Pregnant Cat Symptoms

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Pregnant Cat Symptoms

by Patty

photo by freeparking

I have a cat that is going to give birth. How can I tell when she is ready?

Thank you,
Patty

Dear Patty,

Pregnant cat symptoms of approaching delivery are subtle, but obvious if you know what to look for.

A few days before your cat goes into labor, you will be able to express a bit of milk from her teats. Cat teats are generally very small and uniform in size. Throughout her pregnancy, they have been enlarging in preparation for her kittens. However, only during the last days will they have a bit of milk, colostrum, in them.

Also, she may have a slight vaginal discharge. You may also find your cat not eating as much as usual.

The most obvious sign is behavioral and may not occur until the last few hours or hour. She will generally try to make a "nest" where she will deliver her babies. That could be under a bed or in a closet or in a basket or anywhere that is private and where there are soft clothes or bedding or anything comfortable.

If there is not such a place in your home, you need to prepare one for her. It can be as simple as placing a few layers of soft towels in a quiet, dark, but warm and dry place.

Closets, unused bedrooms, a large box or basket filled with towels in a quiet room...these are all possibilities. She will spend more and more time there as her labor approaches.

When she goes into labor, the best thing you can do is leave her alone. Noise and activity and people watching can actually stop labor.

Thank you for writing. Enjoy the kittens!

Dr. Neely

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Pregnant Cat Symptoms

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Jul 17, 2010

pregnant stray?
by: Kristin

we've been feeding a stray cat but she won't let me touch her. i can see her nipples when she was laying down and her belly does look somewhat droopy. she was panting the other day then left for 2 days but came back to eat and was licking her bottom. I don't kn ow if she already gave birth or is ready to or not but we live around fields and woods so I'm wondering if she'll birth in our play house i set up for her or in woods. she might be the same cat that birthed in nearby wood pile 3 mths ago so we keep checking there. what if we find kittens? do we move them, what if she won't follow?

The kittens are better off with her. They are more likely to live if she feeds them than if you try to bottle feed or tube feed them. If you move them, she will either not follow or she will find them and move them again. Unless you can keep them all indoors for awhile, just let her take care of them and keep an eye on them.

Jul 14, 2010

close to labor?
by: Ashley

I am cat.sitting for a friends until July 26. Rosette the momma to be is very pregnant. I have been trying to figure out how far along since June. On June 14 I.actually told my friend rosette was pregnant as she was looking paunchy. I felt the kittens moving on Sunday and can see them as well. She stayed in a large.crate I had prepared until this morning. She was walking around as if she was looking for something. Poking her head under my bed and dresser, under my vanity cabinets, in my bathroom and even jumped into the tub. All the while the tip of her tail was swishing back and forth as if she was annoyed. She is still eating and since then she has resigned to the crate. It seems she dropped alittle bit yesterday. Her stomach from the bottom is very flat. No leakage of milk.
Since I am responsible for my friends beloved cat I'm trying hard to be near as she births since she is only 6 months old. Any help.is.appreciated!

Sounds as if she is ready to give birth. There are several articles and lots of comments and questions and answers on my site about cat pregnancy. I would suggest you read them, but in general, even a young mom will take care of everything herself. The best thing you can do is stay back and keep the room she is in quiet and dark. You can slowly and quietly approach the area occasionally to make sure she is cleaning and nursing the kitten(s) she delivers. Also, if she is straining as if to deliver a kitten for more than 2 hours without delivering, you should call the vet right away. There's a fine line between watching and helping to make sure everything goes well and interfering and making things worse. A cat's labor can actually be halted by the stress of our presence or interference.

Best,
Dr. Neely

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Jul 14, 2010
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Submitted by: Ashley

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I am cat.sitting for a friends until July 26. Rosette the momma to be is very pregnant. I have been trying to figure out how far along since June. On June 14 I.actually told my friend rosette was pregnant as she was looking paunchy. I felt the kittens moving on Sunday and can see them as well. She stayed in a large.crate I had prepared until this morning. She was walking around as if she was looking for something. Poking her head under my bed and dresser, under my vanity cabinets, in my bathroom and even jumped into the tub. All the while the tip of her tail was swishing back and forth as if she was annoyed. She is still eating and since then she has resigned to the crate. It seems she dropped alittle bit yesterday. Her stomach from the bottom is very flat. No leakage of milk. Since I am responsible for my friends beloved cat I'm trying hard to be near as she births since she is only 6 months old. Any help.is.appreciated! <strong>Sounds as if she is ready to give birth. There are several articles and lots of comments and questions and answers on my site about cat pregnancy. I would suggest you read them, but in general, even a young mom will take care of everything herself. The best thing you can do is stay back and keep the room she is in quiet and dark. You can slowly and quietly approach the area occasionally to make sure she is cleaning and nursing the kitten(s) she delivers. Also, if she is straining as if to deliver a kitten for more than 2 hours without delivering, you should call the vet right away. There's a fine line between watching and helping to make sure everything goes well and interfering and making things worse. A cat's labor can actually be halted by the stress of our presence or interference. Best, Dr. Neely

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Jul 05, 2010

pregnant cat?
by: tracey

hello i have a 9 month old cat she is staying in more her nipples are more noticable and she just lays alot normally full of energy and is always wanting food?

