How to know if a cat is pregnant

If your cat has been mating recently, you might wonder if she"s expecting kittens. Recognizing the signs of pregnancy early can help you prepare for the new arrivals. Cats can show noticeable changes both in their bodies and behavior when they"re pregnant, but sometimes the signs aren"t immediately obvious.

There are a few important things to watch out for, ranging from minor physical changes to changes in her interactions with you. Both you and your feline companion may find the process goes more smoothly if you know what to anticipate.

Let’s examine how to determine if your cat is pregnant in more detail as well as the symptoms to look out for during this wonderful period.

Signs of pregnancy in the first days

It is nearly hard to suspect that a pet is pregnant in the early stages following fertilization. Her condition can only be determined by a few subtle signs, and even then, there is no 100% guarantee:

• increased drowsiness – a sign especially noticeable in active cats, since playfulness is replaced by calmness, in this case the owner may suspect the onset of a somatic disease. This condition is formed due to the restructuring of the animal"s hormonal background;
• cessation of estrus earlier than usual is an indirect sign of conception. On average, the period lasts about three days, so a reduction in the duration of the phase may indicate fertilization;
• A few days after knitting, a decrease in appetite is possible due to the occurrence of nausea in the animal, while normal in a pregnant cat does not have frequent vomiting and complete refusal of food, such symptoms may indicate the presence of a disease;
• change in nipple pigmentation occurs under the influence of hormones, while the skin integuments increase their color, this sign in many cases is difficult to detect from the first days of pregnancy.

At what stage can pregnancy be determined

So, how can one discern whether a cat is pregnant? When a cat reaches 28 days of pregnancy, its owner can tell because the female goes through behavioral changes, nipple swelling, increased abdominal circumference, and cessation of estrus.

Pregnancy can be identified by consulting a physician approximately 20 days after fertilization. To do this, an ultrasound is carried out, which can accurately detect whether or not there are fetuses inside the uterus.

In contrast to humans, the placenta of cats secretes relaxin into the bloodstream rather than the hormone hCG. On the twentieth day following mating, a test for this hormone can be conducted. If an ovarian cyst is present in the animal, false positive results may occur.

The first signs of the offspring’s movement appear on day 28. You can use palpation at this time by feeling the abdomen’s lateral walls.

An abdominal organ X-ray is taken following 50 days of pregnancy. In addition to allowing you to ascertain the number and location of offspring, the method accurately diagnoses the state of fertilization.

General signs of pregnancy

Following mating, the cat’s condition needs to be closely watched by its owner, as the emergence of unusual symptoms could point to a pregnancy-related pathology. Furthermore, there are situations in which sexual activity does not result in fertilization, necessitating further mating.

An increase in belly size, a behavioral shift, the end of estrus, and a few other manifestations are the most telling signs of pregnancy.

Cessation of estrus

The term "estrus" describes how the excited phase of the sexual cycle manifests itself. The procedures that go along with this phase are designed to alter the cat’s behavior as well as the state of its reproductive system in an effort to draw a male and facilitate fertilization. Because of this, in the event of a successful conception, maintaining estrus is inappropriate. As a result, signs of arousal—such as the vaginal mucosa losing its hyperemia and the secretion ceasing to be released from the loop—disappear.

After mating, if estrus persists, the pregnancy has failed. The breeder will have to remate the female if it is determined that there was no conception.

Changes in nipples and abdomen

The rounding of the abdomen brought on by the uterus’s enlargement from the growing fetus is the first indication of pregnancy in a cat. Usually, the sign becomes visible one month after the mating date. The size and number of the offspring, as well as the unique traits of the female, determine the rate of growth of the abdomen. Palpation can be used to identify the first movement during this time. To do this, the lateral regions of the abdomen are carefully palpated.

The first few days following conception are when changes in nipple pigmentation start. The hue intensifies, reaching its deepest shade of pink in the final stages. A cat’s first pregnancy is usually when they experience the biggest change in color. The nipples enlarge in anticipation of childbirth, preparing the mother to breastfeed the child. Hormone activity is the cause of these alterations.

The first milk release, or more accurately, colostrum release, happens about seven days prior to kitten birth. The material secreted has a high protein and fat content, though its makeup eventually varies.

Change in behavior

The two most typical symptoms are sluggishness and growing weakness. An energetic cat calms down, lies down most of the time, and stops enjoying games. The symptoms are less obvious in pets that have phlegm. Hormonal activity is linked to this condition.

