Many pet parents don't realize their cat is pregnant until the labor process begins. How can you tell if your cat is pregnant? What are the signs that your cat is in labor? Read on to find out.
Is my cat too young to be pregnant?
If your unspayed female cat managed to escape the safety of your home, there is a good chance that she may be pregnant. Around 4 - 7 months of age, your female cat is likely to experience her first heat cycle, meaning that she is physically mature and able to produce her first litter of kittens.
Depending on where you live, your undoctored female cat may go into heat as often as every 3 weeks until she either becomes pregnant or is spayed. An unspayed female cat could have as many as 4 litters of kittens a year, with between 4-12 kittens in each litter. This means that if your cat is an unspayed adult female who has had access to the outdoor world, there is a good chance that she is expecting kittens.
What are the signs of a pregnant cat?
Pregnancy in domesticated cats lasts about 2 months, so the first question to ask yourself is whether your cat has been outside over the past 8 weeks. If so, below are some other signs of pregnancy in cats that you may want to look for. Note that your cat may not display all of the signs below, depending on how far along the pregnancy is.
- Notable weight gain
- Pink, swollen nipples
- Distended abdomen
- Increased appetite
- Becoming more affectionate
- Hiding more often
- May sleep more than usual
Book an appointment for your kitty to see the vet if she is exhibiting any of the signs of pregnancy listed above. Your vet will perform a physical examination to confirm pregnancy and/or check for signs of any underlying health concerns that could be causing these symptoms.
How can I tell for sure that my cat is pregnant?
There are a few different approaches your vet could take to confirm whether your feline family member is pregnant:
- The first thing your vet is likely to do is to palpate your cat's abdomen. This means that the vet will very gently feel your cat's belly to determine whether they can detect the presence of fetuses. If your cat is more than 17 days pregnant your vet may be able to confirm pregnancy in this manner.
- Your vet may recommend a quick and easy ultrasound test to look for fetuses if your vet suspects that your cat is 14 days pregnant or more. Heartbeats can be spotted using ultrasound sometime after 21 days of pregnancy.
- If your vet believes your cat is fairly far along in her pregnancy (further than 42 days) they may recommend an X-ray. Digital X-rays or radiographs are considered very safe and can help to determine a due date for the kittens and how many there are.
How should I care for a pregnant cat?
Once your cat's pregnancy has been confirmed your vet will provide you with specific recommendations on how to care for your pregnant kitty. Below are a few dos and don'ts to help your kitty have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
- Do not squeeze or press on her belly, since this can cause pain and in some cases may lead to miscarriage.
- Do clean her litter box once or twice daily, and make sure that her litter box is easy for her to access as her tummy continues to expand and drop.
- Do feed your pregnant kitty healthy portions of high-quality food. Your cat may eat as much as 25% more than normal while she is pregnant and nursing. Ask your vet to recommend the best food for your pregnant cat.
- Do provide a cozy, clean area that she can use to give birth and care for her kittens. This spot should be in a warm and quiet spot in your home, well away from kids, other human traffic, and other pets.
Is my cat in labor?
Cats give birth about 63 days after conception (although this can be between days 63 and 65). Signs that your kitty is in labor include restlessness, pacing, and vocalization.
Once her labor begins, kittens will begin arriving in intervals over the course of about 4 to 6 hours. There could be as little as 10 minutes between the birth of each kitten or as long as an hour. In some cases, complications may arise, and it's essential to have a veterinarian's contact information readily available as the big day approaches.
If your cat shows any signs of distress while giving birth, contact your vet or your nearest emergency vet right away for immediate guidance.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.