What Are the Signs of a Pregnant Cat? Although getting a cat can be a lot of fun for both of you, keeping track of when the cat is pregnant can also be challenging. This article will outline the symptoms and signs of a pregnant cat and help you figure out when it’s supposed to have her litter.
Are you wondering if your cat is pregnant? How do you know if your cat is pregnant?
There are a few signs that you can look for when wondering if your cat is pregnant because they occur during the cat’s gestation period. Knowing these signs will help you understand what’s happening with your cat.
Is my cat pregnant?
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Usually, cat gestation lasts between 63 to 67 days, equating to 9 weeks. If you observe changes in your cat’s appearance, or behavior, such as gaining weight or sleeping more than usual, that could indicate cat pregnancy.
If you observe any behavioral changes in your cat, you should take it to the veterinarian immediately. But there are even more signs and symptoms that you should look for before bringing your cat to the vet.
Signs of a pregnant cat
What Are the Signs of a Pregnant Cat? The other pregnancy symptoms in cats include increased appetite, affectionate behavior, and nest building. Here are some of the other noticeable signs of a pregnant cat.
1. Heat Cycles Change
Cats often have heat cycles that last 10 to 14 days.
You may notice that during their heat cycles, your female cat will often be more affectionate, meow much louder than usual, groom herself more often, possibly lose her appetite, and mark her territory often. Your cat’s heat cycle will likely stop if she becomes pregnant.
2. Female Cat’s Weight gain
The average female cat gains two to four pounds of body weight during pregnancy. Make sure you keep track of your pet’s weight and note any fluctuations.
3. Increased appetite in Female Cats
During pregnancy, your cat will eat more than she needs for herself. Your cat will eat more food and more frequently when pregnant, so changes in eating habits indicate pregnancy.
4. Nesting Behavior in Female Cats
In preparation for giving birth to her litter, your cat will seek out quiet, secluded spots. In addition, she may become more territorial with other animals if they infringe upon her space.
5. Increased sleep patterns in Cat’s
During pregnancy, your cat will spend more time sleeping. If you see your cat napping more often during the day, she might be pregnant.
6. Cat’s Swollen abdomen
Your cat’s belly will start to swell around the halfway point of the gestation period. During pregnancy, the stomach will swell starting about five weeks before birth, so a swollen belly could indicate that your pet is pregnant.
7. Female Cat Vomiting
Your cat can experience morning sickness in the same way as a pregnant woman. Vomiting can also be an early sign of your cat’s pregnancy. However, if the vomiting continues and no other pregnancy symptoms appear, take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
8. More Affectionate
You may notice your furry friend is seeking your attention more often during pregnancy due to hormonal and neurological changes. Such an increase in affectionate behavior can indicate pregnancy.
9. Positive Ultrasound
The best way to find out if your cat is pregnant is to have her ultrasound by a veterinarian. A veterinarian can perform ultrasounds even before your cat is pregnant. A vet can also perform an abdominal exam and X-rays to determine how many kittens your cat carries in pregnancy.
10. More Reclusive During Pregnancy in Cats
During your cat’s pregnancy, increased affection is a common sign. However, your cat may become more withdrawn as the pregnancy progresses. Your cat might be more inclined to hide or isolate herself in her nesting area during the week leading up to delivery. Cats can skip this phase and remain affectionate and clingy towards their humans.
11. Restlessness
You may notice that your cat is restless 24 to 48 hours before delivery. Her behaviors include pacing back and forth, hovering around her nesting area, acting fidgety, and generally showing discomfort.
12. Vocalization in Female Cats
During the last few weeks of pregnancy, your cat will cry out and meow more than usual.
How should I care for my pregnant cat?
Pregnancy in cats is generally not difficult, so there isn’t much you need to do in the weeks or days leading up to delivery. It is recommended that you consult a vet if you have never experienced the process of a cat’s pregnancy. In addition, the veterinarian can conduct a health check and determine how many kittens your cat is carrying.
There are a few things you can do to keep your pregnant cat healthy and comfortable:
Maintain a clean litter box
Keep your pregnant cat’s litter box clean. Doing so will help keep it happy and healthy throughout its pregnancy. Maintain a clean litter box by scooping waste daily and changing the litter twice a month to keep your cat happy and healthy.
You can keep your litter box as sanitary as possible for your pregnant cat by using an automatic litter box like Litter-Robot, in conjunction with Litter-Robot cleaning products. It means you won’t have to scoop and clean the box all the time, and your pet will have a healthy environment to relieve herself.
Getting a ramp for the litter box that your pet can use might also be a good idea. By doing this, your pregnant cat will have an easier time entering and exiting the litter box.
Consult your veterinarian.
Make an appointment as soon as possible. To detect pregnancy, a veterinarian can perform an ultrasound as early as two weeks before conception. A veterinarian can also perform an abdominal check between days 17 to 25 of pregnancy to check for kittens in your cat’s womb.
Vets can also take X-rays when your cat is further along, to determine how many kittens she’s carrying. After 40 days in the womb, kittens’ spines and skulls are visible, so X-rays and abdomen checks are most useful after that point.
How many kittens are in a cat’s first litter? Usually, first-time pregnancies result in smaller litters, but your cat could have between one and nine kittens.
Eating a balanced diet is essential.
Make sure your cat is eating enough food and drinking enough water. As well as, during pregnancy, you may wish to switch to high-quality, highly digestible foods. Occasionally, cat food is formulated to help pregnant cats and their kittens grow and develop. These foods provide the mother and her kittens with all the necessary nutrients.
Make a nesting place for the kittens.
If your cat is close to giving birth, you’ll notice that she will look for a quiet and soft place to nest.
If your cat is pregnant, you might consider cat furniture, large cat beds, or even cardboard boxes lined with towels that can provide a comfortable resting space.
Having a nesting spot where she can rest, relax, and prepare for her big day will ensure she will always be safe and cozy!
Maintain a healthy pregnancy by following these guidelines.
Please take the necessary steps to provide your pregnant cat with the best environment throughout her pregnancy by treating her as the queen she is.
Litter-Robot will notify you when the litter box needs your attention. In addition, you will be able to monitor your cat’s bathroom behaviors right from your phone!
Do you find that your litter boxes are unsightly? With Litter-Robot’s litter box credenza, your cat’s litter box will stay out of sight in a charming piece of furniture with a modern coastal look. It’s a perfect solution for you and your cat!
Be sure to spay your cat afterward.
It is highly recommended that you spay your cat after she has healed from giving birth after she has had a litter of kittens. It is not only better for your cat’s overall health, but it also helps curb cat overpopulation. Here’s why you should spay your cat. Male cats should also be neutered.
How can I tell if my cat is pregnant without a veterinarian?
Pregnancy symptoms in cats include weight gain, increased appetite, and swollen abdomen.
