Is My Cat Pregnant? Signs, Symptoms & What To Expect
Here are the most common behavioral changes to look out for in a pregnant cat - so you can help your little buddy have a safe & healthy pregnancy.
Let’s admit it: the thought of having a pregnant catat home can bring its fair share of both “Awww”s and “Ahhhh!”s. But you might also be wondering: is my cat pregnant? And how to tell if my cat is pregnant in the first place?
Now the good news is that a pregnant cat might show distinct changes in behavior you should watch out for. (Like an increased tendency to go MIA from home – or just chilling out a bit more than usual.) So once you know what signs to look out for, you can help your little buddy transition safely and happily to Mama Cat and help your new grand-kittens live their best life. Let’s get started!
Cats tend to be grade-A weirdos when they go into heat.Plus, if you’ve decided against neutering them and your little buddy likes to explore the outdoors…there’s always the chance they might find the purr-fect mate for them, out there somewhere.
How old can a cat get pregnant?
Unlike other animal species, cats can become pregnant all year round. Most cats are early bloomers – becoming sexually mature between 5-10 months. Which means that from then on, your little buddy will regularly go into heat if you don’t get them spayed.1
Cats’ heat cycles tend to vary – but these do tend to be related to the length of daylight.
So most cats tend to give birth between spring and fall. (And fewer during winter.)2
How long is a cat pregnant?
A pregnant cat usually has a gestation period of 63-68 days.3 However, some cats have shorter pregnancies, averaging around 58 days. Others have longer ones, averaging 72 days.
On the bright side, birth complications tend to be rare among cats.4But even so – vets recommend staying vigilant and attending to your little buddy if they’re giving birth for the first time.5
Only a vet can 100% confirm that your cat is pregnant – but here are a few signs your cat is pregnant – and how you can care for them early on. (And how an Activity & Sleep Tracker for cats can help.)
How do I know if my cat is pregnant? Signs to watch out for
Usually, most cats don’t show any signs of pregnancy until 2-3 weeks in. (So you have around a month to prepare!)
⚠️ Else your cat is more likely to wander off miles away from home to find that perfect, safe, secluded spot – and birth her litter all by herself.6 Where you might not be around to intervene if they run into any complications.
So watch out for:
Changes in your cat’s behaviors
Much like humans, a pregnant cat might display a bunch of behavioral changes that depend on their temperament and personality.
Some cats get clingier than usual – super affectionate and cuddly.
Others grow more withdrawn – hiding in weird spots around your house or outdoors
Due to hormonal changes, your cat might also experience some mood swings. So they might be more irritable than usual – hissing and batting at you or your other pets.
💡 Ever wondered why cats make biscuits? I.e., press down with their paws on a surface – kind of like a baker kneading dough? It could actually be an early sign they’re pregnant!
Changes in your cat’s appetite
Much like in humans, your cat’s appetite might soar or dip during pregnancy.They may either eat more – or in some cases, less – than usual. In general, it’s fine if their feeding needs change during this period. (Since they’re eating more calories to ensure their kittens grow healthy and strong.)
⚠️ Just make sure you’re monitoring your kitchen when you’ve got a pregnant cat at home. Many human foods – including onions, mushrooms, garlic, and anything with artificial flavoring – can be fatally toxic to cats.
Nausea & vomiting
As with us humans, cats can experience nausea and vomiting during the first few weeks of pregnancy. (As a result of hormonal changes.) This is completely normal and you don’t need to be concerned.
However, if you’re suspecting your pregnant cat might be vomiting as a result of having eaten something they shouldn’t have – get in touch with your vet for an emergency checkup immediately.
One of the first signs of pregnancy in cats? Weight gain. But it can be a bit difficult to spot in the first weeks, since it tends to be slow weight gain. Just make sure to feel around your cat’s belly to see if it’s getting firmer or rounder. You might initially notice a mild swelling or increase in abdominal girth.
