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Cat pregnancy calculator: kittening date

Enter the mating date to work out when your queen is due. Cats are pregnant for about 65 days.

If she was mated more than once, use the date of the first mating.

A typical cat pregnancy

Cats are pregnant for about 65 days, and most give birth between day 61 and day 70 after mating. Enter the mating date for a due date and a timeline.

Cat pregnancy at a glance

If she was mated more than once, use the date of the first mating.

Typical length 65 days from mating
Usual range Day 61 to day 70
Day 21 Her nipples may become pinker and more prominent, known as pinking up.
Day 25 Your vet can usually confirm pregnancy by ultrasound from around now.
Day 45 An X-ray from around now can count the kittens.
Day 55 Give her a warm, quiet nesting box somewhere she already likes to rest.

How to use it

How the pregnancy calculator works

Choose the animal and enter the date she was mated. The calculator adds the typical length of pregnancy for that species to give a due date, and shows the window in which most births happen. It also lists the checks and preparations worth planning, with their dates.

Pregnancy length varies between individuals, breeds and litter sizes, and counting from mating rather than ovulation adds a few days either way. Treat the due date as a guide and keep watching her closely as the window approaches.

Using the dates

  • Book a pregnancy check with your vet once the first milestone date arrives.
  • Have everything ready for the birth before the start of the window.
  • Note the exact date and time if you see signs that birth has started.
  • Keep your vet’s out-of-hours number to hand as the due date approaches.

When to call your vet

Call your vet if she goes past the end of the normal window, strains for a long time without producing young, seems weak or distressed, has a green or bloody discharge before any young arrive, or if a long gap passes between births.

Common questions

How long is a cat pregnant?

About 65 days, around 9 weeks, from mating. Most cats give birth between day 61 and day 70.

When can you confirm a cat is pregnant?

From about day 25 after mating. Your vet can usually confirm pregnancy by ultrasound from around now.

What if she goes past her due date?

If she goes past day 70 without giving birth, or shows signs of distress, straining without result or an unusual discharge at any point, contact your vet.

Should I count from the first or last mating?

Use the first mating for dogs and cats, as eggs can be fertilised over several days. Use the last covering for mares. For livestock, use the service date, or the raddle mark for sheep.

How accurate is a due date?

It is a guide. Most births fall within the window shown, and ultrasound scans can narrow it down. Large litters often arrive a little early and single young a little late.