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Cats are known for their mysterious and independent nature, often leaving us wondering about the various aspects of their lives. One of the most intriguing questions cat owners often find themselves pondering is whether or not their furry friend is carrying a precious litter of kittens. Recognizing the signs of pregnancy in cats can be a challenging task as their bodies undergo subtle changes. In this guide, we will explore the telltale signs and behaviors that can help you determine if your cat is indeed expecting. From physical changes to behavioral patterns, we will arm you with the knowledge to identify the early indications of feline pregnancy, allowing you to provide the necessary care and support for your cat during this exciting phase of her life. Whether you are a seasoned cat owner or a curious observer, buckle up as we embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of feline pregnancy.
This article was co-written by Natalie Punt, DVM. Natalie Punt is a veterinarian, founder and CEO of mPet. She specializes in small animal emergency, general medicine and veterinary economics. Punt holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of California, Davis, a master’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Buffalo, and a veterinarian degree from the Western University of Health Sciences.
There are 8 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 316,898 times.
The usual gestation period for cats is about 9 weeks. At the beginning of pregnancy, they will show physical as well as behavioral changes. [1] X Research Source You should be able to determine if your cat is pregnant from these changes. The best way to know for sure is to take them to the vet. Unless you’re a breeder, you need to have your cat spayed; otherwise, over-breeding will result in many kittens dying because they cannot find shelter.
Steps
Recognizing Birth Marks
- Female cats often find mates when the days are longer and the weather warms, usually between spring and fall.
- Female cats usually begin their reproductive cycle when the weather warms up and when they have grown to about 80% body mass. In other words, after four months of age, cats will be able to reproduce in unusual circumstances.
- Cats entering the early breeding period will show signs of insecurity, become more affectionate, begin to make soft meows, and have a greater appetite. [3] X Research Sources
- When female cats enter estrus, they will begin to “meow” frequently and continuously, and may become more anorexic.
- The female cat in heat will be more affectionate with people, rolling back and forth, raising her hips high and bending her hind legs and wagging her tail to the side. [4] X Research Sources[5] X Research Sources
- In the case of knowing that cats have begun breeding period, their ability to become pregnant is certain.
- After mating, the female cat will enter the “quiet phase” lasting 8 to 10 days and become calmer. However, after this period cats will continue to mate from mid-April to September . [6] X Research Source
- To prevent cats from continuing to mate / or accidentally becoming pregnant, you should neuter them as soon as possible to ensure health safety.
Know the Signs of Pregnancy
- Breasts grow larger, and can secrete milk.
- The phenomenon of nipple development is also a sign that the cat is in estrus, so this is not a basis for knowing that the cat is pregnant.
- Most female cats usually have a donkey-like body later in pregnancy.
- In case your cat is gaining weight but not pregnant, the whole body will be heavier and bigger, not only the belly but also the neck and legs will grow.
- Your pet cat may find a quiet, secluded place like a closet and begin to remove blankets, towels, or some sheets to make a nest for the birth.
- In case your cat’s nesting behavior is detected and you do not realize they are pregnant, it is advisable to bring it to the veterinarian for a prenatal checkup.
Taking Care of Pregnant Cats
- Let the doctor examine the cat’s abdomen; After about 17 to 25 days, an experienced doctor can feel the development of the embryo.
- You should let the doctor examine your cat’s pregnancy, do not touch them because it will easily cause miscarriage. [8] X Research Sources
- The doctor can detect the heartbeat when the fetus is 20 days old by ultrasound method.
- Your veterinarian will usually perform two scans to monitor the kitten’s abdomen and number of kittens and detect potential problems.
- X-rays are not harmful to your cat or to the kittens in the womb.
- Filmography will determine the number of kittens more accurately than ultrasound, although this method is also not 100% correct.
- Consult your doctor before giving your cat medication, including dewormers, or after giving birth.
- Since the kittens in the womb are always growing rapidly in the late stages of pregnancy, you need to feed your beloved cat a growth diet so that they have enough energy to supply the kittens.
- You can prepare a drive or a paper box to keep in the house. Place the nest in a warm, dry, quiet place and cover it with newspaper or an old towel or blanket.
- Keep food, water, and a toilet near the litter and lay the cat in it until it gives birth. [13] X Research Source
Warning
- Millions of feral cats die each year due to their overpopulation. So you need to neuter your cat to avoid causing this phenomenon. Spay your cats before 5 or 6 months of age so they can’t get pregnant.
- Some veterinarians will recommend “abortion” or sterilization of pregnant cats. Others do not recommend this beyond a specific point in pregnancy, while other doctors will perform surgery at any time during pregnancy.
- Female cats don’t usually have “morning sickness,” so if they start vomiting frequently or show other signs of unusual health, you need to take them to the vet.
This article was co-written by Natalie Punt, DVM. Natalie Punt is a veterinarian, founder and CEO of mPet. She specializes in small animal emergency, general medicine and veterinary economics. Punt holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of California, Davis, a master’s degree in biochemistry from the University of Buffalo, and a veterinarian degree from the Western University of Health Sciences.
There are 8 references cited in this article that you can see at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 316,898 times.
The usual gestation period for cats is about 9 weeks. At the beginning of pregnancy, they will show physical as well as behavioral changes. [1] X Research Source You should be able to determine if your cat is pregnant from these changes. The best way to know for sure is to take them to the vet. Unless you’re a breeder, you need to have your cat spayed; otherwise, over-breeding will result in many kittens dying because they cannot find shelter.
In conclusion, being able to determine whether a cat is pregnant is essential for their overall health and well-being. By observing their physical and behavioral changes, as well as consulting with a veterinarian, it is possible to successfully detect feline pregnancy. Whether it is the presence of mammary gland enlargement, noticeable weight gain, changes in appetite, or altered behaviors, these signs provide valuable hints about the cat’s pregnancy status. Regular vet visits and proper care are vital during this period to ensure the health of both the mother and her unborn kittens. Remember, detecting pregnancy early on allows cat owners to provide proper care and plan for the arrival of new kittens, leading to a smooth and successful pregnancy journey.
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