Camille Carpenter was surprised one fall morning when she found her cat snuggled in a corner of her closet, surrounded by newborn kittens. Carpenter had no idea that her cat was pregnant, or she would have provided more comfortable accommodations for the mom-to-be. She also would have sought advice from her vet on how to best care for a pregnant cat.
For outdoor cats that are not spayed or neutered, it’s almost certain they will become pregnant. This is why it’s always a good idea to have your cat spayed or neutered if they spend any time outdoors. Some experts even recommend spaying or neutering indoor cats, as it provides overall health benefits and helps reduce the ever-growing population of unwanted kittens. Many of these kittens end up in animal shelters across the country.
If, however, your cat is not spayed, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for signs that she might be pregnant so you don’t end up with the same surprise as Camille.
Signs That Your Cat May Be Pregnant
Keep in mind that cats as young as four months old can become pregnant. There are more health risks involved when the cat is that young, so special attention from your vet is necessary to ensure the health of both your cat and her kittens.
Change in the Nipples
One of the first signs to look for is a change in the size or appearance of the cat’s nipples. Specifically, the color of the nipples. If they appear pinker than usual, it may indicate pregnancy. However, if your cat has thick fur, this may not be easily noticeable.
No Heat Cycle
If you notice that your cat has not gone into heat after her last heat cycle, that’s a good indication that she might be pregnant. Cats that are not pregnant typically go into heat within a few weeks of their last cycle.
A Bigger Appetite
If your cat is eating more than usual, this could be a sign that she is pregnant. As she’s eating for both herself and her kittens, your vet might recommend a specific diet. This is one reason why it’s important to discover your cat’s pregnancy as soon as possible.
Morning Sickness
Pregnant cats experience hormonal changes similar to those humans undergo during pregnancy. Consequently, some cats may experience morning sickness. If your cat seems especially lethargic or is not eating as much in the morning, this could be a sign of pregnancy.
Personality Changes
If your normally aloof cat suddenly craves attention, this might signal that she’s expecting. Watch for changes in behavior, as hormonal shifts due to pregnancy can cause these changes.
While early stages of pregnancy may make your cat more affectionate, just before giving birth, you might notice she becomes grumpier than usual. Additionally, she may spend more time grooming, particularly in the genital area.
Change in Size of Abdomen
One of the most obvious signs of pregnancy is a noticeable increase in the size of your cat’s abdomen. However, this sign won’t appear until several weeks into the pregnancy, so it’s not wise to rely solely on this observation. It’s crucial to have your cat seen by a vet as soon as possible, which is why it’s important to watch for all the other signs of pregnancy.
Nesting
If your cat starts “setting up housekeeping” in a corner of your home, under the bed, or in a closet, she may be looking for the perfect place to have her kittens.
It’s also important to note that some cats may show signs of pregnancy but aren’t actually pregnant. False pregnancies in cats are more common than many people realize. If you suspect your cat might be pregnant, the only way to know for sure is to have her examined by a vet.
If you think your cat might be pregnant, get her to the vet as soon as possible. Just like with humans, certain precautions and medical advice are necessary to ensure the health of both your cat and her new kittens.
Responsible pet owners never allow their pets to become pregnant unless they are certain they can find loving homes for every kitten in the litter. Unless you plan to breed or show your cat, the best course of action is to have your pet spayed or neutered as soon as she is old enough for the procedure.
