Pregnancy brings big changes to a cat’s body. Her metabolism speeds up, her energy needs rise steadily, and by the end of pregnancy she needs significantly more food than usual. The right diet helps her stay healthy, give birth safely and produce enough milk for her kittens.
What to Feed a Pregnant Cat
Most vets recommend switching a pregnant cat to a complete kitten food or a food labeled for “growth and reproduction” or “all life stages.” These foods contain more calories, protein, fat, calcium and other nutrients than adult foods, which is exactly what a pregnant and nursing cat needs. Make the switch gradually over about a week, ideally from early pregnancy, or at the latest by the second half of pregnancy. She can stay on kitten food until her kittens are weaned.
Choose a complete and balanced food from a reputable manufacturer, and offer both wet and dry food if she likes them. Read more: how to switch your cat to a new food.
How Much Should a Pregnant Cat Eat?
Pregnancy in cats lasts about 63–65 days (around 9 weeks). Unlike many animals, cats start to need more food early in pregnancy, and their needs increase steadily:
- from the first weeks, gradually increase her food;
- by the end of pregnancy, she’ll usually need around 25–50% more food than before;
- as her belly grows, she may not have room for big meals, so offer small meals often, or leave dry kitten food available all day;
- she should gain weight steadily, but not become overweight;
- always provide plenty of fresh water.
Your vet can advise how much to feed based on her weight and body condition. Read more about pregnancy in cats.
Don’t give supplements to a pregnant cat unless your vet prescribes them. A complete kitten food contains all the vitamins and minerals she needs. Extra calcium during pregnancy can actually increase the risk of eclampsia (dangerously low blood calcium) after birth, and too much vitamin A can harm the kittens.
What Not to Feed
- raw meat, raw fish and unpasteurized milk, which can carry bacteria and parasites;
- homemade diets, which are very difficult to balance for a pregnant cat;
- table scraps and foods that are toxic to cats. Read more: foods cats should never eat;
- weight-loss or “light” foods.
Appetite Changes Before Birth
Many cats eat less or stop eating 12–24 hours before giving birth. This is normal. But if your pregnant cat stops eating at any other time, or eats less for more than a day, call your vet. Read more about cats giving birth and feeding a nursing cat.
