Learn about the cat's heat cycle, how a feline pregnancy is achieved, the signs of feline pregnancy and how to confirm if a cat is expecting.
If a cat has not been spayed, pregnancy is always a possibility. There are a distinct set of signs and symptoms that can suggest pregnancy. Though a visit to the veterinarian for an exam is the only sure-fire way to verify pregnancy, many cats exhibit a constellation of symptoms that can suggest pregnancy.
Achieving Pregnancy
Any time there is sexual contact between a male and female cat, there is a chance of pregnancy.
Once a female cat reaches sexual maturity, she will experience a series of heat cycles from mid-winter to early fall. These heat cycles will occur once every one to three weeks during this period of the year. And this will continue until the female cat – also known as a “queen” when she’s reached sexual maturity – either becomes pregnant or until she is spayed.
During a heat cycle, the queen will focus on mating. Her body language will take on a “come hither” quality, and “calling” and other vocalizations are also common. A contingent of male feline visitors to the home and yard is also not uncommon.
“This is a common time when cats escape the home and get lost. Many pet owners are stunned with the cat’s determination to escape into the great outdoors – never underestimate a cat in heat, as they’re driven by hormones and instinct,” Dr. Michael Levine, DVM, explained.
Signs of Pregnancy
A full term pregnancy for a cat is, on average, between 60 and 63 days, though some feline mothers can give birth as early as 56 days or as late as 69 days.
Visually, many cats will not appear pregnant until they are in the latter part of their pregnancy, though it should be noted that pregnancy is more visually apparent in cats than in other species, like dogs, who often never “appear” pregnant.
There are a few signs that are consistently present in the vast majority of expecting feline mothers, including certain behaviors. Dr. Levine explained that the following signs are most commonly seen in pregnant felines:
Heat Cycle Suddenly Stops
Increased Appetite
Pink, Prominent Nipples
Increased Sleeping
Vomiting
A Firm Abdomen
“Nesting” Behaviors
More Affectionate Behaviors
More Frequent Urination
When birth is imminent, there is typically a decrease in appetite, an increase in nesting behaviors – digging and scratching at bedding, floors, etc. – along with restlessness.
Caretakers of a pregnant cat should also monitor the cat’s temperature once a day. Normal is between 101.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Within about 24 hours of giving birth, the pregnant cat’s body temperature will drop by a couple of degrees, typically dipping below 100, though how low it dips will depend on the cat’s baseline. A cat with a consistently higher baseline temperature will not dip as low as a cat with a consistently lower baseline temperature.
Confirming a Cat’s Pregnancy
Ultrasounds and an exam are the most common methods to verify pregnancy in a cat.
Palpating the abdomen is one of the easiest and most reliable ways for a veterinarian to confirm a pregnancy.
Ultrasounds – also known as a sonogram – can also confirm a pregnancy, in addition to revealing the exact number of kittens.
What If My Cat is Pregnant?
If a female cat is confirmed to be pregnant, regular veterinary visits will be necessary to monitor her health and the health of the kittens.
Preparations will need to be made as delivery day approaches and a birthing box with “nesting” materials (towels, typically) should be provided within a week of her anticipated due date. The box should be placed in a quiet, out-of-the-way location and the cat should be allowed to familiarize with the birthing box in advance.
Close monitoring and knowledge of the birthing process is vital to ensure the health of mom and her babies.
“Your veterinarian will provide you with a great deal of useful information when it comes to pregnancy and birth and if you encounter any problems or if any questions arise, it’s always best to bring her in for an exam,” Dr. Levine explained, adding, “I always recommend keeping the number and address of a 24-hour emergency clinic available as well. Problems can arise and turn deadly very quickly during pregnancy and during the birthing process, so you really can’t delay when there’s an abnormality.”
The copyright of the article Is My Cat Pregnant? in Cat Care is owned by Mia Carter. Permission to republish Is My Cat Pregnant? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
my cat escaped one night and is pregnant. I think it was 68 days ago
because she doesnt go out normally so was fairly easy to calculate. Im
really worried about her as im out at work for 12 hours a day. Will she be
ok on her own???
