GESTATION What Is Normal & What Influences Gestation.?

About 46.5 million households in the United States report owning cats in 2024.

- Theresa Gleason

Over the past 30 years, cat ownership has shown increases at a dramatic rate. Most people consider their cats a part of their family, which includes the use of their cats in such capacities as emotional supports animals.1 With this increase in demand for cats, breeders are responding by producing more cats and having a strengthened desire to increase the quality of their pedigreed cats. It is no surprise to know that a sound breeding program is likely to produce the quality of cat anticipated by breeders – one that will be appreciated and well cared for by their new owners.2 To achieve this, breeders should have a firm understanding of feline reproduction, nutrition, and gestation, so let us take a look at what the literature has to offer.

Feline Health and Nutrition During Gestation

Prior to breeding, it is critical to be familiar with the history of the queen because it is essential that cats be in supreme condition prior to breeding. In some cases, it may be necessary to consider a prenatal veterinary examination, which may include studies of the queen’s cardiac health and kidney function. Further, an assessment of laboratory values through blood draws and fecal exams will provide information to determine whether your queen is ready for reproduction. You may ask why all of this work and expense is necessary. It is necessary because the energy level for a female cat to develop healthy kittens will increase in increments of approximately 10% per week with every gestational stage.2