Symptoms Of A Cat Being Pregnant

Cat pregnant symptoms are usually easy to spot, but sometimes they’re more difficult. Read this article to learn more about the different symptoms of a cat being pregnant so you can quickly diagnose them.

Cats can get pregnant at any point in their lives. There are some signs that show if your cat is pregnant and others that show she’s not. Look at these tips to know the difference between the two.

If you notice your cat is pregnant, it can be a stressful time. As the owner of a pregnant cat, you want to do everything you can to help her have a healthy pregnancy and birth. Here are some common symptoms that indicate if your cat is pregnant.

Behavioral Changes

Pregnant cats will typically become more affectionate towards their owners and family members. They may also be more vocal than normal, and they may even want to sleep on your bed.

Weight Gain

If your cat is pregnant, she will likely gain weight over the course of her pregnancy. The amount of weight gain will depend on the length of gestation and size of litter. Expectant mothers may also have increased thirst during this time.

Increased Urination And Vomiting

As a result of increased blood flow to the uterus during pregnancy, expectant mothers will often urinate more frequently than usual and may vomit occasionally as well.

If your cat has been behaving strangely, it might be time to check for signs of pregnancy.

The first thing you should do if you think your cat is pregnant is to take her to the vet. They will be able to confirm or deny the possibility of pregnancy, and can recommend whether or not you need to bring your kitty in for further testing.

If your vet says that it’s possible that your cat is pregnant, there are a few other things that can help determine if and when she is going to deliver. Here are some signs that may indicate that your cat is pregnant:

• She’s gained weight (especially around her belly)
• Her nipples become more swollen and darker
• She starts walking around less often; she may also be less active overall
• She begins purring more than usual, or at higher frequencies than before

Symptoms Of A Cat Being Pregnant

If your cat was recently in heat and had access to an intact (unneutered) male cat, there’s a chance that she is pregnant. A pregnant queen will display both physical and personality changes that will become more evident around three weeks after breeding.

The gestation period for cats runs 64 to 66 days.1 You could consider 63 days, or nine weeks, as an average gestation period.

Physical Changes in a Pregnant Cat

Looks for these signs in your cat’s body indicating pregnancy:

• Heat cycles cease: This may be the first sign you notice of a cat’s pregnancy. If a cat has been going through heat cycles every 10 days to two weeks, and suddenly stops, it is likely she is pregnant.
• Nipples swell and become rosier in color: Breeders call this “pinking-up,” and it may be the first visual sign you will see in a pregnant cat.
• Change in appetite: A pregnant cat may have a decrease in appetite early in her pregnancy. In the second half of pregnancy, she will show an increased interest in food. After all, a pregnant cat is not only eating for herself, but for several fetuses.
• Weight gain: Most pregnant queens will gain about 2 to 4 pounds of body weight over the course of pregnancy.
• Vomiting: Pregnant queens may be subject to a few bouts of “morning sickness,” much as human mothers-to-be. This in itself is not necessarily a reason to worry, but if the vomiting continues or is frequent, contact your veterinarian for help.
• Enlarged abdomen: Sometime around the fifth week of pregnancy, a pregnant cat’s abdomen will start to swell noticeably. It will continue to enlarge until time for birthing.

Personality Changes in a Pregnant Cat

These character and mood changes are also indicative of pregnancy:

• Affection increases: Your cat may become more affectionate than normal and frequently seek out your attention. By all means, give it to her!
• Increase in sleeping: Many pregnant queens will sleep for more hours in a day than before pregnancy.

Clinical Diagnosis of Pregnancy in Cats

If your queen has had regular veterinary care and the previous signs of pregnancy are evident, it may not be necessary to get an official diagnosis from a veterinarian. However, it’s a good idea for your vet to examine your cat and make sure she is in good condition.

• Palpation of the Cat’s Abdomen: Your veterinarian may be able to feel your pregnant cat’s fetuses by palpating and gently pressing on her abdomen. This typically happens around the 17th to 25th day of pregnancy.
• Ultrasound of Your Cat’s Abdomen: An ultrasound may detect fetuses as early as the second week of pregnancy, and heartbeats may be detected sometime after the third week.
• Radiographs (X-rays): Your vet can take a radiograph of your cat’s abdomen when she is further along in her pregnancy to determine the number of kittens she is carrying. This is a minor amount of radiation that will not be harmful to the kittens or the mother. Kitten spines and skulls begin to be visible on x-rays after about 42 days into the pregnancy.

If your resident or rescued cat is indeed confirmed pregnant, some serious decision-making time is at hand. If you decide to spay her and prevent the pregnancy from coming to term, it should be done as early as possible. If not, be prepared to help care for the kittens and find them all good homes. 

Signs Your Cat Will Give Birth Soon

Once your cat begins active labor, try to leave her undisturbed. Watch from a safe distance to make sure she does not go into distress. These signs indicates kittens are on the way:

• Nesting Activities: As the birth gets closer, your pregnant cat may seek out quiet, private places for the birth to take place. This typically begins up to two days prior to labor, but it may only begin a few hours prior.
• Restlessness: About 24 to 48 hours before labor, the pregnant queen may seem restless or anxious. She may go in and out of her nesting area, almost as if pacing.
• Vocalization: In addition to the pacing and restless behavior, the pregnant queen may meow and cry out more than usual.
• Lowered Body Temperature: Within 12 to 36 hours of labor, your cat’s body temperature will drop below 100 degrees Fahrenheit (normal temperature is usually between 100.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit).2
• Loss of Appetite: Your pregnant queen will likely have had an active appetite during her pregnancy. As she comes close to labor, she will have a drastic decrease in appetite. 
• Vulva Licking: As labor fast approaches, your cat will begin licking her vulva to clean a mild discharge. You will likely not see this discharge, as she will want to keep the area clean.