A pregnant cat has unique nutritional requirements, and it is crucial to ensure she receives all the necessary nutrients.
Cat owners should provide proper nutrition to support the health of the mother cat and her developing kittens. However, they should also know the health risks of repeated birthing and not spaying their lovable cats.
Frequent heat cycles, unintended pregnancies if the cat is allowed to roam outdoors, risk of developing infections, reproductive diseases, behavioral issues, escaping homes in search of mates and getting lost, injured, and meeting with accidents are just a few hazards to name.
Allow your cat the joy of motherhood, and consider being equipped with cat insurance, although it doesn’t cover giving birth. With cheap pet insurance, your furry precious can be covered for basic medical care during accidental injuries, sickness, and medical emergencies, so why not contemplate purchasing a policy?
In the meantime, read this article to learn top nutrition tips to ensure the health and well-being of your pregnant kitty.
1.Species appropriate nutrition rich diet
Switching from a regular commercial cat diet to a premium one containing top-grade ingredients, preferably organic, specifically formulated for pregnant feline needs, is recommended. Animal proteins and fats play a crucial role in providing optimal energy, repairing tissues, and supporting the healthy development of baby kittens. While some cat owners prefer raw or homemade diets, it is advisable to make gradual upgrades to the current food to maintain consistency and avoid drastic changes during pregnancy.
2.Supplementary meals
During pregnancy, a kitty requires additional calories to support her body’s nutritional needs and also those of her litter, typically consisting of two to five kittens. Besides providing high-quality, cat-specific food, it is important to gradually increase calorie intake as the pregnancy advances.
Unlike humans, fats are the primary energy source of felines. By increasing this constituent in the food, the mother’s energy requirements are met, aiding in the proper nourishment of the kittens. Furthermore, during nursing, the mother cat will spend significant energy and require ample fat to produce sufficient milk to feed her offspring.
3.Proteins and minerals
Proteins and minerals are crucial in ensuring bone health, and the mother cat’s milk supply is abundant and rich in nutrients. By providing the necessary calcium and phosphorus, her milk will effectively nourish the baby kittens, promoting their growth and providing them with essential nutrients for a healthy start in life.
4.Digestible food
Given a pregnant cat’s heightened energy and nutrient requirements, opting for a highly digestible food is advisable. Such a food ensures efficient absorption of nutrients and minimal waste production. Also, a highly digestible food provides more calories in a smaller portion, which is beneficial as the mother cat’s abdominal space becomes limited during the kittens’ growth.
A commonly suggested choice for pregnant cats is to feed them formulated kitten food. This type of food can be provided during the entire pregnancy and throughout the lactation period. Regardless of the circumstances, having a pregnant cat examined by a veterinarian is crucial.
They can offer expert advice and tailored recommendations based on the specific needs of the cat, ensuring a healthy pregnancy and the birth of resilient and thriving kittens.
Consider being equipped with cat insurance even while breeding and pregnancy are not covered because physical ailments are often unpredictable, and treatments can be expensive. With cheap pet insurance, your furball can be covered for basic health benefits at affordable costs during unexpected health scenarios and emergencies.
