Cats can have litters ranging from 1 to 8 kittens, with an average of 4 to 6 kittens per litter. The number of kittens a cat has depends on several factors, including the cat’s age, breed, health, and whether it is her first litter.
Average Litter Size
Most cat litters contain 4 to 6 kittens. Here are some averages for litter sizes:
- 1-2 kittens – Smaller litters, often for a cat’s first pregnancy or in purebred cats
- 3-4 kittens – Average litter size
- 5-6 kittens – Average to large litter size
- 7-8 kittens – Very large litters, more rare
The typical range is 4 to 6 kittens per litter. However, litter size can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy, even for the same cat.
Factors Affecting Litter Size
There are several factors that can impact the number of kittens a cat has:
Age
Younger and older cats tend to have smaller litters. A cat having her first litter often has just 1-4 kittens. As cats get older, litter sizes tend to decrease after age 7.
Breed
Some breeds produce fewer kittens. For example, Siamese cats tend to have litters with 3-5 kittens. Persian cats often have small litters as well.
Health
Health issues in the mother cat can result in smaller litters. Conditions like Fading Kitten Syndrome may impact litter size as well. Obesity in cats is also associated with smaller litters.
Pregnancy Order
A cat having her first litter will often have a smaller litter, with just 1-4 kittens. Subsequent pregnancies usually produce more kittens, with larger litters on the 2nd or 3rd pregnancies.
Gestation Period
The cat gestation period lasts about 63-67 days, or 9 weeks. Here is the timeline for a cat pregnancy:
| Week | Cat Pregnancy Developments |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Fertilization occurs, embryos start developing |
| Weeks 2-3 | Embryos implant in the uterine horn |
| Weeks 4-6 | Kittens’ organs, limbs, skeleton continue developing |
| Weeks 7-9 | Final development; kittens gain weight rapidly |
During week 8, the pregnant cat’s nipples will become pink and enlarged. By week 9, you may see and feel the kittens moving inside the cat’s abdomen.
Signs of Pregnancy
How can you tell if your cat is pregnant? Here are some signs of cat pregnancy:
Enlarged or Pink Nipples
Around 3 weeks after mating, the cat’s nipples will become enlarged and pink. The nipples provide nutrients to the kittens after birth.
Weight Gain
Your cat will gradually gain weight during her pregnancy as the kittens grow. A pregnant cat may gain 2-4 lbs.
Enlarged Abdomen
In the second half of pregnancy, your cat’s belly will enlarge as the kittens take up more room. An enlarged, rounded abdomen is a clear sign of pregnancy.
Behavior Changes
Your pregnant cat may display nesting behaviors. She may frequently reposition blankets and other objects to create a nesting area for the kittens. She may also become more affectionate and desire more attention.
Decreased Appetite
Some cats lose their appetite in the last 2-3 days of pregnancy as labor approaches. This is temporary and her appetite should return after giving birth.
Visible Kitten Movement
In the final week of pregnancy, you may see the kittens moving inside your cat’s belly as they shift position.
Preparing for Birthing
About 1-2 weeks before birth, you should take the following steps to prepare for the kittens:
- Set up a birthing area. Place blankets, towels, newspaper in a warm, quiet area of your home.
- Have supplies on hand like dental floss and scissors to tie/cut the umbilical cords.
- Consider an emergency vet fund in case a Cesarean is needed.
- Feed kitten formula and bottles in case supplemental feeding is needed.
- Line up homes for the kittens, if you cannot keep them yourself.
Make sure your pregnant cat is cared for leading up to birth. Feed her high-quality cat food and keep her calm and comfortable.
Birthing Process
When your cat goes into labor, here is what you can expect:
Stage 1 Labor
This early stage may last 12-24 hours. Your cat will seem restless. She may purr, pant, hide, or try to find a secure place to give birth.
Stage 2 Labor
Strong contractions begin. Your cat may lick her genitals frequently and vomit. Kittens should be born within 2 hours of strong contractions starting.
Stage 3 Labor
Delivery of kittens! Each kitten is born in a sac that the mother will lick and nibble to open. After birth, the mother will bite through the cord and eat the afterbirth.
Stage 4 Labor
Final stage of labor when any last kittens are born. Can last up to 8 hours. The mother will continue having small contractions to expel placental tissues.
If your cat struggles to give birth or has contractions lasting over 1 hour without a kitten born, contact your vet immediately.
Caring for Newborn Kittens
To care for kittens after birth:
- Make sure kittens are nursing and staying warm
- Cut and tie umbilical cords if needed
- Do not handle kittens for the first 2 weeks to prevent stressing the mother
- Weigh kittens daily to ensure they are growing
- Vaccinate kittens starting at 8 weeks old
Kittens will need supplemented care if the mother cat struggles with nursing. Consult your vet on bottle feeding kittens if needed.
Spaying After Pregnancy
It’s recommended to spay your cat after her kittens are weaned, typically around 8 weeks old. Spaying prevents future litters you may not have homes for. There are already many kittens in need of adoption.
Conclusion
On average, cats have litters of 4-6 kittens. Litter size is influenced by the cat’s age, breed, health, and whether it’s her first pregnancy. With preparation and proper care, your pregnant cat can have a healthy, problem-free delivery of kittens.