Certain cats experience an increase in activity; a sedentary cat starts to play, and an unsociable cat starts to show affection and demand more attention.

Aggression may occasionally surface along with the behavioral shift, which is typically indicative of sphinxes.

It’s possible for the cat’s taste preferences to abruptly change; she may now happily eat foods she previously disliked while rejecting her favorites. A syndrome resembling female toxicosis explains the process.

Nesting

A cat’s maternal instinct manifests itself in its desire to provide comfort for potential offspring. The animal can actively look for a place to give birth; it will sniff around, stay there for a long time, and even pull soft objects.

The animal typically selects a remote "lair" away from people and free from unfavorable environmental factors like drafts or moisture. Make sure the cat doesn’t give birth in a location that is inaccessible to people.

A bloated belly, enlarged, pink nipples, increased appetite, and behavioral changes, like becoming more affectionate or nesting, are all indicators that a cat is pregnant. These symptoms usually appear in cats two to three weeks after conception. It’s best to see a veterinarian if you’re unsure about anything to ensure that your cat is taken care of during pregnancy.

Diagnostics and false pregnancy

You must get in touch with a specialist if you are certain that pregnancy has occurred. The physician will perform an examination and recommend further testing techniques if needed:

1. Examination by a veterinarian involves palpation to identify the fetus, as well as an external examination of the genital tract, the general condition of the cat.
2. A positive blood test for relaxin will indicate with high accuracy the onset of fertilization from the 25th day.
3. Ultrasound allows you to diagnose pregnancy with high accuracy from the 25th day.
4. X-ray is performed after the 50th day.

The phenomenon of false pregnancy is unique to cats. Although the exact etiology of the condition is unknown, experts generally agree that prolactin’s effects are the cause. In cats, imaginary pregnancy develops following ovulation in the event that the egg is not fertilized. Here, the cat exhibits symptoms of conception, including behavioral changes, nesting, and the cessation of estrus.

A negative relaxin test result, the lack of fetuses upon palpation, and the results of radiography and ultrasound can all be used to diagnose false pregnancy.

Features of caring for a pregnant cat

A test of the body for the cat is pregnancy. The animal needs extra care and attention because all of its vital organs are operating in an enhanced mode. The course and result of the condition are significantly influenced by favorable conditions.

The cat needs to be kept in a room that is roomy, draft-free, well-ventilated, and at a comfortable temperature. Dark lighting and high humidity levels are not acceptable.

You should ensure that the cat does not climb on high furniture, since a fall or awkward landing can lead to serious consequences.

As the cat’s large belly prevents it from performing the necessary urination of its genitalia and fur, you should assist it with hygiene in later stages.

From the writer. The cat must be switched to kitten food during pregnancy and lactation if she is not on a natural diet; it should ideally be super premium or holistic. For information on selecting the best premium food for kittens, see a different article.

What to feed

Following certain guidelines is one of the general principles of feeding a pregnant cat:

1. The diet should consist of high-quality food rich in all the necessary substances.
2. It is recommended to give easily digestible food.
3. A pregnant cat requires more frequent feeding. By the second trimester, the daily rate increases by about 50%.
4. In the later stages, you should resort to fractional feeding 6 times a day.
5. It is important to regularly check the presence of water in the drinking bowl. Dehydration leads to termination of pregnancy, which can cause the death of the cat.

Symptoms of the onset of labor

Early signs of labor include retraction of the sacral region and sagging of the abdomen due to ligament relaxation.

The night before delivery, the mammary glands and genitalia swell, releasing a dripping secretion of colostrum. Mucus that is viscous and free of pathological contaminants exits the loop.

When labor starts, there is a pinkish-gray fluid released along with the water. Then come the contractions, which usually last for an hour and, in the best case scenario, result in the birth of children.

It’s not always easy to tell if your cat is pregnant, but you can get strong indicators by observing changes in her behavior and body. Be aware of any physical indicators, such as weight gain, darkening nipples, or a developing belly.

Modifications in behavior are also crucial. Cats who are expecting tend to be more affectionate, eat more, and look for comfortable, quiet places to relax.

Seeking confirmation from a veterinarian is always a good idea if you’re not sure. They can offer you advice on how to take care of your pregnant cat as well as an accurate diagnosis.

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