how long does cats stay pregnant

how long does cats stay pregnant

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Nature

Cats stay pregnant for about two months, with the typical gestation period averaging between 63 and 65 days. However, this can range from about 60 up to 72 days in some cases

. The pregnancy is generally divided into three trimesters of roughly 20 days each:

  • First trimester (day 1–21): Few visible signs; possible subtle appetite increase and nipple changes.
  • Second trimester (day 21–42): Physical changes become more noticeable, such as a growing belly and behavioral changes (more docile, cuddly).
  • Third trimester (day 42–63): Marked belly swelling, nipple enlargement, increased appetite, nesting behavior, and preparation for birth

Cats often do not show clear signs of pregnancy until two to three weeks in, giving owners about a month to prepare for the kittens

. A veterinarian can help confirm pregnancy and estimate how far along the cat is through palpation, ultrasound, or X-ray at various stages

. In summary, expect your cat’s pregnancy to last roughly two months, with some variation depending on the individual cat and litter size.

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