How Do I Know When My Cat Is Going to Have Babies?

Highly secretive by nature, most female cats will not openly exhibit pregnancy behaviors. An owner who suspects their cat may be pregnant must watch closely for visual and discreet behavioral changes. A cat can easily become pregnant if not fixed. Extremely fertile, simply letting the cat outside for an hour or two of unsupervised time while in season, will almost always result in pregnancy. A female cat will often come into season at only four months of age but the first season generally begins when she is six to eight months old. Each season can last from several days to two weeks. Only one mating during the seasonal heat need occur for pregnancy to happen.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermometer
  • Nutritious cat food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Watch the female cat closely for personality changes. A pregnant cat will usually be more affectionate and loving. The cat's gestation period lasts 60 to 67 days.

    • 2

      Monitor the cat's intake of food. As the pregnancy progresses, most female cats will consume more food.

    • 3

      Run your hand across the cat's abdomen to feel for its nipples. The cat's nipples turn pink and begin to enlarge approximately three weeks into the pregnancy.

    • 4

      Take the cat to the veterinarian to perform an ultra sound. A veterinarian is able to determine the cat is pregnant with an ultra sound, 22 days into the pregnancy. Biochemical blood tests can also be run to determine pregnancy.

    • 5

      Feel the cat's stomach to determine if it feels hard to the touch. The cat's abdomen begins to feel firmer to the touch of at approximately 30 days gestation. A cat that has simply gained weight will usually have a soft, mushy stomach. Simple weight gain will also occur all over the cat's body, such as its head, neck, and shoulders. It will not be centered only in the stomach region, like a pregnancy. In an advanced pregnancy, the owner may feel the movement of the kittens when pressing gently on the stomach.

    • 6

      Watch the cat closely for nesting behavior. The cat may steal blankets or towels to form a nest. She will usually seek out a dark, quiet place to hide. Some cats will slip into cabinets or dresser drawers trying to find a location to deliver.