Feeding your cat properly is critical during pregnancy and nursing. Malnutrition can result in low birth weight of the kittens and put them at risk for several health conditions resulting in a reduced survival rate1. The goal is optimal nourishment for both the mother and her kittens. Here are the nutritional priorities:
- Increased energy for the growth of kittens and milk production for the mother
- Increased protein for growth and development of the kittens
- Increased fat to meet the high demand for calories of the mother
- Increased calcium and phosphorus for bone growth of kittens and milk production of their mother
- High digestibility to provide more calories in a smaller amount of food
Key questions and answers about pregnancy and nutritional priorities.
Why are increased energy and fat so important?
Increased energy and fat are important because pregnant and nursing cats have extremely high energy needs. Nursing is the most energy-demanding stage of a cat’s life. Nursing cats have 2 to 6 times the energy requirements of a healthy adult cat.
What is digestibility and why is it important?
Digestibility is how much eaten food is actually absorbed by the cat’s body. High digestibility is important because a pregnant cat’s energy needs are very high and there is less physical space in the abdomen.
What should I feed my pregnant or nursing cat?
It is extremely important to feed your pregnant or nursing cat food that provides the increased nutrition she needs. We recommend feeding Hill’s Science Plan Kitten food as soon as you discover your cat is pregnant. These formulas are rich in essential nutrients and support the development of the kittens. It’s always best to talk to your veterinarian about a food recommendation for your pregnant or nursing cat.
Tasty Tips
How should these foods be fed to pregnant or nursing cats?
- Pregnant cats: Feed the suggested amount on the packaging. Continue to feed a kitten food to the mother until her kittens are weaned.
- Nursing cats: Leave food available for the mother at all times after the kittens are born. This will ultimately help to wean the kittens to a regular food and provide the mother with high-energy food she will need during this time.
How long is a cat pregnant?
Typical gestation (pregnancy) averages 63-65 days2. We recommend that you see a veterinarian weekly during pregnancy and nursing to assess weight and food intake. Please speak with your veterinarian to determine how often your cat should be examined during pregnancy and after the birth of her kittens.
When do I wean my kittens?
Weaning is usually a gradual process. Most kittens begin eating solid food between 3-4 weeks of age. Weaning should be effectively completed between 6-10 weeks of age3.
Initial kitten care priorities.
It is recommended that you keep a record of your kitten’s weight, stools, development and activity every 1 or 2 days (especially in the first two weeks after birth)4 and schedule a check-up with your veterinarian.
1 Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th Edition. Reproducing Cats; Pregnancy p. 3212 Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th Edition. Reproducing Cats; Assessment p. 321
3 Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th Edition. Reproducing Cats; Weaning; p. 328
4 Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th Edition. Growing Kittens; p.329
Related products
Perfect Digestion Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Perfect Digestion Cat Food with Chicken & Brown Rice nourishes your cat's unique microbiome and helps them reach their full potential.
Hairball & Perfect Coat Adult Dry Cat Food with Chicken
Hill's Science Plan Hairball & Perfect Coat Adult Cat Food with Chicken is formulated to effectively help avoid hairball formation in adult cats while promoting a beautiful coat. Thanks to its mix of essential omega-6 fatty acids, this food benefits the cat's skin and fur, keeping them healthy and shiny. Our Advanced Fibre Technology helps reduce hairballs by naturally promoting their passage through the gut. This food is formulated with high-quality protein for a perfectly balanced, great-tasting recipe.
Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Sensitive Stomach & Skin Adult Wet Cat Food with Turkey is a complete pet food for adult cats, aged 1–6 years. This highly digestible wet food comes in a pouch and supports healthy digestion, as well as nourishes skin and promotes a thick and lustrous coat.
Sterilised Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Sterilised Cat Dry Food with Salmon is specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology. It is a precisely balanced nutrition, tailored to meet the needs of sterilised cats, to help keep them lean & healthy.
Related articles
Hill's Cat Foods: Nutritional Balance Just for Indoor Cats
Find the right Hill
How Often Should You Feed A Cat?
Feeding time can be a wonderful bonding opportunity for you and your cat. Find out how to make the most of it and create a healthy habit with HIll's Pet UK.
How To Support Your Cat’s Digestion
Find out about how you can support your cat's digestion to boost overall health. Diet is key to a long and happy life for your cat, so discover what you can do.
How To Feed a Cat With a Sensitive Stomach
Discover what you can do to spot and support a sensitive cat stomach. See what routines and food you can implement to help your cat be happy and healthy.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.