently with clean hands and return them quickly. After 2 weeks, begin gentle daily handling for short periods to socialise the kittens. Always let the mother supervise.
Most veterinarians recommend spaying a cat 6-8 weeks after giving birth, once the kittens are fully weaned and the mother’s milk has dried up. This allows her body to recover from pregnancy and nursing. Some vets may perform the spay earlier (4 weeks) if necessary. Cats can go back into heat as soon as 1-2 weeks after giving birth, so keep her indoors and away from unneutered males during this period.