Congratulations! Your tabby cat is expecting and soon will fill your house with a litter of tiny little kittens. Be prepared for all the meowing, chasing around and constant feeding sessions that will follow once the little bundle of joys are born.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
We know that you are excited and anxious at the same time. You look forward to the D-Day, the delivery day, and yet, right now you are concerned about your tabby’s health and wellbeing. You want to give her the best maternal care that you can afford.
So, just sit back and relax because we have got you covered.
Understanding Pregnancy in Cats
Pregnancy in cats usually lasts between 63-67 days. However, it is difficult to tell exactly when the cat got pregnant so until there is a visible baby bump, your cat will show no clear signs of pregnancy and will behave normally.
After a few weeks have passed, you will be able to detect your cat’s pregnancy by noticing a few physical and behavioral changes. Like humans, cats too experience morning sickness, enlargement of breasts and nipples, and weight gain.
And oh yes… the same way in humans, pregnant women go on a roller coaster ride of emotions and mood swings, your tabby cat, might too experience extreme mood fluctuations. Sometimes, she will be overly loving, and will purr around you, asking for your attention, whereas other times, she will hiss, scratch and avoid you. So, be prepared to handle her mood swings.
Most pregnant cats start to avoid their usual meals and become more picky about their diet. If your cat is doing the same, we advise that you should change her diet and have a look at our 2020’s best food for pregnant cats for selecting the finest meal for your tabby cat.
Dietary Needs for Pregnant Cats
Remember, your pregnant cat is now not just eating a meal for one but is also eating the meal that her kittens need for their fetal development. She will be hungry and will want big portions of food.
Pregnant cats need more proteins and calories in their diet. Adult cat foods contain somewhere between 30% and 50% protein component which is not sufficient for your pregnant cat’s new needs. Therefore, vets recommend, switching your cat’s diet from adult cat food to a kitten formula that has all the essential nutrients that kittens need while growing up.
Moreover, kitten formulas are prepared for kittens’ sensitive digestive and immune systems. So, a kitten formula is the best feed for your pregnant cat to boost her immunity and ease digestion.
Some basic components that a pregnant cat’s food must have are:
- Protein
- Good fats
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Digestive enzymes
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Water
- Probiotics
The 4 Best Cat Foods for Pregnant Cats
Now that you’ve found out about pregnant cats and their health needs, we can get into which cat foods are best for your cat while she’s pregnant. Here are our top four choices.
1. Purina ONE Natural Dry Kitten Food, Healthy Kitten
Purina’s One Natural Formula is a high protein food that supports your pregnant cat’s nutritional needs perfectly.
Made with real chicken and rich in all the essential nutrients, this kitten formula is gentle on your cat’s stomach and gives her the physical energy and mental strength she needs during this difficult time.
It is ideal for her and her kitten’s weight management, bones and muscles growth and the health of their immune and digestive system.
2. Purina ONE True Instinct Grain Free High Protein, Natural Formula Adult Dry and Wet Cat Food
This protein rich formula is made from real ocean whitefish. Every kibble is designed to offer your fuzzy little queen the crispy crunch she needs to feel with every bite.
It contains all the goodness of a nutrient rich balanced diet and has a perfect combination of all the essential minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, omega fatty acids and enzymes she needs to maintain a healthy immune system and build strong bones and muscles.
Purina ONE True Instinct Grain Free High Protein, Natural Formula for pregnant cats is grain free and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
It is ideal for your cat and definitely tops the list as the best food for pregnant cats.
3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Kitten Pate Wet Cat Food
Made with real chicken, this grain free, wet kitten food contains DHA to promote the healthy brain development of unborn kittens. For your pregnant cat, this protein rich food is best for her muscle growth.
Its smooth texture, combined with moisture helps your cat to chew, swallow and digest the food with ease. Made with 100% natural ingredients, Blue Buffalo, is rich in all the vital vitamins and minerals that your tabby needs for her healthy pregnancy.
This food is made without wheat and does not have any corn, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
It is the best food for pregnant cats and their soon to be born kittens.
4. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Kitten, Chicken Recipe
Your pregnant tabby cat needs the best of the best for her and her kitten’s nutritional needs. She needs a lot more energy than she has ever required in order to give birth to her litter of kittens.
Hills Science Diet Dry Cat and Kitten Food is carefully formulated for the developmental needs of your cat and her kittens. It contains DHA extracted from real fish oils for the healthy eye and brain development of the unborn kittens.
Made with premium quality ingredients, this cat food is rich in protein to support the cat’s muscle growth and bone development.
Packed with all the vital vitamins and minerals, this balanced diet is ideal for your cat and her babies’ healthy growth.
Our Final Thoughts
We understand that you and your pregnant cat are going through a tough time, but we assure you that all this hassle will seem nothing compared to the joy that you will experience on the birth of little ones.
We wish you and your cat a safe and happy pregnancy, with the hope that you will find our list of best foods for pregnant cats useful during these trying times.
