Cat Pregnancy Signs & Pre-Breeding Tips for Success

How to Check If a Cat Has Successfully Conceived

Method 1: Observational Assessment

1. After successful mating, a female cat will temporarily cease her estrous cycle and enter the pregnancy phase. If she does not become pregnant, she will typically enter estrus again within 34 weeks;

2. During the first two weeks of pregnancy, there may be no noticeable changes in the cat's behavior. However, by the third week, her appetite may increase significantly, and she may experience occasional nausea;

3. By the fourth week, the cat's belly will begin to swell, and her weight will increase. Due to the growing belly, she may adopt a stretchedout sidelying position to prevent compression on her abdomen;

4. By the sixth week, the nipples will start to enlarge, and the area around them will turn pink. The fur around the nipples may also begin to fall out more, which is more apparent in shorthaired cats. By the eighth week, squeezing the nipples may produce clear or milky colostrum;

5. From the seventh week onwards, you can gently feel the contours of the kittens or even detect movements inside the belly of the mother cat;

Method 2: Diagnostic Tools

1. After 20 days of mating, you can take the cat to a veterinary clinic for an ultrasound to determine if she is pregnant. However, ultrasounds can only confirm pregnancy and not the number of kittens. To confirm the number of kittens, you would need to take the cat for an Xray after 40 days, once the kittens' skeletons have formed;

2. A cat pregnancy test kit can also be used to detect pregnancy. However, some pet owners may not be comfortable with blood collection, in which case a veterinary visit for a test is necessary.

Both methods can help determine if a cat has successfully mated. It's important to note that cats can experience a "false pregnancy." This occurs when a cat exhibits symptoms similar to pregnancy after mating, even if she has not conceived. This is due to the cat's ovulatory process being stimulatory, meaning that even if a cat does not become pregnant after mating or mating with an infertile male, or after other forms of stimulation like cervical stimulation or vaginal mucosal scraping, her hormonal balance can become imbalanced, leading to a false pregnancy. Therefore, observations before 6 weeks or a pregnancy test may not accurately determine pregnancy. False pregnancy symptoms typically resolve between 4060 days.

Precautions for Pregnant Cats

1. In terms of diet, do not increase food intake too abruptly in the first three weeks of pregnancy. Gradually increase her food as needed throughout the pregnancy. Ensure a balanced diet during pregnancy, avoiding excessive highfat and highnutrient foods, which can lead to obesity in the mother and oversized kittens, both of which can cause dystocia. Regularly supplement calcium to help the kittens develop strong bones and reduce the risk of stillbirth;

2. Keep the home temperature warm, and avoid bathing the cat during pregnancy. If the cat becomes ill and requires medication, it can be harmful to the fetus;

3. Arrange items and furniture in the home carefully. Even though the cat may still enjoy climbing, her increased weight can make jumping a risk of falling and potential miscarriage;

4. Prepare the birthing area at least two weeks in advance, placing it in a location where the mother cat feels safe and comfortable. Cats often prefer dimly lit areas for giving birth, so acclimatizing her to the birthing area early can make the process smoother. Be aware that some cats may choose to give birth in dark, enclosed spaces like under beds or in cabinets, and if not discovered in time, the kittens could be at risk;

For more information on what pet owners need to do during a cat's pregnancy, click on "What Pet Owners Need to Do When a Cat is Pregnant."