How to Tell if a Cat Is Pregnant

Queens can become pregnant as early as four months old. If she resides with her brothers, she can also mate with them, as cats do not discriminate in choosing their partners. Unlike humans, female cats do not experience menopause, so they can continue to become pregnant until their later years of life.

Helpful Products You Might Like

"(Paid Links)" As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualifying purchases.

At What Age Can a Cat Get Pregnant?

Cats can get pregnant as soon as they reach sexual maturity and begin having heat cycles. It typically starts at 5–6 months of age, although kittens as young as 3 or 4 months old have been observed to start their heat cycles, depending on the season of their birth. Female cats that have reached sexual maturity are called “queens.”
Heat cycles occur every two weeks, so if permitted, cats can produce multiple litters per season. Generally, fertility decreases when a cat is about 8 years old, but the only guaranteed way to prevent a cat from getting pregnant is to have her spayed.

Signs of Pregnancy in Cats

A queen cat that is pregnant (the term used for a female cat that has not been spayed, especially while carrying kittens) will show both physical and personality changes that become more noticeable approximately three weeks after mating, including swollen nipples, a growing abdomen, and nesting behaviors.
The period of pregnancy for cats spans 64 to 66 days.1 Considering 63 days, or nine weeks, as the average gestation period for felines could be appropriate.

Physical Changes in a Pregnant Cat

Keep an eye out for these signals in your cat's body that may indicate pregnancy. These indications can also provide you with an estimate of your cat's pregnancy stage.

Heat cycles cease

If your cat has been experiencing heat-cycles every 10 days to two weeks and then suddenly stops, it's probably a sign of pregnancy. This could be the initial indication of a cat's pregnancy.

Nipples swell and become red in color

It is known as "pinking-up," and is the initial noticeable indication that a cat is pregnant. You can noticd pink nipples of your cat after three weeks of pregnancy. Additionally, You can also notice a slight discharge from the nipples.

Change in appetite

you can notice a reduction in your cat appetite which may indicate its early pregnancy. She can show more desire for food in the other half of her pregnancy. As a pregnant cat isn't just eating for herself but for multiple future kittens.

Weight gain

During pregnancy, most expecting cats typically experience a weight gain of approximately 2 to 4 pounds.

Vomiting

ust like human mothers, Pregnant cats can also experience occasional morning sickness.. It is alone does not necessarily warrant concern, but if the vomiting persists or occurs frequently, it is important to seek assistance from your veterinarian.

Enlarged abdomen

You can notice enlarged abdomen of your cat after fifth week that will persist until she is ready to give birth.

What to do if my cat is pregnant?

Pregnancy is usually not a problem for cats, so there is not much you should do before the birth. Make sure to keep your vet informed as they are the real experts. Here are some actions you can take to keep your cat stays healthy and comfortable during r pregnancy.

Visit the vet frequently

Schedule a convenient appointment with your veterinarian. Vet can use an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy as early as 25-35 days into gestation. However, conducting the ultrasound before 21 days may produce unreliable results. He can also perform a physical examination of your cat, including assessing her abdomen.

Maintain a healthy diet

Certain cat foods are made especially for pregnant cats and are created to aid in the growth and development of the kittens. These foods are great for ensuring that both the mother and her kittens receive all the necessary nutrients.

Provide a quiet place for nesting

As your cat's due date approaches, she will begin searching for a calm and comfortable place to create a nest. Cat furniture, spacious cat beds, or even cardboard boxes filled with towels are all excellent choices for expectant cat mothers.

Keep the litter box clean

Maintain a tidy litter box for your pregnant cat. Doing so will contribute to her overall well-being. Remove waste from the litter-box daily and replace the litter once or twice a month to ensure her happiness and health.