Usually, a cat has 4 to 6 kittens in a litter, with about 4 being the most common number. First-time mothers often have smaller litters, sometimes around 1 to 3 kittens, while larger litters can happen but are less common.

What affects litter size

A cat’s age, health, breed, and whether it’s her first pregnancy can all influence how many kittens are born. Healthy adult cats tend to have more average-sized litters, while younger or older cats may have fewer kittens.

When to worry

If a cat is pregnant and seems to be in labor for a long time without delivering a kitten, a vet should be contacted. Normal labor can still vary a bit, but unusually long straining can signal a problem.

TL;DR: Most cats give birth to 4–6 kittens per litter.