Cat Pregnancy & Gestation Guide
6 min read·Updated June 2026
Feline gestation lasts about 63–67 days (roughly nine weeks) from the date of mating. Knowing the timeline helps you prepare for a safe, healthy queening.
How long are cats pregnant?
The average feline gestation is 65 days, with a normal range of 63–67 days. Because a queen may mate over several days, count from the first successful mating and treat the due date as a window rather than a single day.
Week-by-week
- Weeks 1–2: Fertilisation and implantation. Few outward signs.
- Week 3: "Pinking up" — nipples become pink and enlarged. A vet may confirm pregnancy by palpation.
- Weeks 4–5: Noticeable weight gain; ultrasound can confirm and estimate numbers.
- Week 6: Belly is clearly rounded; kittens’ skeletons show on X-ray, allowing an accurate count.
- Weeks 7–8: Queen seeks a nesting spot; appetite may increase then drop just before labour.
- Week 9: Labour. A drop in body temperature below ~37.5°C often precedes birth by 12–24 hours.
Preparing for queening
- Provide a warm, quiet nesting box a week or two ahead.
- Have your vet’s emergency number to hand.
- Weigh each kitten at birth and daily — steady gain is the best early health indicator.
- Know the warning signs of dystocia (strong contractions for 30+ minutes with no kitten, or 2+ hours between kittens).
Frequently asked questions
How many days is a cat pregnant?
Around 63–67 days, averaging 65 days from the first successful mating.
When can I confirm my cat is pregnant?
A vet can often palpate fetuses at around 3 weeks, ultrasound confirms from about 3–4 weeks, and X-ray gives an accurate kitten count from about week 6.