How many cats do cats usually give birth to?

How many kittens can a cat give birth to at one time?
The number of babies in a litter is influenced by many factors: mother’s age, breed, previous births, living conditions. The number of kittens also depends on the cat’s species: a young but sexually inactive cat will produce more offspring than a cat that fertilizes several cats at the same time. Generally speaking, it is natural for cats to give birth to more than two kittens at a time.

What does multiple pregnancy depend on?

By assessing the age, condition, and contents of a future mother cat, you can make a guess at how many babies there will be. Generally, kittens will give birth to between one and three kittens during their first pregnancy. Older cats also give birth to smaller numbers of kittens. However, for such a cat, it is better not to give birth at all: this can lead to complications. Purebred pets usually give birth to one or two kittens, and rarely six or more at a time, but of course there are exceptions. In addition, external conditions can also influence multiple births: the more comfortable the cat feels, the more kittens she can give birth to. Insufficient food supplies, lack of warm shelter, and ongoing stress can reduce fertility rates.
Inbreeding cats, especially those that reproduce multiple times, often result in abundant offspring – from three or more kittens. Free-roaming and mated cats are more likely to give birth to more than three babies, as cats can have offspring simultaneously by mating with different cats. However, this is not the best way to get pregnant: pets can become infected with sexually transmitted infections.

How many kittens can be born?

If all goes well, the cat will be able to give birth to at least one kitten. The average fertility rate is four to five. A multi-kid cat can be considered a cat that has given birth to six or more kittens. Some barn cats can give birth to up to ten kits at a time. The Guinness Book of Records records that a cat gave birth to 19 kittens, but only 15 survived, which is a lot.
A cat’s peak fertility period occurs around the second or third year of life. At this age, the pet can give birth to the maximum number of kittens at one time. Cat abilities are genetically determined: if a woman gives birth to children in a large family, she is likely to be able to give birth to many children herself.

How to know how many kittens there will be

The most reliable method is the result of ultrasound. Take the time to take the expectant mother to the vet to find out in advance how her offspring will fare. This will protect you from surprises and lesions during delivery, plus it will give you time to prepare since four people will require more space than one.
It is not recommended to feel the belly to determine the number of kittens yourself. Without an accurate understanding of your cat’s anatomy, palpation can harm the kitten in the uterus or even cause uterine contractions. The folk method of determining by the number of swollen nipples (corresponding to the number of babies) is unreliable, so an ultrasound is best.
Before giving birth, it’s important to know how many kittens are expected so you can accommodate them all and worry if something goes wrong. Often, births, especially those of large litters, are followed by a gasping process: at a certain point, labor stops, breathing and heartbeat begin to return to normal, the cat can even stand up and drink water, and after a few minutes, labor recover. It is important not to be deceived and wait until the birth is over, otherwise kittens that are not born in time will die and the cat will have to undergo surgery. If necessary, labor can be stimulated.

You can tell if there is still an unborn baby by looking at the abdomen: tightness and tightness indicate that labor is not over yet. On the contrary, a soft belly is a sign that all kittens have been born.

Is a lot good or bad?

Large and small numbers of pups each have their drawbacks and advantages. Eight kittens, like one kitten, are not always good.
Raising multiple babies requires a lot of resources from the cat to give birth and feed. If the expectant mother is in poor health, is too young, or on the contrary, is already of advanced age, she will need artificial help. Otherwise, everything will end sadly: some kittens will die in the womb, and the cat’s lifespan will be significantly shortened. Good nutrition, vitamins, a warm, comfortable environment, and constant veterinary supervision will help give birth to a healthy baby and keep the mother healthy.
But even a healthy and experienced female cat may not be able to cope with so many offspring: there won’t be enough energy or milk. Babies are troublesome, and cats may feel stressed after having their babies from having to take care of everyone. It happens that kittens are born with more nipples than their mother, and the weaker and smaller kittens are deprived of food due to their more active and stronger siblings. Human care will also come in handy to keep everyone out of the trash.
One or two cubs isn’t always good either. Generally speaking, smaller kittens are larger and therefore more difficult to deliver. Kittens may become stuck in the birth canal and require a C-section. Cats with one litter may develop mastitis due to excess and stagnant milk in the mammary glands.
In general, pregnancy and delivery are always difficult and expensive for pets and kittens, regardless of breed, initial health, age, or number of babies. It is necessary to objectively assess risks and be prepared to deal with possible difficulties. Sometimes, in addition to taking care of the pet’s health, owners also have to take on the responsibilities of a female cat. If you’re prepared to take responsibility, the number of kittens won’t matter so much.