As the weeks pass, your cat’s body will change during pregnancy.
Initially, their teats will grow in size and change their color, growing darker and more visible than before.
Sometimes, cats might develop small bumps along the side of their belly. (These are the milk ridges – indicating Mama Cat’s body is producing milk for the kittens.)
Your cat’sbelly slowly enlarges and gradually appears distended. It may bulge, especially at the back.
With time, you might even be able to feel the kittens’ movements when you place a hand on your cat’s belly! Just be careful if you do, since a pregnant cat’s abdomen can be very sensitive.
Changes in your cat’s sleep & activity
Cats are already super sleepers – clocking in between 12-20 hours of sleep per day! However, pregnant cats tend to sleep even more due to hormonal changes. So that they can help their kittens grow healthy and strong.
In fact, another early sign of pregnancy in cats is a dip in their activity over time.7 Your cat might seem:
Sleepier than usual
Sleeping during the daytime (or when they’re usually more active)
More lethargic than usual
💡It’s why vets actually recommend tracking your pets’ activity over time – so you can catch on to a health issue early on.8 Because if your cat is already more on the “chill” side,it can be easy to miss a dip in their daily activity or how well they’re sleeping.
Which is why cat parents around the world– just like you – are relying on the actionable data from an Activity and Sleep Tracker for cats.
How does it work? Simple. Your trusty Tractive device comes equipped with a built-in motion detector. Picking up on your cat’s active minutes per day – and helping you figure out:
How active your cat normally is,
How much sleep your cat normally gets,
And whether there’s a weird dip or spike in how much your cat’s sleeping or moving around.
All of which are changes you can pick up earlier – and get your cat to a vet for a checkup right away.
How your vet can figure out if your cat is actually pregnant
In general, dropping a visit to your vet – after you’ve picked up some of these early pregnancy signs – is the best way to confirm 100% that your cat is pregnant. Cats tend to be pregnant for an average of 63 days before they deliver their kittens. After around 28 days, your vet can confirm the pregnancy with an ultrasound scan.9
Want to know how big your litter of grand-kittens is going to be? An X-raymight be more helpful. (After around 42 days.)
From this point onwards, you can even see thesexes of the kittens and whether they’re in a safe position for delivery.
Your vet can help check up on your cat and provide you the reassurance that everything’s going smoothly with both Mama Cat and her kittens. (Or pick up on any complications early on.)
How to best care for a pregnant cat
Just got the good news? First off, congratulations! Secondly, don’t panic. Your cat knows instinctively what to do – and what’s best for themselves and their kittens.
That said, pregnancy can still be a stressful time for your cat. (Much like with us humans.) So here are a couple of steps to support and care for a pregnant cat during this period.
Stay on top of your cat’s food & fluids
A healthy, balanced diet is key to a safe, smooth pregnancy and delivery. (For cats and humans alike.)
So pay extra attention to every bite, lick, and taste your cat takes during this time. It’s vital they’re getting all the nutrients and calories they need to both nourish their kittens – and also maintain their own weight.10
Here are a couple of high-quality micronutrients your cat’s diet should include during pregnancy:
Protein. Cat’s are obligate carnivores. Which means their bodies are primarily built for digesting meat. Plus, high-quality animal proteins – from meat or fish sources – are ideal for helping the kittens grow healthy and strong.
Fat is an important source of energy and should be present in your cat’s food in sufficient quantities. Just make sure it’s a balanced portion and doesn’t dominate in your cat’s meals.
Vitamins A, D, and E are especially important during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Plus, they help the kittens grow as well.
Folic acid and vitamin B complexes help the kittens’ nervous systems grow.
Iron-rich food can help keep your cat’s circulatory system healthy during pregnancy.
Fiber-rich foods can help prevent constipation during pregnancy.
Calcium- and phosphorous-rich foods help the kittens’ bones and teeth develop. (Just keep the ratio of calcium to phosphorous balanced.)
