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Cat pregnancy calculator
Enter the mating date to see the likely due date and when to book vet checks.
How long are cats pregnant?
Cat pregnancy lasts 60 to 65 days, about nine weeks, and on average around 63 days from a successful mating. Unlike dogs, cats release their eggs in response to mating, so the mating date is a reasonable starting point, but it does not always match the conception date and not every mating leads to a pregnancy. If she mated several times over a few days, use the middle date, and treat the result as approximate.
What your vet can check, and when
| Check | When (days after mating) |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy confirmed by exam or ultrasound | day 21 to 30 |
| X-ray to count the kittens | after about day 55 (skeletons can show from about day 45) |
Getting ready
In the last week or two, set up a quiet, warm nesting box in a room where she feels safe. Many cats start nesting, pacing or hiding 12 to 48 hours before birth, and may stop eating or vomit once labor begins.
When to call the vet
Labor has a first stage, with restlessness and contractions you can’t see, that normally lasts 12 to 24 hours. Then the kittens arrive, usually less than 1 to 2 hours apart. The Merck Veterinary Manual treats labor of more than 24 hours, or more than 1 to 4 hours between kittens, as signs of trouble. Call your vet or an emergency vet right away if a kitten is taking a long time to come out, if she strains with no kitten arriving, if she is exhausted or seems very ill, or if she goes past day 65 without starting. If in doubt, call sooner.
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Common questions
How long is a cat pregnant?
Cat pregnancy lasts 60 to 65 days, about nine weeks, and averages about 63 days from a successful mating.
How do I know if my cat is pregnant?
Only a vet can say for sure. A pregnancy can be confirmed by an exam or ultrasound from about day 21 to 30. Signs you may see include nipples that become more visible and turn pink, and a growing belly later on. Having her checked early also lets your vet advise on feeding and care.
When will my cat give birth?
Add 63 days to the mating date for the most likely day, and expect the kittens any time from day 60 to 65. The calculator on this page does the sum and shows the dates.
How many kittens will she have?
Your vet can take an X-ray after about day 55, when the skeletons show clearly, to help work out how many kittens she is carrying.
What are the signs that labor is starting?
Hiding, restlessness, nesting, vomiting, trembling or refusing food, and sometimes a clear watery discharge. This first stage of labor lasts 12 to 24 hours.
Sources: Davidson AP, “Management of Reproduction of Cats”, Merck Veterinary Manual (Cat Owners version; reviewed August 2018, updated August 2025). Sharma D, “Basics of Pregnancy and Birth in the Cat”, Rutgers University, eXtension. This calendar is a planning aid, not veterinary advice. Every pregnancy is different.