How Long Do Cats Carry Their Babies?

The average gestation period for cats is 63 days, although it can vary between 60 and 70 days. This is the time it takes for the kittens to develop from the time of conception until they are born.

Labor and Delivery

The labor and delivery process in cats usually lasts for several hours. The first stage of labor is the dilation of the cervix, which can take several hours. The second stage is the expulsion of the kittens, which usually lasts for a few minutes per kitten. The third stage is the delivery of the placenta, which usually occurs within 15 minutes of the last kitten being born.

After Birth

After birth, the kittens will stay with their mother for several weeks. They will nurse on their mother's milk and gradually start to eat solid food. The mother cat will also teach them how to use the litter box and other important life skills.

Weaning

Most kittens are weaned from their mother's milk by the time they are 8 to 10 weeks old. However, some kittens may continue to nurse for a few weeks longer.

Separation from Mother

Kittens should not be separated from their mother until they are at least 8 weeks old. This is important for their physical and emotional development.