Pregnant cats have different nutritional needs than usual. When you discover that your cat is pregnant you should discuss the best feeding options with your veterinarian. Your cat will need more calories and nutrients than a cat would normally eat in a day.
Pregnant cats are typically fed kitten food, which meets all of the below nutritional requirements. Your pregnant cat will eat a larger portion than a kitten would. Kitten food packages will list the amount of food that should be fed to a pregnant cat and you should follow those guidelines or the guidelines discussed with your veterinarian.
Your pregnant cat will need a lot of energy to grow her kittens. Energy comes from calories, so it is important that your pregnant cat eats a high calorie diet. She also needs extra protein, which is very important in the growth and development of kittens in the womb. Increased fat content in food will help to increase the number of calories consumed at each feeding. Your pregnant cat will also need increased amounts of the minerals calcium and phosphorus. These minerals are essential to your cat normally, but greater amount of these minerals are required to help with bone development of the developing kittens. The food that your pregnant cat eats should be easily digestible and contain a high percent of calories and nutrients per serving. The room in your cat’s abdomen will be limited during pregnancy due to the space that the kittens take up – so she won’t have as much room in her stomach for food. Feeding nutrient and calorie rich foods allows her to get the essentials she needs easily and comfortably.
It is vitally important that your pregnant cat receive an enhanced diet during pregnancy. Her diet will directly correlate with the health of her kittens. Malnourishment of a mother cat during pregnancy can lead to lower birth rates, higher risks for health problems, and lower rates of survival for the kittens.
