Signs Your Cat Is Pregnant

Often cat owners don't recognize the signs of pregnancy until the second trimester. There may be some signs early on that your cat might be becoming a mother soon, but it's really not until the second trimester that physical changes occur that determine for certainty that your cat is pregnant. These signs include changes in behavior, the pinking of the nipples and abdominal changes. Your vet will be the best authority on establishing your cat's pregnancy phase. Cat pregnancies can last anywhere from 65 to 67 days. Cats can become pregnant as early as 4 months old, but usually reach reproductive maturity around 6 months.

  1. Changes in Behavior

    • Although changes in behavior may be slight, they may very well be noticeable. Pregnant cats often become much more loving and affectionate towards their owners. They may start to demand more cuddling time. However, as the pregnancy advances, cats are likely to become irritable and insist on alone time in quiet spots, often under furniture or in corners. They will start showing nesting habits and start grooming themselves and their vagina region excessively.

    Pinking of the Nipples

    • One of the first noticeable physical signs of a cat's pregnancy is the pinking of the nipples. The nipples on your cat will change from skin color to a bright pink color. The nipples become much fuller and erect into the second trimester of the pregnancy. This happens approximately 28 days after conception. Feline trimesters can last around 21 days.

    Abdominal Changes

    • Early in the pregnancy and well beyond the second trimester, cats will start to have an increase in appetite. Owners will start to notice weight gain in their cats. If the cat is indeed pregnant, she will start to show a dramatic increase in one central area of the abdomen. The stomach will become droopy, wider and oval-shaped. Owners should take their cats to the vet for an examination as soon as possible if they suspect that their cat is pregnant. He will be able to diagnose your cat through an examination of the abdominal area and blood tests, if needed. Your vet may prescribe a special dietary regimen to protect the health of your cat and the kittens during the pregnancy. In addition, your vet can discuss with you spaying and neutering options if you want to prevent pregnancy from occurring in the future.