How to Tell if a Stray Cat Is Pregnant? 9 Signs

“How to Tell if a Stray Cat Is Pregnant?” It’s a question that a surprising number of cat owners have. If you haven’t had your cat spayed and she’s been left alone for an extended period, she may be pregnant. 

However, how can one be sure? When a cat is pregnant, this is the way to know for sure. There are several essential signs and traits during the short gestation period to keep an eye out for.

The most evident outward symptoms of pregnancy in a stray cat are a swelling belly and darker nipples. As their pregnancies conclude, pregnant cats begin nesting to find a peaceful area to give birth. 

If you can, take the stray cat to a veterinarian to see if she’s pregnant, as some cats show signs of false pregnancy.

Pregnancy in Cats: How Long Is It?

Cats go through two months of pregnancy. Pregnancy lasts between 63 to 67 days for a cat, though it can last up to 72 days. Pregnancy signals in cats can appear as late as two or three weeks into the gestation period. Pet owners have a little over a month to get their affairs in order.

How to Tell if a Stray Cat Is Pregnant? 8 Signs

Pregnancy symptoms begin to appear practically immediately after a kitty is impregnated. How well you notice the signs in the first few days of pregnancy will depend on your ability to observe.

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The first signs indicate a female cat being in heat, so keep that in mind. I include them for one simple reason: if you see a cat in heat, it’s best to start checking for pregnancy signs as soon as possible. Let’s get down to business.

#1. Changes in the Heat Cycle

It is common for your cat to go through a heat cycle every 10 days to two weeks. Yowling or rolling on the floor are common accompaniments. When a kitty becomes pregnant, this will come to an end.

#2. Pinking Up

It happens as a cat gets ready to give birth to its first litter, and the animal’s chest and nipples begin to enlarge. Pinking up is the term for this process. 

In the latter stages of pregnancy, it’s nearly impossible to notice. Pinking up typically begins between days 15 and 18 of a baby’s life. When you see it, you’ll know it’s there.

You’ll probably only notice that the cat’s nipples have gone pink and are visible through its fur in the early stages of pinking up. There will be noticeable changes in the breast and abdomen by week four or five. 

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You’ll be able to tell Kitty standing on her hands and knees if you look closely at her bottom. While her upper breasts are visible, her lower belly is visible. The tummy tuck should be lower on the torso.

As the cat’s pregnancy proceeds, the bulge around her midsection will undoubtedly get larger. After a certain point, her breasts should cease expanding.

#3. Enlarged Mammary Glands

A cat’s mammary glands will begin to expand during the final week of her pregnancy & it is common for cats to have four separate sets of mammary glands. Pregnant cats’ mammary glands will begin producing milk in the last few days of their pregnancies.

Before the birth of her kittens, the cat may produce milk. Even though she’ll usually clean herself, this is a significant indicator that she will soon give birth to a litter of kittens.

#4. Vomiting

Vomiting is a typical symptom of both human and feline morning sickness. Vomiting regularly could be an early indicator of pregnancy. 

In contrast, if your cat does this with all of its meals and there are no other signs of pregnancy, it could be a symptom of more severe health problems.

#5. Higher Visibility of Hips

Pregnant cats’ hips develop in the same way they do in humans: they get bigger and bigger as the pregnancy continues. It is all part of the delivery process. 

Read Also: How to Tell if Cat Still Has Kittens Inside? Easy Guide

When the cat is standing on all fours, its hips should be more visible. They’ll be easy to spot if you’re looking at them from behind.

#6. Decrease in Appetite

When a cat is nearing the conclusion of its pregnancy, it is common for the mother to lose interest in food. The cat will eat more than usual until the last few days of her pregnancy, when she may begin to feel worried, and her kittens start to press against her stomach.

#7. Nesting Behavior

During the prenatal period, cats prepare for delivery by seeking out peaceful, secluded areas to give birth. Your cat may begin laying out blankets or fighting with other animals over personal kitty space.

#7. Eating and Sleeping more Frequently

Pregnant cats’ eating habits are very similar to those of human mothers. Pregnant cats, for the most part, require more calories than their non-pregnant counterparts. As a result, she will eat more frequently. 

Pregnant cats’ appetites seem never to be fulfilled in some cases. The cat may always be hungry.

Pay attention to how often a stray cat begs for food if you decide to feed her. If she frequently asks for food, eats it all, and begins to gain weight around her abdomen, you may be dealing with a pregnancy.

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There are several ways you can tell whether or not your cat is pregnant.

Your veterinarian can determine whether or not your cat is pregnant using one of the methods listed below:

Palpation:  As early as the 20th day of pregnancy, an expert veterinarian can gently press on the cat’s abdomen and feel the babies.

X-rays: X-rays will only reveal the skeletons of kittens 40 days into the pregnancy, according to this technique. To demonstrate how many kittens there are, this is the easiest method to do it.

Ultrasound: It can be difficult to accurately determine the number of kittens detected by ultrasounds as early as 21 days into the pregnancy.

Exactly how many kittens can a kitty mother have in a litter at once?

A typical litter consists of one to ten kittens. Smaller litters of two or three kittens are common for first-time queens. Having a smaller litter is often a problem for older queens. 

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Siamese cats tend to have large litters, whilst Persian cats produce smaller ones. Consult your veterinarian to find out how many kittens you can expect, as a first-time mother may not deliver all of her babies, which can lead to life-threatening situations. 

Occasionally, pet owners are shocked to see more kittens, as there are generally 10 to hour gaps between them.

Can a Cat Get Pregnant at Any Age?

To prevent unwanted litters, it is critical to spay or neuter a cat as soon as possible, about four months of age. “Heat” may be an issue for a female cat during this period. 

Menopause isn’t an issue for cats; they can continue to mate until the end of their lives. If you don’t neuter your cat, it can become pregnant at any age.

If we haven’t addressed all of your concerns about feline pregnancy, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Consider making an appointment to ensure that you’re prepared. If this is your cat’s first litter, there are numerous medical reasons to check the kitty.

How to Take Care of a Cat While She Is Pregnant

I’ve put together an in-depth guide on how to handle a pregnant cat. If you’ve determined that you will require your caregiving services, I highly recommend that you look at them. Here are the fundamentals:

1. See if you can arrange an appointment for the cat with a veterinarian for a checkup.
2. As the cat grows older, its nutritional requirements will rise.
3. Never attempt to provide flea medication to a pregnant woman or in the weeks following her delivery.
4. If you can, bring the cat inside; if not, make sure her nest is as secure as possible.

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FAQs – How to Tell if a Stray Cat Is Pregnant

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Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope you know everything about the question How to Tell if a Stray Cat Is Pregnant? Is it possible that the pregnant stray cat you’ve seen walking around is indeed her? If this is the case, you’re in for a tremendous treat. Fluffy kittens may soon surround you.