Whether your cat has gotten pregnant can be both exciting and at the same time perplexing particularly when you had not anticipated kittens. Physical and behavioral changes of pregnant female cats are evident, and early observation of it provides the possibility of proper care and nutrition. We shall also discuss how to know whether your cat is pregnant, what you should look out, and how you should nurse her until the pregnancy is over.
Early Signs of Cat Pregnancy
In cats, one might not be able to notice pregnancy during the initial two weeks. Nonetheless, the alterations in the nipples are one of the first to be observed. Approximately at week three, the nipples of a pregnant cat swell bigger, pinker and more noticeable – an indication referred to as pinking up. This is a symptom that is very early signifying that the body is preparing to nurse kittens.
Alteration in appetite is also another usual early symptom. She is likely to increase her food intake since your cat is adapting to the growing new kittens. Yet a few cats can consume less or develop slight nausea at the beginning of the pregnancy just like the morning sickness in humans.
Physiological changes that you will find
During the process of pregnancy, you will notice greater physical manifestations. In a period of four to five weeks, you start noting the swelling of your cat belly, which starts to become harder. The added weight is more exaggerated particularly when she is pregnant with more than one or two kittens.
Her movements might reduce by six weeks. You may see that she is not as active or careful when jumping and running. Her appetite keeps increasing and she can begin to sleep longer hours.
Pregnancy in cats Behavioral Signs
A pregnant cat tends to get more loving and demand more attention on the part of its owner. She may just be trailing you or she may want to be close to you. On the other hand, other cats grow shy and reserved and they like to keep to themselves and ready to be mothers.
The next symptom is nesting behavior, since your cat might begin to seek a warm cozy place in your house, such as in a closet or under the bed. This is her instinct of seeking a safe place to deliver and bring up her kittens.
Veterinary Confirmation
Although physical and behavioral changes may be used to show pregnancy, it is only certain when a veterinarian is used to ascertain the same. Vets are able to tell when one is pregnant by:
Palpation: The abdomen was palpated during the third to fourth week and checked whether there were any tiny lumps (embryos).
Ultrasound: The ultrasound technique can detect the fetal heartbeats as early as 16-20 days.
X-ray: This was used at the later stages (after 45 days) and counted the kittens and checked their progress.
A vet will as well assist in the determination of the due date, nutritional and care advice.
Caring for a Pregnant Cat
As soon as one gets the news that he is pregnant, healthy nutrition becomes very important. Change her eating habits to kitten food of high quality, which is more nutritious in terms of protein, fat, and calorie content. Keep her hydrated and keep her in a stress free environment.
Such things as during pregnancy, should not include wasting time touching her belly particularly at the advanced stages. Visit the vet on a regular basis to check on her and her kittens.
When to Expect Kittens?
The average number of days in the pregnancy of a cat is 63-67 days (approximately nine weeks). You might also find yourself becoming restless and pacing as the due date approaches in addition to becoming more nestive. Other cats go to the extent of producing milk just before birth.
In case your cat is distressed, not eating, and will spend hours of struggling to give birth, call a vet right away, because, in this case, complications during delivery may be fatal.
Conclusion
It is important to note the symptoms of pregnancy in your cat so that early detection can be done to guarantee the health of your cat as well as the healthy birth of the kittens. Notice changes in the body, behavior and changes in appetite and never be sure without consulting a veterinarian. As long as your cat is provided with the right care and environment, they will have the opportunity of having a smooth and healthy pregnancy.