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Pregnancy Signs In Cats

The gestation period for cats runs from 60 to 67 days.

63 days as an average as it is easier to equate with human gestation (nine weeks vs nine months).

From the time of breeding, many cats show behavioral changes. Most develop an unusually sweet and loving disposition and demand more affection and attention.

However, some may become uncharacteristically irritable. Some experience a few days of vomition ("morning sickness") followed by the development of a ravenous appetite which persists throughout the pregnancy.

A pregnant queen will show both physical and personality changes which will become more evident around three weeks after breeding.

Physical Changes in a Pregnant Cat

Heat Cycles Cease: If your female cat has been suffering heat cycles every 10 days to two weeks, and suddenly stops, it is very likely she is pregnant.

Nipples Swell and Become Rosier in Color: Breeders call this "pinking," and it may be the first physical sign you will see.

Increased Appetite: Your pregnant cat will show an increased interest in food. After all, she is not only eating for herself, but for several foetuses.

Possible Vomiting: Pregnant queens may be subject to a few bouts of "morning sickness," much as human mothers-to-be. This in itself is not cause for alarm, but if it continues or is frequent, veterinarian intervention is needed.

Abdominal Enlargement: Sometime around the fifth week of pregnancy, your pregnant cat's abdomen will start to swell noticeably, and it will continue to enlarge until time for birthing.

Personality Changes in a Pregnant Cat

Increased Affection: Your cat may become more affectionate than normal and frequently seek out your attention. By all means, give it to her!

"Nesting" Activities: This is not an early sign of pregnancy, but as the time for partruition (birth) approaches, your pregnant cat may seek out quiet, private places for birth to take place.

During the latter stages of pregnancy, the expectant mother begins to look for a secure place for delivery. Many become uncomfortable being alone and will cling closely to their owner. At the onset of labor, many nervously seek a place to make the "nest" or birthing place. If the cat is attached to her owner, she will not want to be left alone at the time of delivery. If left alone, she may delay delivery until the owner returns.

Clinical Diagnosis of Pregnancy in Cats: If your queen has had regular veterinary care, and the previous signs of pregnancy are evident, it may not be necessary to have an "official" diagnosis by a veterinarian, unless you have reason to fear something is wrong. However (and this is a big consideration), if your intent is to spay her, it is probably better that your veterinarian knows exactly what to expect.

Palpation: Your veterinarian may be able to feel fetuses by palpating (feel by gently pressing) your queen's abdomen, usually around the 17th-20th day of pregnancy.

Ultrasound: This diagnostic tool may detect fetuses as early as the second week of pregnancy, and heartbeats may be detected sometime after the third week.