How To Tell If A Cat Is Pregnant? 

Cat parents should recognize the signs of pregnancy in their cats to provide optimal care for the pregnant cat and her future kittens.  

Not recognizing the signs of pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or other health issues in females. Thus, in this article, we shall discuss how to tell if a cat is pregnant.  

How To Tell If A Cat Is Pregnant?

A cat shall show multiple signs or changes in their body that indicate the cat is pregnant.  

However, cat parents should note that different cats show different signs at different stages of pregnancy. 

Thus, your cat may not always show the same signs while pregnant. This depends on the stage of pregnancy the cat is in. Here are some major signs to look for in your pregnant cat. 

1. Physical Changes 

During the early stages of pregnancy, the signs are very subtle in cats. However, gradually the signs become more obvious. 

One of the most prominent signs of early pregnancy in cats is the pinkening of their nipples. This sign appears in the third week of pregnancy. 

Furthermore, certain signs in cats appear in the later stages of pregnancy. The most prominent sign is increased weight. The weight gain is also followed by an increase in their appetite. 

2. Behavioral Changes 

Cats generally become a little more affectionate and seek their caregivers’ attention. Hence, cat parents should provide them with proper care during this time. 

A. Nesting Behavior  

Cats generally seek secluded, peaceful places where they can give birth in the later stages of their pregnancy. This nesting behavior indicates that the time has come to give birth  

B. Morning Sickness  

Cats often experience various forms of morning sickness. This phenomenon is quite similar to human beings.  

The signs of morning sickness include a decreased appetite in the early stages of pregnancy, followed by vomiting. 

You should definitely reach out to a vet if your cat shows any of these signs. This can mean they are pregnant. 

Clinically Confirming Pregnancy: How to tell if a cat is pregnant? 

Veterinarians confirm pregnancy in pets through various tests. These tests generally confirm a cat’s pregnancy. 

Initially, the vets palpate the cat’s abdomen. Thus, the vet tries to determine the presence of fetuses by lightly stroking the belly. 

Typically, this method only works when the cat remains pregnant for more than 17 days.  

However, veterinarians often recommend procedures such as an ultrasound for cats in the early stages. 

Furthermore, the vets can recommend an X-ray if they suspect the cat was pregnant for more than 42 days.  

Is My Cat Too Young To Be Pregnant? 

Female cats who have not been spayed can become pregnant. Moreover, this happens in the cats that go out a lot. 

Female cats become physically mature enough to give birth at four to seven months of age. On the other hand, an unspayed female cat generally goes into heat once every three weeks.  

This cycle discontinues once the cat becomes pregnant. However, pet parents do not have to worry about this when they spay their cats. 

An unspayed kitten can typically give birth to four kittens in a year. Thus, when the unspayed female cat goes out-door she can easily become pregnant. 

How Should You Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat?

The vets generally provide a few methods once they confirm your cat’s pregnancy. Moreover, here are some of the most obvious steps to follow to ensure your cat stays healthy. 

• Avoid squeezing or putting pressure on her abdomen. 
   

• Offer plenty of high-quality food, as pregnant and nursing cats may eat up to 25% more than usual. 
   

• Scoop and clean the litter box once or twice a day. 
   

• Make sure the litter box is easy for her to reach as her belly grows and lowers. 
   

• Prepare a comfortable, clean nesting area where she can give birth and look after her kittens. This space should be warm, quiet, and away from children, heavy foot traffic, and other pets. 

Signs That Indicate That Your Cat Will Give Birth Soon  

Several signs suggest that your cat will give birth to kittens soon. Moreover, the cats will start to look for nesting areas and find secluded, comfortable spaces where they can give birth. 

The cat can also show signs of restlessness. This is mostly because the cat is unable to settle down properly.  

The cat will not have much of an appetite as the time to give birth approaches. Additionally, the cat generally starts licking the genital area during pregnancy. 

When Should The Cat Parent Worry?

The cat’s parents should definitely take their cat to the vet to avoid complications. However, here are some signs to look for, and definitely reach out to the vet if you. 

Any type of discharge or bleeding can be really concerning for the cats during pregnancy. Vomiting is generally normal. However, excessive vomiting can indicate complications in the cats. 

Prolonged labor can also indicate disruptions in the process. Moreover, the cat often remains in labor for a prolonged period of time without delivering a single kitten. 

This becomes a really concerning situation. Thus, cat parents should seek immediate veterinary help in these situations. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions, along with “How to tell if a cat is pregnant?”