How many kittens can a cat have in one litter?

A cat can give birth to 1 to 8 kittens in one litter, with most having 3 to 6 and a few producing more than ten at once. The number in a single litter is related to the mother cat’s physical condition, nutrition, and the health of the stud. For a first-time mother, the litter is usually not large, often just 2 to 4; the second litter may have 3 to 6, and the third can reach 6 to 8. If a cat gives birth to too many kittens at once, the weaker ones may suffer from poor nutrition and lower survival rates, so owners should watch the kittens closely and hand-rear any that are especially weak.