Let’s admit it: the thought of having a pregnant cat at 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? Here are what signs to look out for – like an increase in their sleep time – so you can help them transition safely and happily to Mama Cat.

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Is my cat pregnant? The FAQs covered

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

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. 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.

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. 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 Others grow more withdrawn – hiding in weird spots around your house or outdoors. Hormonal changes might also bring along some moodswings and irritability.

💡 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.

Read more: Why Is My Cat Throwing Up? Here’s Why & What To Do

Changes in your cat’s weight

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.

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Physical changes

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’s belly 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.

A cat sleeping in the background with Tractive Sleep tracking in foreground

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.

cat wearing cat gps tracker collar from Tractive; app screen showing sleep and activity tracking for cats

Help your cat stay fit and healthy

Get a complete overview of how much exercise and rest they’re getting. Compare their activity to that of similar cats. Set daily goals.

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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-ray might be more helpful. (After around 42 days.) From this point onwards, you can even see the sexes 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. 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.) 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
    An important source of energy that 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
    Which are all important during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Plus, they help the kittens grow as well.
  • Folic acid and vitamin B complexes
    Which help the kittens’ nervous systems grow.
  • Iron-rich food
    Which can help keep your cat’s circulatory system healthy during pregnancy.
  • Fiber-rich foods
    Which can help prevent constipation during pregnancy.
  • Calcium- and phosphorous-rich foods
    Which help the kittens’ bones and teeth develop. (Just keep the ratio of calcium to phosphorous balanced.)
  • Taurine
    Which 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:

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.

Wrapping up – here’s Dr. Jace King from the Washington Family Veterinary Clinic covering the signs a cat might be pregnant:

And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.