Normal Cat Nipples Vs Pregnant Cat Nipples: What Are The Differences? 

As a cat parent to two cats, one male and one female, I have observed the differences in their anatomy and the changes my female feline undergoes during pregnancy.

I can see the change in her from the moment she is in heat. But, how long is a cat in heat? Well, this depends on the breed, environment, and several other factors. However, on average, it is around two to four weeks. 

This is the time I have seen their body transform heavily, including behavioral changes, weight gain, and changes in their nipples.

So, if you are wondering if there is any contrast between normal cat nipples vs pregnant cat nipples, then let me break it down for you. 

What does A Normal Cat Nipple Look Like? 

Generally, cats have six to eight nipples, arranged in pairs. However, there are cats with four, ten, or some odd number of nipples. This is rare, but it happens. This setup enables cats to feed multiple kittens simultaneously.

Every nipple is set in front of a mammary gland. These are small, dormant glands in a non-pregnant cat. These glands have various ducts connecting to a teat canal. When a cat is healthy and not pregnant, it should not produce any discharge or milk. 

Non-pregnant cat nipples appear small and hard, mostly hidden beneath the fur. You might also notice small rings of hairless skin around the female cat nipples. The nipples look pale and resemble the color of their skin.

Do Male Cats Have Nipples?

Both female and male cats have nipples. The embryos in cats have nipples before the sex organs develop. However, in the case of mae cals, these nipples and their mammary systems stay small and dormant throughout their entire life. 

Normal Cat Nipples Vs Pregnant Cat Nipples At A Glance

When a cat is around 2 weeks pregnant, their nipples start to change and enlarge. This is when the nipples begin to get pink. They might even face problems similar to human pregnancy, like vomiting.

Here is a table demonstrating the major differences between a normal cat nipple and a pregnant cat nipple. 

Pregnant Cat Nipples Week-By-Week

There is a lot to know about a pregnant cat. But you will notice a significant change in their nipple among other changes. Their nipples go through a change as they prepare to nurse their kittens.

However, if you want to know the difference between normal cat nipples vs pregnant cat nipples, or what their nipples look like during pregnancy, then you should know that it depends on the pregnancy stage. 

Moreover, this change in appearance can be divided into different stages, including the early stage. Late pregnancy stage, post-pregnancy stage, or the nursing stage. 

Early-Pregnancy Stage (1 To 3 Weeks) 

If you are looking into the signs of cat pregnancy, then a change in nipples should be one of the first. It takes around 10-14 days to implant the eggs, and shortly after that, the body begins preparing for nursing. 

Around 2 weeks into pregnancy, the nipples enlarge and get darker. The size increases by double or triple from their non-pregnant stage, and it develops a pink color that is darker than the surrounding skin. 

The area around the skin also changes. A pregnant cat develops a patch of hairless skin around their nipples and becomes prominent. There is no discharge around this stage of pregnancy. 

Late-Pregnancy Stage (4 To 6 Weeks) 

A 4 week pregnant cat nipple becomes more prominent, and you will start to notice the other significant changes as well. Their belly will swell, and the patch around the nipples will continue to grow. 

If you are unsure whether they are just gaining weight or pregnant, also look for other early signs of pregnancy. Refer to a cat weight chart to determine if your cat is pregnant or simply overweight. 

At this stage, you might even notice some milky discharge from their nipples. This can happen by itself, or when you touch their nipples or press them.

There is no need to worry, as this is a sign that the glands are prepared to produce milk as needed. Moreover, even if there is no discharge, don’t worry about it. Some cats just don’t make enough. 

Post-Pregnancy/Nursing Stage (7 To 9 Weeks) 

After giving birth, the nipples are stimulated for milk production. The mammary glands are working full time to produce milk. The surrounding area will get enlarged as the ducts are filled with milk.

Moreover, the nipples will continue to grow larger and darker as long as they are feeding their kittens. Kittens wean on their own, in their own time.

Over time, they encourage their kittens to eat solid food, not just milk, and their nipples gradually return to their normal shape. However, there is a risk that a cat may develop mastitis due to milk accumulating in the glands. This is why kittens should be weaned slowly. 

Do cats’ nipples go back to normal after pregnancy? Yes, within a few weeks of stopping nursing, the nipples get back to their normal size and color.

Other Common Signs Of Pregnancy

The feline pregnancy period lasts around 8 to 9 weeks, and you can see the signs of pregnancy from the 2nd week itself.

Here are some of the common signs of pregnancy that you will notice.

1. Vomiting 

2. Weight gain 

3. Increased appetite 

4. Change in cat behavior

Are There Any Other Causes Of Change In Nipples? 

A change in nipples does not always mean that your cat is pregnant. It could be an indication of them in heat or receptive mating. Moreover, some other medical conditions also cause changes in nipples. Some of the different causes would be: 

1. Mastitis: This is an inflammation of the mammary glands caused by bacterial infection. It happens to nursing cats, and you will notice symptoms like lethargy, fever, swollen mammary glands, and discolored milk. 

2. Mammary Cancer: In this case, as well, the mammary glands swell up and develop a noticeable change in the nipples. You will see signs like depression, loss of appetite, bad smell, along with discharge around the glands. 

Take Care Of Your Nursing Queen 

As a cat parent, this would feel like a magical time to see your furbaby become a parent. They are small creatures, and if you notice, you will be able to see their bodies change in various ways. 

You will see a significant change in normal cat nipples vs pregnant cat nipples. You will be able to see the changes through the various stages of pregnancy. 

These preparations of the body are crucial for the role of becoming a parent and provide essential nutrients to the newborns.