How to know if our cat is pregnant can be somewhat complicated at first, but more evident as the days go by. In this article on our site we will detail with you the first symptoms of a pregnant cat, the behavioral changes she may experience and other important details to keep in mind.
Don't forget that during this entire process the supervision and follow-up of the veterinarian will be very convenient, who will assure us of her good he alth and offer us advice on the care and feeding of the pregnant cat.
Read on and find out everything you need to learn below, starting with the symptoms:
Symptoms of a pregnant cat
Before starting, it is important to note that cats are animals with a great reproductive capacity They usually reach sexual maturity between 6 and 9 months, they have a relatively short pregnancy and can have several heats in the most propitious season of the year, which is usually summer. Heat can vary from one specimen to another, depending on its age, environmental conditions or its state of he alth.
Can a pregnant cat be in heat?
Many people, a priori, rule out the idea that their cat is pregnant if they see her in heat. However, we must know that cats can be pregnant and have heat up to two weeks after fertilization. In addition, the cat may have been with more than one male in the same heat, which would result in a litter from two different parents.
How to know if a cat is pregnant?
As with all mammals, a pregnant cat will undergo a series of physical changes that will shape the body of her and prepare her for the arrival of the puppies into the world. The first symptoms of pregnancy in the cat will be:
- Puffy nipples
- Pink nipples
- Swollen vagina
As of the month of pregnancy we can begin to observe the belly bulge, which will become more and more evident. From this moment, when all the symptoms make you think that your cat may be pregnant, we recommend you go to the vet to confirm it and follow their recommendations according to the mother's he alth.
Behavior of a pregnant cat
In addition to the physical symptoms mentioned above, the cat also undergoes behavioral changes during pregnancy. It is very important to know to respect the nature of this moment and understand how we should act.
During the first few weeks, the cat will eat abundantly, will seek rest and tranquility, will offer you affection and may even be somewhat disoriented by the new situation. At this time it is very important that you offer him quality food (specifically for puppies), a comfortable place to rest and all the love in the world.
From the month of pregnancy when the belly begins to develop, the cat will progressively begin to eat lessThis is due to that the belly can start pressing on her stomach. We are going to help her with super nutritious food and create a "nest" where she usually has her bed. The nest must be nice, warm, with blankets and be in a secluded place. This will encourage her to start preparing for childbirth and for her to feel comfortable and protected, which is essential for her well-being and that of the puppies.
In the later stages of pregnancy, the cat may start to become more surly, especially around other pets in the household or the parent. We must respect her space and understand that this is a difficult moment for her, and that she must face it calmly and serenely
Blood, diarrhea and other symptoms of a bad pregnancy
As we mentioned at the beginning, it is extremely important to go to the vet once we suspect that our cat is pregnant. In addition to confirming the pregnancy, the specialist will check the mother to make sure she is he althy and does not need vitamins or medication of any kind.
During pregnancy problems can arise. Once identified, we must go to the vet as quickly as possible because the he alth of the little ones or the mother could be at stake. The most common symptoms that indicate them to us are:
- Abnormal bleeding
- Abortion of puppies
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Discomfort
- Weightloss
- Fainting
- Inactivity
More about cat pregnancy
Once the pregnancy and the mother's good he alth have been confirmed, it's time to start working to ensure the best possible pregnancy. Discovering all the details of the pregnancy in the cat will be essential for your cat to have, in the future, he althy and beautiful puppies
Remember that kittens are going to need responsible homes to live happily as adults, so don't waste time finding them a suitable family. It is also important to note that if your cat's pregnancy has not been planned, you should consider the advantages of sterilizing a cat.