<She quite possibly is pregnant.

Jun 22, 2010

multiple kittens born apart
by: Kathy

Our cat had her first babies last night and there are more. What is the longest time period between births before we should be concerned and take her to the vet? We can feel the ones still inside moving so we know they are alive. She is meowing and restless right now.

The standard recommendation is no more than 2 hours between kittens. If you are "hovering" over her you can actually cause her labor to stop. Stay far away and quiet but call your vet!

Jun 17, 2010

Is my cat pregnant
by: Pauline

My cat got knocked down nearly 5 wks ago and had an operation to get a pin in her broken leg .We have kept her in a cage since .Just this week we have noticed her very fat round the middle and her tummy seems to be always moving could she be pregnant and would the anesthestic and the x-ray have down the kittens any harm.I am suppose to be taking her to the vet ln a weeks time to get her sprayed and her pin out .what do i do.How come the vet didnt notice it .

She could be pregnant judging from the symptoms you describe. 5 weeks ago it would have been very easy for the vet not to know because it was too early in the pregnancy. Anesthesia and Xrays can hurt unborn kittens, but there was no way of knowing and often they are unharmed. Talk to your vet when you go in next week. They will certainly be able to tell by now.

Jun 08, 2010

Is my cat pregnant?
by: Kirsty

Hi, Im not sure if my cat is pregnant or not. She goes outside at night but is in all day an just now i found her lay in a dark corner behind the tv. i picked her up and thats when i realised how big her belly was. The first thing i checked is her nipples and they seem to be a brighter pink in colour an sticking out a bit more than usual. Her tummy feels full, though she hasnt ate recently and i think i can kinda feel like little lumps inside (maybe kittens) we havent noticed any different behaviour from her though. Im just afraid to put her out tonight in case she is pregnant and she decides to have the kittens elsewhere. Also, she has been passing wind alot recently which is very smelly. We havent changed her food or anything though, this is the food she has always been on and not had a problem with in the past... She is quiet eager to go out all the time now too, she just cries at the door untill we let her out. but like i say i dont really want to if she is pregnant already. Thanks.

All the signs you describe certainly sound like those of a pregnant cat. The only one that makes me think of anything else is the gas you mentioned. The gas and a roundish belly can also indicate worms which an outdoor cat would certainly be expected to have.

Until you find out for sure, I would definitely keep her indoors.

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Jun 08, 2010
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Submitted by: Kirsty

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Hi, Im not sure if my cat is pregnant or not. She goes outside at night but is in all day an just now i found her lay in a dark corner behind the tv. i picked her up and thats when i realised how big her belly was. The first thing i checked is her nipples and they seem to be a brighter pink in colour an sticking out a bit more than usual. Her tummy feels full, though she hasnt ate recently and i think i can kinda feel like little lumps inside (maybe kittens) we havent noticed any different behaviour from her though. Im just afraid to put her out tonight in case she is pregnant and she decides to have the kittens elsewhere. Also, she has been passing wind alot recently which is very smelly. We havent changed her food or anything though, this is the food she has always been on and not had a problem with in the past... She is quiet eager to go out all the time now too, she just cries at the door untill we let her out. but like i say i dont really want to if she is pregnant already. Thanks. <strong>All the signs you describe certainly sound like those of a pregnant cat. The only one that makes me think of anything else is the gas you mentioned. The gas and a roundish belly can also indicate worms which an outdoor cat would certainly be expected to have. Until you find out for sure, I would definitely keep her indoors.

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Jun 02, 2010

kittysitting
by: Anonymous

I received a cat about 2 weeks ago. I was told she is pregnant but the owner couldn't keep her while they were in the process of moving. i can feel the kittens moving around alot and Zoey (pregnant cat) is very restless and finding dark places to lay. odviously she i pregnant i know. but her teats are normal size is that something i should be concerned with since i can feel the kittens move alot?

No, I would not worry about that. Her milk will come in when she gives birth.

Jun 01, 2010

cat
by: Anonymous

hello my ct now has milk coming out of her nipples does this mean birth is soon?

Yes.

