How to Tell If a Cat is Pregnant

Cat pregnancy is a serious issue, but is your cat pregnant, or is it just chubby? Many cat owners often wonder if their female cats are actually pregnant due to a number of different reasons.

If you suspect that your cat had intercourse recently, then it is important to take a look at the different signs that can tell us whether we should expect little kittens in the near future or not.

Don’t worry, Your Pet, Your Love is going to tell you exactly how to tell if a cat is pregnant so you can clear the doubts once and for all.

How Long Does it Take to Notice if a Cat is Pregnant?

It depends – cats start to gain weight after 3 weeks of being pregnant. This means that it could be a while before you can identify that your animal is in the gestation period, and since this period is really short (from 62 to 67 days), then it might be too late!

Thus, it is important for owners to take a look at the behavior of their cats to determine whether the feline is pregnant or not. Besides, your cat would probably need medicine while it’s pregnant, which increases the need to know all birthing parameters to ensure the safety of your feline friend.

How Long Does a Cat Pregnancy Last?

A cat pregnancy lasts just between 63 and 67 days, which is roughly 9 weeks. These cycles are really fast-paced, so from the moment your cat gets pregnant to the moment babies are born, just a few days will pass.

Nursing and taking care of your cat will ensure a healthy carrying process, which is fundamental if you want your cat to have a pleasant experience with pregnancy.

How to Tell if Your Cat is Pregnant or Fat: Take it To the Vet!

The best piece of advice we can give you, so you know whether your cat is pregnant or just fat is to take it to the vet! Cat ultrasounds are performed through a process that can identify whether your cat is pregnant or not in a matter of minutes.

This not only will help you save a lot of time, but also will give you healthy insights so you can confirm your cat’s pregnancy and take care of it with all the love it deserves.

So, the next time you ask yourself, “how to tell if my cat is pregnant,” our recommendation would be to take it to the veterinarian and let a professional give you the answer.

How Much Does an Ultrasound On a Cat Cost?

A cat ultrasound costs, on average, between 300 USD and 500 USD. This can be quite costly in some countries, but the prices can vary if you don’t live in the United States.

Not all owners are capable of affording an ultrasound, but as we mentioned before, going one is the absolute best way to know if your cat is pregnant and about to become a mother.

How to Tell if a Cat is Pregnant Without a Vet

We know that paying for an ultrasound is not possible at all times, but identifying if your female cat is pregnant is still a matter of urgency.

So, how can you tell if your cat is pregnant without taking it to the vet? There’s more than one sign to watch out for, and we are going to show you some tips to take into account so you can have a clean mind regarding this matter as soon as possible.

1. Check Weight Gain

The most obvious sign of cat pregnancy is weight gain. After two or three weeks, your cat will gain from 2 to 5 pounds, and it will be a notable change in your cat’s body.

If your cat is fatter than normal and you haven’t varied its food, then congratulations – you are about to become a kitten grandad or grandma!

2. Constant Morning Vomiting

Morning vomiting is a true sign of pregnancy in humans and in cats as well. If you constantly ask yourself, “Why is My Cat Coughing?” even if the cat didn’t cough that often before, then it might be the start of its gestation.

Morning sickness in cats is pretty common when they are pregnant, so watch out for this sign, which might appear even before any change in its appearance.

3. Changes in Your Cat’s Behavior

Perhaps your cat is lazier than usual, or maybe they are not that playful. If you notice a sudden change in their behavior, it might be a good moment to take them to the vet.

In this case, going with a professional will help you decide if your cat is sick or just pregnant. Also, try not to bathe a pregnant cat – learn How to Bathe a Cat here.

4. Your Cat Is Sleeping More

Cats are lazy by nature, but they also know when and how to play to feel happy and healthy. If your cat is more lazy than normal, then it might be pregnant.

If you see that your cat doesn’t perform as it did before with games and so on, then your pet might be pregnant. Contact a veterinarian and take it there so you can discard health issues.

Can You Pick Up a Pregnant Cat?

You can pick a pregnant cat, indeed, but we don’t recommend it. Even if you decide to do it, we highly recommend you avoid the tummy.

Dogs Like Belly Rubs a lot, but cats are not so prone to liking them. If you add the fact that the cat is pregnant, then picking them up and grabbing them by the belly is not the best decision you can make.

Besides, a cat’s nipples will enlarge during pregnancy, and if you grab them there, you can cause pain in your little cat.

Pet Recap: How Do You Know if Cat is Pregnant?

Our recommendation to know if a cat is pregnant is to simply take them to the vet so you can have full notice of its pregnancy or entirely discard it.

If you can’t do this, then follow the tips mentioned in this guide. If your cat is indeed pregnant, it’s time to give the babies a good and happy life as they deserve it!

FAQ

How Many Kittens Are Usually in a First Litter?

Usually, the first litter of a cat brings between 4 and 6 kittens. It depends on the cat’s health and a number of different factors.

Do Cats Get Pregnant Easily?

Yes, cats get pregnant very easily! That’s why some owners often doubt whether their cat is pregnant or not. Even if you don’t see your cat having intercourse, it takes just seconds to get it pregnant.