Gestation tracker

Key developments

• Fertilisation in the fallopian tubes
• Rapid cell division: zygote → morula → blastocyst
• Embryos migrate toward the uterine horn

Practical tips

• Normal diet — no changes needed
• Avoid any medication not prescribed by a vet
• Keep the queen away from toxic products (pesticides, essential oils)

Key developments

• Implantation in the uterine wall (around D12-14)
• Formation of the trophoblast (future placenta)
• Start of embryogenesis: three germ layers forming

Practical tips

• No change in diet needed
• Delay deworming unless advised by a vet
• No visible sign of pregnancy yet

Key developments

• Organogenesis: heart, neural tube and major organs forming
• Heartbeats visible on ultrasound around D20-21
• Spine and limb buds taking shape

Practical tips

• First ultrasound recommended from D20
• Pregnancy can be confirmed clinically by an experienced vet
• Avoid intense stress (moving, shows)

Key developments

• Limb buds, eyelids and ears developing
• Cartilaginous skeleton beginning to ossify
• All major organs taking shape

Practical tips

• Gradually increase food intake (+10–15%)
• Switch to kitten or gestation/lactation food rich in protein
• Ideal window to count embryos by ultrasound (D21-28)

Key developments

• Sexual differentiation visible on ultrasound
• Claws and whiskers (vibrissae) forming
• Hair follicles in place — coat not yet visible

Practical tips

• Rations +25–30% of baseline, split into 3–4 meals
• Provide constant access to water and food
• Weight gain in the queen is now clearly visible

Key developments

• Coat beginning to form across the body
• Ears and muzzle well formed — recognisably feline face
• Very active kittens — movements sometimes palpable

Practical tips

• Set up the kittening box in a quiet, secluded spot
• The queen may begin exploring her future nesting area
• Gradually reduce intense physical activity

Key developments

• Lungs nearly mature — breathing movements visible on ultrasound
• Skeleton fully ossified and visible on X-ray (from D45)
• Kittens viable if born prematurely with intensive care

Practical tips

• X-ray recommended from D45 for precise kitten count
• Finalise the kittening box setup with absorbent bedding
• Prepare birthing kit (towels, scales, thermometer)

Key developments

• Rapid weight gain — kittens building fat reserves
• Lung maturation complete
• Kittens gradually positioning for birth

Practical tips

• Take rectal temperature 1–2×/day (drop below 37.8 °C = birth within 12–24 h)
• Keep the emergency vet's number handy
• Monitor appetite: a decrease is normal in the 24 h before delivery

Key developments

• Delivery between D61 and D70 — average D63–65
• Full-term kittens ready for birth
• Colostrum reserves formed in the mother

Practical tips

• Never leave the queen alone — record the arrival time of each kitten
• Interval > 2 h between births = veterinary emergency
• Consult a vet if no birth after D68 (prolonged gestation)