Many cat owners face the question of whether their feline friend is pregnant. Recognising pregnancy early helps ensure proper care and prepares you for the arrival of kittens. This comprehensive guide outlines the signs from mating, through physical and behavioural changes, to veterinary confirmation techniques.
Female cats can become pregnant if they mate while in heat, known as "calling". Even young cats can be impregnated during this period, so supervision is vital. Unplanned pregnancies carry health risks, including fatal complications for both queen and kittens. Responsible ownership means considering the risks carefully before allowing your cat to mate. For more about feline sexual maturity, see the detailed article on Sexual Maturity in Cats.
Initial signs can be subtle. After mating, the calling behaviour ceases.
Behaviorally, she may be more affectionate or seek comfort as hormone levels shift. However, absence of these signs does not exclude pregnancy.
By week four, kittens grow to about the size of walnuts. A vet may gently palpate to feel the uterine swellings—but this should only be done by experienced professionals to avoid harming kittens.
Maintaining hydration through wet food helps especially in warmer months.
The queen’s abdomen visibly expands and becomes firm, with the tummy bulging sideways, resembling saddlebags. You might feel faint movements similar to gas bubbles as kittens begin to move.
The entire feline gestation lasts approximately 63-70 days (about nine weeks), with 65 days as the average.
Veterinary input confirms pregnancy and helps monitor queen and kittens’ health. Common procedures include:
Physical signs combined with veterinary assessments generally provide reliable pregnancy confirmation.
Pregnant cats require gentle care and a calm environment. Key responsibilities include:
Preventing unwanted pregnancies by spaying cats not intended for breeding is crucial to reduce health risks and overpopulation.
Cats are pregnant for between 63 and 70 days, usually around nine weeks.
Around three weeks, nipple pinking becomes visible, and some behavioural changes might start but veterinary ultrasound is the best early confirmation.
Feed high-quality kitten food with plenty of protein and nutrients, prioritising wet diets for hydration, especially during hotter months.
Pregnancy has associated risks; complications can threaten the queen’s and kittens’ health. Responsible breeding involves vet supervision and preparedness for emergencies.
Knowing if your cat is pregnant requires spotting physical and behavioural signs alongside veterinary checks. Careful monitoring week by week ensures the queen’s health and a safe environment for her kittens. Supporting responsible pet ownership and consulting a vet promptly leads to the best outcomes for mother and litter.