Cat Pregnancy Symptoms

During the first couple of weeks of cat pregnancy, it is almost impossible to make out that a cat is pregnant. Generally it takes about three weeks before pregnancy symptoms become noticeable. If you are a cat owner, then you will also be able to recognize these symptoms. A pregnant cat (known as queen) will develop physical as well behavioral changes during the pregnancy. The cat pregnancy gestation period is generally between 60 to 70 days or about 9 to 10 weeks. Below mentioned are some of the common symptoms that cats show during pregnancy.

Physical Changes During Cat Pregnancy

• If your cat has been in heat cycles every 10 to 15 days, and this stops abruptly, this might be the first sign of its pregnancy.
• After about three weeks of pregnancy your cats nipples becomes pink. This is normally referred to as pinking. From this day it will usually take about six weeks for the kittens to arrive.
• During cat pregnancy, it will show signs of increased appetite and increased interest in food. She would want to eat more and more. Feed her enough (for herself as well as several kittens), but do not overfeed her.
• Much as human expectant mothers, pregnant cats may show signs of morning sickness. She may have a few spells of vomiting in the morning.
• Generally around the fifth week of cat pregnancy, the abdomen would start to enlarge considerably.

Behavioral Changes In Pregnant Cat

• Pregnant cats become more loving and quieter. They start sleeping for a longer time. They become more affectionate than earlier and long for your attention.
• As the time for cat pregnancy birth comes nearer, the pregnant cat starts looking for quieter and private places for birth to take place.

When To Seek Clinical Advice During Cat Pregnancy?

Generally cat gives birth to kittens without too many problems and it may not be necessary to have an early diagnosis by a vet, unless you have some reasons to fear. Your vet may be able to feel the presence of fetuses by palpating the cats abdomen. This is only possible after around two weeks of pregnancy. The X-rays can also help but they may be dangerous for the fetuses. Another common diagnostic tool is Ultrasound. In the second week itself, Ultrasound can detect the fetuses. If you want to feel the heartbeats of the kittens, it is possible after the third week.

These are some of the common symptoms of cat pregnancy. They would help you to determine if your cat is pregnant or not. Once you are sure your cat is pregnant, prepare yourself for her pregnancy and give her more love and attention. Get ready for the arrival of cute kittens!