You don’t have to be a veterinarian to know whether your cat is pregnant. Looking at a cat, one can easily determine if she is pregnant.
A cat does give some clues that indicate she is pregnant. A pregnant cat shows both physical and behavioral changes. Pregnancy in cats, last for around 60-65 days which is approximately nine weeks. Pregnancy can always be confirmed using ultrasound procedures.
The noticeable signs of cat pregnancy are as follows.
Swollen Nipples: Nipples swell and their color changes to pink. This is termed as ‘pinking’. So if a cat is pregnant, you will notice that the nipples have become more prominent. Around 3 weeks after mating, the change in the size of nipples is clearly visible.
Change in Appetite: In a pregnant cat, the desire for food increases. An increase in appetite is natural, as the food also reaches the fetus. The owner may have to meet a veterinarian to know about nutritious foods beneficial for a pregnant cat. Make sure to satisfy the nutritional needs of a pregnant cat for a healthy delivery.
Increase in Weight: Cats which are 4 weeks pregnant, start gaining weight and demand more food. The belly begins to swell, which is very prominent. This abdominal enlargement continues until birth.
Possible Vomiting: Pregnant queens may experience bouts of vomiting, occasionally in the morning. This is normal and should not be a cause for worry. However, if the frequency of vomiting increases, it is necessary to contact a veterinarian.
Behavioral Changes: It is often observed that pregnant cats prefer to stay quiet. They become subdued and more affectionate. They frequently try to seek the owner’s attention. They like to spend time inside the house and avoid jerky movements like twisting and stretching. These behavioral changes are observed in the sixth week of pregnancy.
Nesting Behavior: This occurs during the advanced stages of pregnancy. The pregnant cat begins to hunt for a proper nesting place. This is known as ‘nesting behavior’. The cat searches for a suitable place where she can deliver her kittens safely. A pregnant cat looks for private or secluded places, such as cupboards and closets, to give birth to her kittens.
Diagnosis
An ultrasound examination can help determine whether the cat is pregnant. This procedure uses sound waves to scan a cat’s abdomen and also detects any fetal abnormalities. This diagnostic test can detect 2 weeks pregnancy in cats. Some veterinarians gently press the abdomen to feel the fetus, which may also help to detect pregnancy. These diagnostic procedures to determine whether a cat is pregnant are not particularly necessary. This is because if a cat is really pregnant, then they exhibit the aforementioned symptoms, which are quite prominent.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a veterinarian.
