Have you noticed your female cat is gaining weight and behaving more affectionately? Your cat may be pregnant. Our vets in Knightdale share some information about how we diagnose pregnancy in cats and what actions you can take to help your feline friend stay healthy.
Isn't my cat too young to be pregnant?
If your female cat hasn't been spayed and slips out of your home, she may become pregnant.
The typical female cat experiences her first heat cycle between 4 and 7 months of age, when she is physically mature and can have her first litter of kittens. An unspayed female cat can go into heat every 3 weeks until she becomes pregnant or is spayed.
If your cat is not spayed, she may produce up to four litters of kittens per year, with each litter containing between four and twelve kittens. As a result, if your unspayed female adult cat ventures outside, she is at high risk of becoming pregnant, and you should seek veterinary care to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and any potential kittens.
Is my cat pregnant?
While some signs of pregnancy in cats are obvious, others are behaviors that you may not immediately associate with the condition. Remember that your cat may not exhibit all of these symptoms, depending on how far along she is in her pregnancy:
- Increased appetite
- May sleep more than usual
- Hiding more often
- Pink, swollen nipples
- Significant weight gain
- Becoming more affectionate
- Distended abdomen
If your cat is showing any symptoms listed above, book an examination with your vet to confirm the pregnancy and/or look for signs of underlying health issues that may be causing these symptoms.
How do vets diagnose pregnancy in cats?
There are a few different tests that vets can do to confirm whether your cat is expecting a litter:
- Your vet will probably first palpate your cat's abdomen. This means that the vet will 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 an ultrasound test to look for fetuses if your vet suspects that your cat is 14 days pregnant or more.
- If your vet believes your cat is further than 42 days into their pregnancy, they may recommend an X-ray. Digital X-rays or radiographs are considered very safe and can help to determine a due date and the number of kittens to be born.
How do I take care of my pregnant cat?
Once your veterinarian confirms that your cat is pregnant, they will make specific recommendations for how to care for her. In general, we recommend doing the following to help your cat have a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery:
- Do not squeeze or press on her belly.
- Your cat may eat as much as 25% more than normal while pregnant and nursing, so provide plenty of high-quality food.
- Clean her litter box once or twice daily.
- Ensure that her litter box is easy to access as her tummy continues to expand and drop.
- Ensure that your cat has a cozy, clean area that she can use to give birth and care for her kittens. This spot should be warm and quiet in your home, well away from kids, other human traffic, and other pets.
How do I know if my cat will give birth soon?
One way to tell if your cat will give birth soon is by observing her behavior. As the due date approaches, she may become more restless, seek out a quiet and secluded area to nest, and exhibit nesting behaviors such as kneading or rearranging bedding. Additionally, her appetite may decrease, and she may start grooming herself excessively.
Another sign that your cat will give birth soon is a drop in her body temperature. About 24 hours before labor begins, a pregnant cat's body temperature will drop from around 101–102 degrees Fahrenheit to below 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be an indicator that labor is imminent, and you should prepare for the arrival of kittens.
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.