7 Signs of a Pregnant Cat

A cat in heat (process also known as oestrus) is highly likely to mate and get pregnant. The pregnant cat signs are reflected both in physical and behavioral changes in your pet. A cat pregnancy lasts for about 9 weeks (60 to 67 days) and cat pregnancy signs should be noticeable about 2 to 3 weeks after breeding.

1. Heat Cycles Stop

An abrupt pause in the heat cycles is a relevant sign to indicate that your cat is expecting kittens. If your cat used to have regular heat cycles every 2 weeks and these stop, this might mean that your cat is pregnant.

2. Swollen Nipples

This is among the earliest signs of pregnancy in cats. The nipples get swollen and change their color into a pinkish hue. They will also get very sensitive when touched.

3. Increased Appetite

Because the unborn kittens are feeding off the nutrient's the mother receives, she requires more food.

4. Your Cat Is Unusually Affectionate

A pregnant cat shows more affection than usual towards its favorite people. The queen will rub its body against your feet, toys, other pets or furniture. Your pet will also ask for more affection. This may also be a sign that your cat is about to be in heat, but associated with another pregnancy symptom this behavior is a good indicator.

5. Repeated Vomiting

In this respect, cats are like humans in that, when pregnant, they experience "morning-sickness" and throw up.

6. Swollen Abdomen

Even if this is not an early sign, you can notice a considerably larger abdomen after the fourth or fifth week of pregnancy.

7. Your Cat Seeks Privacy

When the pregnancy is coming to an end, the mother will look for places where the birth should take place. Her ideal place is a private, quiet room, so you may find your cat hiding.

The presence of these cat pregnancy signs are usually enough to tell you that your cat is expecting kittens. It is not necessary to consult a vet unless you have reasons to suspect something is abnormal (i.e. excessive vomiting). A vet should be able to confirm the pregnancy after 2 to 3 weeks after breeding by either using the ultrasound or by palpating the mother cat's abdomen. If the diagnosis is clear, make sure you pay special attention to your cat, giving her sufficient food, even vitamins and supplements and a lot of affection.