The nine weeks
Week 1 begins on the day of mating. The example dates are for a cat that mated on Mar 1, 2026: birth around May 5, 2026, with a window from May 3 to May 7. The cat pregnancy calculator uses 64 days with a window of 61 to 67.
| Week | Example dates | What usually happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mar 1 to Mar 7 | Mating and fertilization. No visible signs. |
| 2 | Mar 8 to Mar 14 | Heat ends. Behavior may change. A vet can use ultrasound from about now. |
| 3 | Mar 15 to Mar 21 | Pinking up of the nipples. Early physical signs. |
| 4 | Mar 22 to Mar 28 | Nausea, food refusal, a swelling abdomen, weight gain begins. |
| 5 | Mar 29 to Apr 4 | About day 40: ultrasound or X-ray can show how many kittens. |
| 6 | Apr 5 to Apr 11 | More affectionate and purring more, less tolerant of other pets. |
| 7 | Apr 12 to Apr 18 | Resting more, appetite increases. |
| 8 | Apr 19 to Apr 25 | Nesting begins, about two weeks before delivery. |
| 9 | Apr 26 to May 2 | Appetite drops, more resting. Kittens arrive at 63 to 67 days. |
Checklist by stage
- Weeks 2 to 5. Book a vet visit. Ultrasound can confirm the pregnancy, and at about day 40 it or an X-ray can count the kittens.
- Weeks 6 to 7. Expect a bigger appetite. Ask your vet about the right food.
- Week 8. Offer a quiet, warm, safe nesting spot, such as a box lined with clean, soft bedding.
- Week 9. Keep an eye on her without crowding. Most cats give birth without help.
The birth
Signs that labor is near include nesting, food refusal and more resting. Most kittens arrive between day 63 and day 67. If a kitten has not arrived after she has begun to strain, or the due window has passed, call the vet. See also signs of cat pregnancy.
See a vet. Kittens that do not arrive, a mother that is weak, or heavy bleeding are emergencies. Keep your vet's number and the nearest emergency clinic where you can find them.
Frequently asked questions
How many weeks are cats pregnant?
About nine weeks, or 63 to 67 days.
When do cats start nesting?
Nesting begins in week 8, about two weeks before delivery.
When can I find out how many kittens?
At about day 40 (week 5) an ultrasound or X-ray can show how many.