A typical cat pregnancy will last 63 to 69 days, depending on the accuracy of the human's calculations of actual impregnation. Before becoming an animal rescue facility, we owned a cattery with registered Siamese varieties. Our queens almost always birthed on the 63rd day. If a pregnant cat goes beyond 65 days - I'd schedule a vet visit. We also made at least three vet visits during the pregnancy to monitor health (of queen and kittens), and to know when delivery would be likely. This is of utmost help.
This link explores possible complications and other details http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/howto15.html
A cat is usually more than half-way through the pregnancy before showing signs or symptoms of pregnancy. Depending on the overall body shape and weight of the queen (pregnant female feline), you may not be able to really tell she's pregnant until just a couple weeks before delivery.
An experienced vet can palpate a female around 3 weeks or so along and determine pregnancy, or perform a CT Scan, Ultrasound or even X-ray, depending on circumstances and timing. This is highly recommended in order to best know that it's a healthy pregnancy and that both mother and kittens have the best chance for survival.
Cats absolutely need privacy, quiet and a sense of safety and security when delivering. An audience, noise or well meaning humans trying to "help" can stress a cat out to the point of their moving the newborn kittens and putting them in danger; becoming aggressive or cannibalistic toward the kittens or abandoning the kittens. Rarely does a cat need ‘help' - especially if a check up is undertaken at the vet before delivery, confirming overall health of mom and babies.
Leaving mom and babies alone for the 24-48 hours after birth is essential. Do not attempt to change the bedding at this time. Do not bring visitors in to see the kittens. No one should handle the little ones until their eyes open, about 7-10 days and even then, limited handling is recommended as they are still very fragile and mom may be uncomfortable with the interference.
DELIVERY COMPLICATIONS
If contractions last an hour without producing a kitten, this is an emergency situation. Quickly and carefully get your cat and any kittens she may have already had, to your vet.
If you're sure there's a placenta being retained after your cat has finished giving birth, she needs to be seen by your vet quickly. Retained placentas cause uterine infections that are often life threatening.
If a kitten does not emerge from the birth canal in 10 minutes, this is an emergency and you need to be prepared to intervene.
Good luck with your new mom cat and the upcoming kittens.
Own Animal Care org.
Animal Rescue&Care Org Owner; Animal Care author; Animal Behavior Consults.;Cert. Avian Specialist;