CAT PREGNANCY SIGNS

Embarking on the journey of feline pregnancy with your cat is an exciting and emotional experience. Understanding your cat’s pregnancy period is not only crucial for planning but also for ensuring your pet's safety and health. Signs that your cat is pregnant may not always be evident, which is why knowledge of these indications is essential. While pregnant cats are typically self-sufficient, a little support from your side can make this process a bit comfortable and secure for them.

AT WHAT AGE CAN A CAT GET PREGNANT?

Cats can start their journey into motherhood as soon as they begin having heat cycles. This typically commences when a cat is between 5–6 months old. However, there are instances where kittens as young as 3 or 4 months old have been observed to start their heat cycles, especially if they were born during certain times of the year.

These heat cycles recur every two weeks, allowing cats to potentially bear multiple litters per season if not regulated. As your cat reaches around 8 years of age, her fertility is likely to decrease. Still, the most definitive way to prevent pregnancy in cats is to opt for spaying. This procedure ensures your cat won't get pregnant, allowing her to lead a carefree life.

HOW LONG ARE CATS PREGNANT?

The pregnancy period for cats is typically shorter than that of humans. On average, a pregnant cat will carry her kittens for approximately 63 to 65 days, or about two months. This period can be broadly divided into three trimesters, each lasting around 20 days.

Although it's like human pregnancies in terms of trimesters, cats can sometimes give birth a little earlier or later than anticipated. Despite that, signs of your cat being pregnant may not be physically apparent until she is a few weeks into her term.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CAT IS PREGNANT?

Identifying if your cat is on her way to motherhood can be quite the task. Here are some signs that might indicate that your cat is pregnant:

• PINKING-UP

   A unique sign that your cat is pregnant, the 'pinking-up' stage, is typically noticeable after 15-18 days into the cat pregnancy period. During this phase, your pet's nipples may get enlarged and reddened.

• MORNING SICKNESS:

  Similar to humans, cats too can experience a phase of morning sickness during pregnancy. If your cat has been noticeably sick or vomiting more than usual, it might be a sign of pregnancy.

• SWELLING BELLY:

  As the pregnancy progresses, your cat's tummy may start to swell. It's crucial to avoid touching your cat's stomach during this time, as it could potentially harm the mother or her unborn kittens.

• WEIGHT GAIN:

  Over the course of pregnancy, cats typically gain 1-2 kg in weight. This weight gain is often noticeable and can be a significant sign of pregnancy.

• INCREASED APPETITE:

  You might notice your cat's appetite increasing, especially in the later stages of her pregnancy. This is a common sign of pregnancy, as the mama cat needs more nutrients for her and the kittens.

• BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES:

  A pregnant cat may show more maternal behaviour, such as purring, more frequently or seek extra attention from you.

SIGNS OF IMPENDING/ACTIVE CAT LABOR:

Recognizing the signs of impending or active labor in your pregnant cat is crucial for ensuring a smooth delivery process. Here's what you need to look out for:

• NESTING BEHAVIOR

  As she nears the end of her cat pregnancy period, your cat may begin seeking out quiet, comfortable spaces where she can nest. You can support her by providing a designated, cozy area for her to relax in.

• BEHAVIORAL CHANGES

  Labor can often be preceded by subtle changes in your cat's behavior. She may appear more restless or agitated than usual, often a sign that your cat is pregnant and nearing labor.

• LOSS OF APPETITE:

  Most cats will stop eating about a day before labor begins. This loss of appetite can be a clear sign that delivery is imminent.

• DROP IN BODY TEMPERATURE:

  Your cat's body temperature will drop to around 37.8°C in the last 12-24 hours before labor starts. Monitoring your feline friend’s temperature can help in accurately predicting the onset of labor.

• VOCALIZATIONS

  Your cat may become more vocal and demand more attention as she gets closer to labor. This is part of the feline pregnancy journey and is one of the ways she communicates her needs.

• VISIBLE CONTRACTIONS AND DISCHARGE:

  The beginning of delivery is usually marked by strong abdominal contractions, followed by some discharge from her vagina. This is a sign that the kittens should be on their way soon!

HOW LONG DOES LABOR TYPICALLY LAST IN CATS?

Once cats go through their entire pregnancy period, it can take them around 6 hours to deliver all their kittens. It is normal for there to be a brief period between kittens; however, if your pregnant cat is displaying contractions for more than 20 minutes without producing a kitten, or it takes more than 10 minutes for your feline to pass a kitten that you can see in the birth canal, then it is imperative that you call a veterinarian.