Cat Gestation Symptoms

Cat gestation is just a fancy term for when your female kitty is pregnant. A cat stays pregnant for about nine weeks before having kittens. There are a few clear signs to look for when you're trying to discover if your cat is pregnant. If you suspect gestation, bring your cat to a veterinarian to confirm this so that you'll know what to do to make your cat more comfortable.

  1. Not in Heat

    • When a cat is in heat, it means she's fertile and ready for a male cat to impregnate her. So when a female cat is pregnant, she'll no longer have the need to go into heat. Female cats usually go into heat every two to three weeks and the behavior continues for about seven days. So if you notice that she's no longer desperate to get outside, meowing loudly and behaving strangely (all signs of heat) after a few weeks, she could be pregnant.

    Weight Gain and Increased Appetite

    • Over time, a gestating cat will start to gain weight as a result of the pregnancy as the fetuses develop in her womb. So if you notice her abdomen starting to swell that is a common symptom of gestation. The cat will also start to consume and demand more food than usual---sometimes as much as three times her normal amount.

    Increased Affection

    • When a cat is pregnant, she's happy and relaxed because she is carrying out her instinctual duties. She may also show more affection and love to the humans and other animals in the home than. So if you notice that your cat is demanding more attention than usual, this could be a sign of gestation.

    Hiding Behavior

    • As time goes on, a gestating cat will start to hide from the other occupants of the home. This is because she's secluding herself to find a safe place to have her kittens. This is another instinctual activity---cats in the wild want to shield their children from danger at birth and become very territorial. If you notice that kitty disappears for long periods of time and you find it difficult to find her, this is another clear signal that she could be pregnant and close to giving birth.