Apr 30, 2010

is my cat pregenant?
by: Anonymous

my cat has had 4 litters already she is an outdoor cat so i do not know when she mated if she has she is after getting very round near her ribs and i checked did she have milk by squeezing her nipple slightly and a sort of brownish orangey coloured liquid came from her nipples!
she has had a litter about a year ago and we have 3 of the 4 kittens unfortunatly 1 sadly passed away a day after birth! i do not know she is pregenant because she has the signs with about 5-6 weeks but i need to be sure!?

Please see my other comment about determination of pregnancy.

Apr 15, 2010

How far along is my cat Chi
by: Jessica

Hello, my name is Jessica. Our cat Chi is pregnant and she has been for a while. She is wide in the abdomen, she nipples are big but but more of a peachy white color, she is always hungry and thirsty, and I can feel the kittens kicking and rolling around in her abdomen. We do feed her each time she ask for food and water, but we do try not to feed her to much. We mix her regular food with kitten food. She demands more attention now then she ever has. We just want to know how much longer until the little one arrive. We are like very excited parents getting ready for the arrival of our grand kids lol...

To everyone with pregnant cat questions:

I get this question a lot. I cannot tell you how far along in pregnancy your cat is without examining her and/or ultrasound. Even with an exam, there is only about one week during pregnancy that the enlarged uterus can be felt for sure. The most I can tell you is that if your cat has had the opportunity to get pregnant and has enlarged teats and is growing larger around the abdomen, she is most likely pregnant.

Feb 18, 2010

My preggo Cat....
by: Linda

Hello,
My cat is pregnant, not sure how far along, but for a few days she has been sleeping with me and all in my face at night. Yesterday she jumped on my bed and I noticed some red around her vag area. She cleaned it up before i could get a good look. I put some food and water in there with her and closed the door as this is her 1st litter and don't want her to drop babies all over the house. I thought she would have them last night due to the blood on her bottom, but she still has like a big stomach seems to be high up, more by her ribs than down low. Also her nipples are showing, she still has hair around them. No evidence of kittens or birth have taken place. Is the blood normal? What do I do? This is my 1st cat. Thanks in Advance

A bloody discharge may appear a day or two or more between the actual birth. I would imagine by this time, she has had her kittens. I hope everything turned out well.

Nov 15, 2009

Pregnant Cat
by: louise

My cat is pregnant and over 2 weeks ago, I saw and felt the kittens move. She has been cleaning herself a lot and won't leave me alone. I checked her temp this morning by lifting her tail and just resting it on her behind while holding her tail down. It's the only way I could get the temp and it came back as 36.9*c. I haven't seen any milk or discharge from her, but as I mentioned, she cleans quite a lot. She has also had a bit of diarrhea this morning. Her bum looks like it's going to explode. In other words, has that got anything to do with anything? Any information would be great as this is her 1st litter and my 1st experience in expecting kittens.

Thanks, Louise.

A protruding rectum is not usually associated with pregnancy. Diarrhea and a protruding rectum could indicate parasites. A fecal sample should be looked at by a vet. Pregnant cats do not have discharge or milk until very late in pregnancy, just a few days before delivery. Your method of taking her temperature is very inaccurate in cats, but if she is eating and acting ok, you probably do not need to know her temperature. Almost all cats do everything for themselves when it comes to carrying and delivering kittens. They rarely need any intervention by people.

There are several other posts about cat pregnancy here on the website that may help you. Good luck and have fun.
Best,
Dr. Neely

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Nov 15, 2009
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Submitted by: louise

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My cat is pregnant and over 2 weeks ago, I saw and felt the kittens move. She has been cleaning herself a lot and won't leave me alone. I checked her temp this morning by lifting her tail and just resting it on her behind while holding her tail down. It's the only way I could get the temp and it came back as 36.9*c. I haven't seen any milk or discharge from her, but as I mentioned, she cleans quite a lot. She has also had a bit of diarrhea this morning. Her bum looks like it's going to explode. In other words, has that got anything to do with anything? Any information would be great as this is her 1st litter and my 1st experience in expecting kittens. Thanks, Louise. <strong>A protruding rectum is not usually associated with pregnancy. Diarrhea and a protruding rectum could indicate parasites. A fecal sample should be looked at by a vet. Pregnant cats do not have discharge or milk until very late in pregnancy, just a few days before delivery. Your method of taking her temperature is very inaccurate in cats, but if she is eating and acting ok, you probably do not need to know her temperature. Almost all cats do everything for themselves when it comes to carrying and delivering kittens. They rarely need any intervention by people. There are several other posts about cat pregnancy here on the website that may help you. Good luck and have fun. Best, Dr. Neely

