Signs Your Cat May be Pregnant

Cats go through a number of physical and emotional changes when they’re pregnant, and many of these are very similar to the changes that humans experience when they’re expecting. Unlike human pregnancy, however, cats are only pregnant a very short time. A feline pregnancy takes between 60 and 67 days, or around nine weeks, and then you’ll have a litter of kittens on your hands. Cats can also become pregnant as young as four months old so it is important to be vigilant even if you think she is too young.

In order to avoid a surprise, pleasant or otherwise, here are the signs to look out for that show your cat may be pregnant.

1. Darkened Nipples

One of the first signs you may notice if your cat is pregnant is that their nipples will become darker. This is called “pinking up” and usually happens about three weeks into the pregnancy. Along with the change in colour, your cat’s nipples may also become enlarged or puffy and there may be some milky discharge though she won’t start producing milk until after the birth. These signs can be harder to spot in some cats than others: for example, it is more difficult to see the changes if your cat is fluffier with dark coloured fur.

2. Changes to Behaviour

Mood changes are also very common in cats that are pregnant. Specifically, pregnant cats will usually become much more affectionate than usual, and constantly seek out affection. Along with looking for more attention than usual, if your cat starts purring noticeably more, this could indicate that she is pregnant. Even as she becomes more affectionate to you, if your cat is pregnant she may be less tolerant to other animals in the house.

You’ll also notice specific behavioural changes because your cat’s heat cycles will stop. If you’re familiar with your cat’s heat cycles every ten days to two weeks, you’ll know how they normally act at this time. Typically this will include extra affection, making strange noises and rolling around on the floor or scratching and searching. A disruption to these regular behavioural cycles is a strong sign that your cat is probably pregnant.

3. Swollen Belly

If you notice your cat is putting on weight this could be a sign that it’s time to put them on a specialty diet like Visionary Pet. Or it can also be a sign that your cat is pregnant, particular if the extra weight is centred around the stomach area. About 30 days into the pregnancy, a cat will start to develop a rounded and swollen belly. This can be difficult to spot, particularly if your cat is already overweight.

Your cat will put on between one and two kilo when pregnant and her abdomen will swell and become engorged. If you notice this you should take her to the vet to be checked, especially as abdominal swelling is also a sign of other health conditions. Do not touch your cat’s abdomen though as this could hurt her or her kittens.

4. Vomiting

Just like humans, cats often go through morning sickness when they’re pregnant. A pregnant cat may vomit pretty regularly – and not just in the mornings! This sign also varies, as not all pregnant cats experience morning sickness, but can sometimes occur around the 4^th week of pregnancy. However, if you notice your cat vomiting fairly regularly it is time to take her to the vet to check if she is pregnant, or if something else is amiss.

5. Nesting

Another common sign of pregnancy in cats is nesting, just like it is a sign of pregnancy in humans. As the birth draws closer, a pregnant cat may start preparing for the birth by looking for a safe and quiet place. You may notice you cat dragging blankets or soft items to her chosen spot. This happens earlier in the pregnancy in cats than it does in humans, usually just two weeks into the pregnancy.

6. Eating More

Pregnant cats usually get more hungry and want to eat more – not surprising as they’re not only eating for two, but for a whole litter! Particularly in the latter stages of the pregnancy her appetite will start to increase. However, considering that many cats are already hungry most of the time and always seem to want more food, this sign can be hard to spot! Additionally, increased appetite can also indicate health problems such as worms or other health conditions so if you do notice a change it’s worth taking your cat to the vet.