Identifying Stages Cat Pregnancy

There are different physical changes in a cat during different stages cat pregnancy. You cannot confirm a cat's pregnancy through blood or urine test, but you can observe these changes and confirm her pregnancy.

Physical Changes In Various Stages Cat Pregnancy

• The first two weeks of pregnancy go almost unnoticed. There are hardly any apparent changes.
• By the 3rd week of pregnancy, the nipples of your cat get enlarged and become pinkish. This is called "pinking up." The hair around her nipples thin out.
• By the 4th week of pregnancy, your cat gains weight and this can be noticed. Her belly starts showing.
• As the end of the month approaches, your vet can feel the kittens inside by palpitating her stomach.

Setting Up Her Nesting Box

It's a good idea to prepare a maternity box or nesting box consisting of old blankets, soft towels, or newspapers. Place this at a quiet corner of the house. Let your queen nest in it. You should place the box a couple of weeks before she approaches the last stages cat pregnancy, which is labor. This way, your cat gets familiar with her new abode. Do not allow other pets or human activity around this box. Never move a pregnant cat; her labor might get delayed. She may even ignore her kittens. Therefore, it's advised to set up her nesting box well in advance of labor.

Stages Cat Pregnancy Labor

• About 12-48 hours before the commencement of labor, your cat becomes restless. She will start licking her bottom constantly. Also, there is a discharge before delivery, but you won't get a chance to notice it, as your cat will lick it off.
• Your cat's appetite reduces drastically a few hours before labor. Some cats stop eating completely before labor.
• As her labor begins, your cat breathes rapidly. Some cats sit with an open mouth and begin to yowl loudly. They may also pace in and out of their nesting box.
• During her labor, uterine contractions start. Your cat lies on her side and squats often. She presses downward to exert a push so that the kitties come out.
• The first kitten comes out within an hour after the beginning of contractions.
• If there are more kittens, they come out either at once after the first one, or within 2 hours of contractions.
• It's also possible that after the first kitten comes out, contractions and labor stop for a day or two and commences again for the delivery of more kittens.

Stages cat pregnancy is well defined; you only need to be able to recognize them. If in doubt, you can ask your vet. It's good to let the vet examine your cat in the last stage of her pregnancy to make sure everything's fine. However, there's not really a need to call a vet during her labor, if she's healthy and strong. But, keep the number of your vet handy just in case.