How long are cats pregnant?
Feline gestation averages 63–65 days, about nine weeks. The normal range is roughly 60 to 67 days from mating. This calculator adds 64 days to the mating date and shows that window.
Week-by-week timeline
| Stage | What's happening |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | Fertilization and implantation. Few visible signs. |
| Week 3 | Nipples "pink up" and enlarge. A vet may confirm by ultrasound. |
| Weeks 4–5 | Belly rounds out; appetite increases. Switch toward a kitten/growth diet. |
| Weeks 6–7 | Kittens are felt moving; X-ray can count them. Set up a quiet nesting box. |
| Weeks 8–9 | Nesting and restlessness. Queening (birth) is near. |
Caring for a pregnant cat
Feed a high-quality kitten formula from around week 4 to meet rising energy needs, and provide a warm, quiet nesting area a week or two before the due date. Keep routine vet checks, and avoid medications unless your vet approves them during pregnancy.
⚠️ This is an estimate. Confirm pregnancy and timing with your veterinarian. Seek immediate help if labor stalls, your cat strains without producing a kitten, or you see abnormal discharge.
Frequently asked questions
How many kittens are in a typical litter?
Usually 3–5 kittens, though first-time and some breeds may have fewer or more. An X-ray late in pregnancy gives an accurate count.
When does a cat start showing?
A visible belly typically appears around weeks 4–5, after the earlier sign of nipples pinking up around week 3.
Related: cat food calculator · cat age calculator.