What to feed a pregnant cat – Cats.com

Feeding a pregnant cat may seem as simple as giving it a little more food, but making sure that you receive correct nutrition during this critical moment is essential for both your health and the health of your kittens. Like humans, the body of a cat undergoes significant changes during pregnancy, and their dietary needs change accordingly. In this article, we will guide it through why pregnant cats need special food, what kind of food is better and how much feed it to keep the queen and kittens thriving.

Do pregnant cats need special food?

Pregnancy, although exciting and miraculous, is also a fairly hard job! Kittens cultivation requires a lot of energy, and pregnancy imposes additional demands on a cat’s body. During the approximately nine weeks of gestation, a queen (a cat) suffers dramatic physical changes: its weight increases by 30-50%, its energy requirements increase and its body requires greater amounts of specific nutrients to support the growth and development of its kittens.

A pregnant cat needs more calories, proteins, vitamins and minerals to support:

• Fetal development: Growth kittens require essential nutrients to form healthy bones, organs and immune systems.
• Milk production: After birth, the Queen will need additional nutritional reserves to produce enough milk for her offspring.
• Maternal health: Pregnancy and nursing are physically demanding, so it is vital to keep the queen strong and healthy to avoid complications such as weight loss and decreased immune function.

Feeding the incorrect diet type, or not providing enough food for your additional requirements, can lead to problems such as malnutrition, bad fetal growth and even complications during childbirth. On the other hand, providing appropriate and high quality food can contribute to easier pregnancy and healthier kittens.

What kind of food should I feed a pregnant cat?

Pregnant queens need a high diet in energy, proteins and vitamins and vital minerals to support healthy growth. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com

The best food for a pregnant cat is dense in nutrients, high in protein and formulated to support growth and reproduction.

While adult maintenance foods can meet basic needs, it generally lacks the density of calories and nutrients required during pregnancy. One of the simplest and most effective strategies to provide the calorific requirement and additional nutrients necessary to feed your pregnant cat is to move to a high quality kitten food.

Gatito formulas are higher in:

• Calories: To support greater energy needs
• Protein: For fetal development and milk production
• Fats: To provide energy and support fabric growth
• Calcium and phosphorus: To develop bones
• Omega-3 fatty acids: as DHA to support the development of the brain and the eyes in the kittens

Not all kittens are the same. Choose a product of a good reputation manufacturer that uses high quality ingredients and has a nutritional research history. Look for a food labeled as “complete and balanced” for growth or reproduction by AAFCO (FEED American Control Officials Association) standards.

By changing your cat to kitten food, or any appropriate diet for the pregnancy you choose, always present the new diet gradually in the course of 7-10 days, to prevent belly disorders.

Is wet food or dry food better for pregnant cats?

While dry food is convenient and dense in calories, including wet food in your cat’s diet can help with hydration and can be easier for her to eat as her belly expands. Wet food is also often tastier, which can be useful if your appetite fluctuates.

Also read: Food Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: What is better for cats?

Add supplements

Healthy and pregnant cats in a balanced commercial diet should not need vitamin or mineral supplements. In fact, giving additional supplements can do more harm than good. Add unnecessary calcium supplements, for example, can interfere with adequate bone development or lead to eclampsia during breastfeeding. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding supplements to a cat’s diet.

How much to feed a pregnant cat

Providing optimal nutrition is important during pregnancy and breastfeeding. ESIN Deniz / Shuttersock.com

The appetite of a pregnant cat generally increases in the course of pregnancy, and its energy needs can almost double at the end of pregnancy. In addition, it is possible that you can only eat small food portions at the same time, so it is possible that you should adjust your feeding schedule.

Giving established instructions is impossible, since each cat is different. How much feed depends on its size, the amount of kittens it carries and its level of activity.

Penal feed guidelines

• Weeks 1–3: Most cats will eat their usual amount of food during the early stages of pregnancy. No important changes are needed. This is a good time to make the transition slowly to a kitten diet, if it has not yet done so.
• Weeks 4–6: This is when fetal growth really begins to accelerate. Start gradually increasing its food intake by around 10-20% per week.
• Weeks 7–9: At this stage, your abdomen will be remarkably larger, and your appetite can reach your maximum or fluctuar. Offer smaller and more frequent meals to accommodate your limited stomach space.

Some owners choose to leave dried food all day during pregnancy and late breastfeeding, especially for low weight dining rooms or chisks. However, it is important to avoid the temptation of supercharging, which can lead to obesity and complicate delivery. Your veterinarian can help you evaluate your cat’s body and make custom food recommendations.

Postpartum nutrition

Do not change your cat’s food immediately after she gives birth. Continue feeding kitten food while breastfeeding, since breastfeeding requires even more energy than pregnancy. Once the kittens are weaned, around 8 weeks, you can gradually make the transition back to their usual adult maintenance foods.