Cat & Dog Pregnancy: A Complete Guide for Owners

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How Pregnancy is Confirmed

Pregnancy in dogs and cats can be confirmed by abdominal ultrasound from approximately 21–25 days post-ovulation. Foetal heartbeats are typically detectable from day 25–28. Abdominal palpation by an experienced veterinarian may detect pregnancy from approximately day 28–30. Progesterone testing during the cycle helps confirm ovulation timing, making it easier to predict the expected due date.

Dog Pregnancy (Canine Gestation)

• Duration: Approximately 63 days (57–65 days) from ovulation
• Week 1–3: Fertilisation and implantation. No visible signs. Maintain normal diet and exercise.
• Week 4: Embryos approximately 1.5cm. Morning sickness may occur. Increased appetite begins. Vet check recommended.
• Week 5–6: Foetuses rapidly growing. Abdomen begins to enlarge. Increase food by 25–50%. Switch to puppy food for higher nutrition.
• Week 7–8: Foetal movements visible through abdomen. Nipples enlarge and produce colostrum. Prepare whelping box. Nesting behaviour begins.
• Week 9: Temperature drops below 37.8°C (100°F) approximately 12–24 hours before labour. Active labour follows.

Cat Pregnancy (Feline Gestation)

• Duration: Approximately 63–67 days from mating
• Signs: 'Pinking up' of nipples at 2–3 weeks is the earliest reliable sign. Weight gain from week 4. Appetite increases. Nesting behaviour from week 7–8.
• Foetal count: Ultrasound can estimate litter size from day 28. X-rays from day 45+ give the most accurate count.

Nutrition During Pregnancy

During the last third of pregnancy and throughout nursing, energy requirements increase dramatically — up to 2–4x maintenance for nursing queens/bitches. Feed a high-quality puppy or kitten food (higher calorie density and nutritional support) from mid-pregnancy onwards. Fresh water must be available at all times.

Signs of Labour

• Temperature drop to below 37.8°C (measure rectally 2x daily from day 58)
• Restlessness, panting, nesting
• Loss of appetite in the 24 hours before labour
• Mucus discharge from vulva
• Active straining and abdominal contractions

When to Call the Vet — Labour Emergencies

• 30+ minutes of active straining with no puppy/kitten born
• More than 2 hours between births with active straining
• Greenish-black discharge before the first birth (normal after, not before)
• Signs of pain, collapse or extreme distress
• Retained foetus visible in birth canal

The 25-Day Scan — What a Negative Result Means

A negative ultrasound result at 25 days post-insemination does not always definitively rule out pregnancy. The exact timing of ovulation relative to mating can vary. If ovulation was later than estimated, embryos may not yet be visible. A repeat scan at 30–35 days post-insemination is the most reliable confirmation window.