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Sep 01, 2009

Pregnant or not?
by: Karin

Someone dropped off a kitten last week near my daughter's house. She had engorged breasts but was obviously malnourished. I brought her to my house on Friday and made her a quiet place in my den. I have been feeding her kitten chow and providing fresh water. She is eating a lot. Now it is Tuesday and I can no longer feel her engorged breasts. She just feels like she has a full belly. Her teats are skin colored and elongated (but not hanging down). She appears to be about 5 to 6 months old. I am now wondering if she had already given birth when I got her last week. Or, was all of her nourishment going to her breasts and now that she's nourished, well fed, hydrated and cool her breasts don't need to be full yet? A couple of days ago her breasts felt like little walnuts - now they don't but her belly is the size of a grapefruit.

It sounds most like a cat that has just delivered and was malnourished, but is now thriving.

Best, Dr. Neely

Jun 13, 2009

worms or pregnant
by: Anonymous

hi my cats about 1 years old and has not been fixed but iv notice she doesnt really drink much but eats loads.and become lazy and very loving and where her ribs are at the bottom she looks wider.i dont know weather its worms or shes pregnant !!!

Take a fecal sample to the vet to find out if she has worms. If she is pregnant, she has either delivered already or will soon.

Dr. Neely

Jun 05, 2009

My Pregnant Cat
by: Anonymous

My cat is pregnant I'm not sure how many weeks but she is real touchy on her belly and is trying to find a nesting place, I made her one today and put her in it to show her. Can you tell me how much longer she might have? I know she was pregnant the whole month of May.

It's not possible for me to be sure without examining her and sometimes not even that will be definitive. Ultrsound is the only really accurate method. However, if she seems to be trying to find a nesting place, she will possibly deliver in the next few days. Also, if she was obviously pregnant the whole month of May, she would have to have become pregnant mid-April or earlier. The normal length of gestation in cats is around 62 days. If your observations are correct, she would deliver within the next 1 to 2 weeks.

Jun 01, 2009

Some similar Symptoms
by: Angie P.

I have read many of the pregnant cat blogs...

My cat has similar symptoms, eats & drinks a lot more the past month, has vomited a small amount a few times recently, much more affectionate, sleeping more than usual, she is more quiet, seems to have a rounder belly, etc.

She is an inside cat & got out almost 2 months ago & was gone for the night. The next day, I came home to find what I believe to be a male cat had somehow gotten into my house.

I have been checking her nipples for about a month now, but there seems to be no change in them, although most info. I have read suggests that there should be.

I am guessing, if she is pregnant, she would be due in the next 1-2 weeks. Aside from an ultrasound, do you know of any other way to know before she actually gives birth? Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Angie P.

There is no way I can tell without examining her. I have never seen a cat in middle to advanced pregnancy that didn't have prominent nipples. If she mated almost 2 months ago, you certainly should know very soon.

Best,
Dr. Neely

May 09, 2009

stray cat appears to be pregnant
by: Angie

She just showed up out of no where. She appears to be very young. I can tell she once wore a collar. I would say she probably got pregnant her first heat cycle. She is very gentle. Also, I inherited a tom cat about a year ago. He came with the house is what I tell everyone. He is to be nutured on Monday. What I am trying to say is they both stay outside. How can I tell how many weeks she is pregnant? Is it true the male cat will kill the kittens? I am afraid she is to young to know what to do.

Most often, cats know what to do regardless of age. By all means, get him neutered. Male cats in general do not kill kittens, but it is in everyone's best interests to keep mom and kittens separate for a few weeks. You won't be able to know if she is pregnant until you see her weight gain around her middle and also more prominent nipples. The pregnancy generally lasts 62 days. Best, Dr. Neely

May 06, 2009

Is she pregnant?
by: nicola

My outdoor cat is normally shy, but know when I was walking and saw her "mating", she has wanted more attention then usual. Is she pregnant?

Couldn't begin to say based on that little bit of information, but certainly the opportunity was there and yes, pregnant cats may act more affectionate and demanding. Time will tell. Dr. Neely

Feb 10, 2009

Pregnant Cat Signs
by: Celianna T.

My cats heat cycle stopped,she gained some weight, and is very quiet,and loving and all other signs of a pregnant cat.

Certainly sounds like she could be pregnant. It's not always easy to know. If her nipples are prominent and she has stopped going into heat and is gaining weight and has had the opportunity to mate, then she certainly could be pregnant. Dr. Neely

Feb 08, 2009

Pregnant Cat Symptoms
by: celianna t.

My cat sleeps alot & eats & drinks can she be pregnant!!!!

No way to tell just from that. Every cat sleeps a lot and all, hopefully, eat and drink. Dr. Neely

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