Expert: W - 3/14/2008

Question
Hi!! I'm going to give you a little background, my cat is about 9 months old now and although we got my male cat neutered it seemed it was a little too late, about a week after he was neutered I started to notice signs that my female was pregnant, my male is definitely the father because my cats are indoor cats and have never been outside. However I wasn't around when the actual mating occurred so I have no idea when her actual "due date" is. I have been bringing her to the vet regularly throughout her pregnancy and the pregnancy was confirmed through x-ray. There has been definite fetal/kitten movement, her nipples are huge and crusty with white, she still eats like crazy although she's slowed down a bit, shes been hiding a lot more, and I have recently set up several nesting boxes; she has shown absolutely no interest in any of them until two nights ago, she was arranging the bedding that I had placed in one of them. Other than that nothing, I went by the information that my vet provided and took this week off work to help and assist if I was needed but nothing is happening. Can you please provide me with information concerning when these 5 little critters will possibly be born;I'm so anxious and excited and I have to go back to work monday so I'm getting nervous I wont be here to assist if I'm needed; it is her first litter and she's inexperienced I just want to help her and and signs of imminent birth may help...I've tried taking her temperature too as my vet recommended but she cries when I do it and I feel too guilty to do that anymore. Thanks so much. Sincerely,
Amy

Answer
The gestation for a cat is 65 days from day of mating
It can be two days before and up to three days after. It is almost impossible to be certain when she is due, other than keep watching her. She doe have a plug in her uterus which may be dislodged about 24 hours prior to birth so you might like to watch for that appearing.
Unfortunately cats never deliver on time they always like to keep us guessing. Now she may be due this weekend.
If you want to 'rush' the pregnancy you could request the vet consider giving her something like Oxytocin to encourage her oestrus

In my view I think it would be better to keep your eye on her this weekend. Good luck

Ray