Aug 19, 2008 7:17 AM
Mia Carter
:
Hi there! Thanks for your question! I know how nerve-wracking it can
be when your pet is expecting. Generally speaking, you kitty should be
okay while you're at work. Cats have been giving birth for thousands of
years and most of the times, everything works out just fine. That's not to
say there's not the occasional emergency, but generally, nature takes its
course and all is well. Since she's just about ready to give birth
any day now, I would be monitoring her very closely. Four times a day
(ideally), you should be checking her vitals (see the related link above on
"Is My Cat Sick?"). Her heart rate and pulse will quicken as
labor begins. And I would also be taking her temperature several times a
day. There will be a drop of a couple of degrees (normal is 100.5 to
102.5)that occurs 12-24 hours before labor actually begins. So that's a
warning sign of impending birth. She may also stop eating too as the time
approaches. If you see any of those signs, I would try to stay with
her. Or maybe hire a friend or petsitter to come in and supervise. Some
veterinary clinics will also allow her to stay for the day to monitor her.
If nothing else, the friend/petsitter/etc will be a comfort to her during a
frightening time. If there's any question, you could always come home on
your lunch, if possible, to check on her. I would also be sure you
have the number and know the address of a 24-hour emergency clinic in your
area. That way if something DOES go wrong, you can bring her in right away.
I hope you find this helpful! Don't hesitate to let me know if you
have any additional questions - I would be more than happy to assist
you! -Mia Carter Suite101 Pet Care Feature Writer
Sep 6, 2008 9:12 AM
Guest
:
I think my cat may be pregnant too. She has the nipples (among other signs)
but can't a cat have her nipples even after shes given birth & fed her
kittens? I ask because maybe she was pregnant before we adopted her.
Sep 11, 2008 5:47 AM
Guest
:
The vet told me that our newly adopted kitty was pregnant (about 30 days
along & that was about 3 weeks ago). "Samantha" is now
displaying signs that she is in heat (vocalizing & posturing). Do cats
do that when they are getting close to giving birth?
Sep 14, 2008 7:06 AM
Guest
:
my cat is actind very strange, we never wanted her to have kittens but we
never fixed her. Anyway, she meows alot and she does this strange position
by streaching out and stomping the floor with her hind legs, the only
symptoms are that her belly is hard and she rolls around on the floor.
Sep 14, 2008 4:01 PM
Mia Carter
:
Hello there!
It's difficult to tell just by looking at your cat
as to whether or not she's pregnant. But her behavior is definitely
indicative of high hormone levels that are associated with mating season.
Basically, your cat's body language is associated with being in heat -
that's what I think is going on here. The meowing is called
"calling" and her other behavior is characteristic as well.
Unfortunately, it's difficult to tell if she's pregnant. Certainly,
there's a possibility if she's not fixed. But only a vet can tell with an
exam and possibly some diagnostic testing. The problem is her abdomen may
feel a little firm for another reason other than pregnancy, so it really
takes a trained eye to determine if she's expecting. But if it calms your
mind at all, I've seen this behavior in many unfixed female cats who were
not pregnant. I'm sorry I can't tell you definitively. Cat pregnancies are
even more difficult to detect than a dog's - some never "look"
pregnant at all, so it usually takes a vet to determine for sure.
I wish you luck with your kitty! -Mia Carter Pet Care Feature
Writer, Suite101.com
Sep 22, 2008 5:42 PM
Guest
:
My cat has recently started leaving spots of blood around the house. it has
been confirmed that the blood is comming from the vaginal area. i cant tell
is she is in heat or she is pregnant. what's going on with her?
Sep 22, 2008 8:40 PM
Mia Carter
:
Hello there!
I'm sorry to hear your cat is unwell.
I
think I would get her examined by your veterinarian. It's possible that she
may be pregnant and she's run into a problem associated with that process.
Spontaneous miscarriage can also occur in some cases as well.
There's also a possibility that she's experiencing some sort of infection
that's caused some minor bleeding. Infections and certain conditions
affecting the reproductive organs can sometimes cause a bloody
discharge.
Unfortunately, cats hide pregnancy well, so it's
difficult to make an accurate educated guess as to exactly what's going on.
I think your next step is a visit to the vet, where they can start by
determining if she's pregnant. If she is, that makes a pregnancy
complication likely to be the cause. If she's not pregnant, it makes an
infection or other cause more likely to be the situation.
I'm
sorry I cannot offer more insight - unfortunately, some problems simply
can't be diagnosed without palpating the abdomen, blood tests, x-rays and
other types of diagnostic tests.
In the meantime, I would keep
your cat quiet and comfortable. If she's an indoor-outdoor cat, I'd keep
her inside until we can get this sorted out - we don't want her to wander
off and start bleeding profusely somewhere away from the home. If the
situation turns critical, you want to be there to be able to get help for
her.
I hope your girl is feeling better soon! -Mia
Carter Pet Care Feature Writer, Suite101.com
Dec 24, 2008 12:50 PM
Guest
:
wowwwwwww! my cat just gave birth to 8 kittens, fluffy, precious junior,
princess, hope,faith,