Taurine is an essential amino acid that helps keep cats’ heart and eyes healthy.
Monitor your cat’s weight
If your cat is overweight, there’s a chance it might lead to birth complications. Likewise, if they’re underweight, it could lead to difficulties producing enough milk to safely breastfeed her litter.11
Make sure to stay informed on what’s a healthy weight range for your cat – and take steps accordingly. Your pregnant cat might be on snooze-mode most of the day, but you can still ensure they’re:
If you’re not sure how to proceed, get in touch with your vet for their advice.
Keep your cat worm-free
Even if your cat’s been eating a high-quality diet, there’s always the chance they might lose all these nutrients through intestinal parasites, like worms.12
You can prevent this by getting your cat de-wormed at your vet’s clinic – and monitoring their outdoor movements. (To ensure they aren’t hunting in any dangerous spots or raiding your neighborhood garbage dump.)
Let your cat chill a little extra
As the kittens grow, it’s just as important to give your cat plenty of rest during their pregnancy. Do your best to reduce any stress they might face around this time. (Including big changes, like moving houses, or even smaller ones, like a change in routine.)
⚠️ Because in some worst case scenarios, stress can even cause a cat to miscarry. So help your cat get some extra downtime by:
Providing them with comfortable, warm and quiet places to sleep
Protecting them from loud noises, which can trigger anxiety (like the sound of your vacuum cleaner)
Avoiding unnecessary visits or play dates during pregnancy
Enjoy some quality time with your cat
Some cats get clingier and more affectionate during pregnancy – demanding your attention. So around this time, indulge your cat and spoil them rotten. Give them all the attention you can when they clamber on you or knead biscuits on your shirt.
Cuddling and spending time with your cat helps give them a sense of comfort and security around this time. If you hear them purring, both Mama Cat and her kittens are relaxed and happy by your side.
Figure out where your cat is likely to give birth
All pregnant cats search for a safe, secluded area when close to labor – a spot to hide in where they can safely deliver their kittens. This behavior draws from cats’ evolutionary instincts. So they’re more likely tofind a secluded spot where they might be safe from other predators.
💡It’s why figuring out your cat’s favorite hangout, hiding, and hunting spots can be a lifesaver. (Because now if you’re dealing with a lost cat, you know where to look first.)
And the best part? Your trusty Tractive device stores your cat’s favorite spots once you check their Heat Map & Location History.
Now if your pregnant cat has wandered off to a neighboring barn to deliver their kittens, you can pick up on where they’ve headed – and help them get the care they need.
Set up a safe space – and enjoy being a cat grandparent!
Whether it’s come to you as a surprise or you just wanted to make sure – pregnant cats tend to display certain behavioral changes that can help you catch on early.
Including:
A change in appearance and appetite, includingweight gain and other physical changes
Sleeping more often – or during the times when they’re more normally awake
Nausea and vomiting
Clinging to you more often – or, on the other hand, hiding away to find a safe spot to deliver their litter
Make sure to stay on top of your vet visits to keep your little buddy healthy. Keep them on a healthy diet with plenty of fluids, rest, chill out time, and tons of cuddles from you.
And most importantly…
💡 Figure out where your cat likes to spend most of their time – so you can figure out where they’re most likely to deliver their litter.
Which, if you’ve gotten a Tractive device, means 100% peace of mind – and the knowledge where your cat is at any given second – right at your fingertips.
“Anyone with cats knows how slick they are…even if your cat is an indoor cat, they will eventually find a way out.
My cat is indoor and outdoor, and I will never again have a cat without a Tractive! First, it’s fascinating seeing where they go, their favorite spots, and the territory they establish.
Second, when she has been out too long and I start to worry, I know right where she is and I go get her! I would recommend this highly for both cats and dogs!“
See where they are in real-time, no matter how far they go. Get alerts if they roam too far home. Find out where they’ve been and discover their favorite spots. Let others track with you.
