by Shelley
(Sarnia Ontario Canada)

Hi. I have a Siamese who is 3 years old. When we got her, I was told she had only had 1 litter of kittens. She was bred to my male Siamese. She is 7 weeks along and lately her tummy hangs down. She has a good appetite. I was just curious if its normal for the tummy to hang. I still can't feel babies moving. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!


Dear Shelley,

I'm not sure exactly what you are referring to when saying that her tummy is hanging down. Especially since your cat had a litter of kittens previously, she may have loose skin around her abdomen, which is completely normal. Of course, if you are referring to your cat's abdomen getting more prominent and rounded, that is normal as well if she is pregnant.

Are you sure that your cat is pregnant? Does she have all of the signs of cat pregnancy, including her belly getting larger, an increase in appetite, and more prominent nipples? Although she mated with your male cat, she may not be pregnant. If she is, though, as far as movement is concerned, it is not uncommon to not be able to feel the kittens moving inside the uterus unless you are highly trained or catch her at just the right moment.

Best wishes,
Dr. Neely