Expert: Marcia Owen - 3/21/2010

Question
QUESTION: my Meatloaf is pregnant.

I'm kind of worried though because gestation is only about 65 days, right?

Well I'm not sure the exact date of mating, because I was trying to keep her separated from the other cats during her heat.

It started on January 6th and ended on January 13th. So sometime in between there.

So, even if she mated on January 13th, that would make her about 67 days pregnant wouldn't it?

Or should I subtract 5 days to each day (Since it takes about 5 days for the egg to reach the uterus) therefore she would only be 62 days pregnant?

So she would be inbetween 62 days and 69 days now?

should I be worried???
what should I do

ANSWER: Dear Desirai

Sorry for the delay in replying but as I am in the UK there is the time difference - luckily I am up early this morning.

Calculations for the due date are counted from the day of mating so you are correct in your dates.  If you can still see the babies moving then all is well but as most cats do become pregnant from the first 2-3 days of mating, I would suggest that you take her to visit the vet as I would not be happy for them to be this overdue.  I have had a cat go over by 7 days but would not want it to be left any longer than that.

I assume that the matings were witnessed?  Otherwise it could be that she did not not mate until the end of the dates you give so therefore I would not be unduly worried at the moment.

Marcia

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes I can feel and see the kittens moving. They wiggle like worms! :)

I did witness the mating, or rather heard it in the back room, and by the time I reached the pair they had separated. It was an accident but I couldn't bring myself to abort. I think she only has 2 in there anyway.

So, if I do have my dates correct, then the 22nd would be the 70th day of pregnancy. and I have read in some cases a cat gives birth on the 70th day. If she doesn't give birth by then I will make her an appointment with the vet.
I hope she will be ok, thx for the info

ANSWER: Hi Desirai

Yes indeed 70 days is not uncommon.  However if she hasn't had them then, then just a visit to the vet is best.  If she is not having many then there is always the possibility that she may not start on her own.  I have known this happen sometimes.

Good luck.

Marcia.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: AIIIII She had them this morning at 6 am!!

3 healthy babies! A gray one that has extra toes and 2 white ones. d'awww~~

I can't tell their genders... how do I tell? All 3 have saggy skin right below their butts.

Thanks for your help! I'm so happy! :)

Answer
Wonderful news!

I wouldn't worry too much at this stage about what sexes they are.  Its always easier to tell the difference if you have both sexes but basically there is a short distance between the anus and the vagina in the female but in the male this is longer and it looks like there are two small bumps in the middle of the two.  This is perhaps a good link for a diagram.

Marcia