Identifying a Cat's Pregnancy: Body Changes to Watch Fo

After natural mating or artificial insemination, the eggs meet the sperm within the fallopian tubes. Once fertilized, a pregnant female cat will cease to have her regular estrous cycle. If she does not become pregnant, her heat cycle will resume approximately 21 days later. During pregnancy, the mother cat becomes more cautious in her movements, consumes more food, and prefers to rest in a quiet, warm, and welllit spot. She becomes less active and her sleep patterns increase, often lying down for extended periods without moving. Around the 20th day of pregnancy, the nipples begin to change color, turning a rosy pink, and the breasts start to swell.

Approximately one month into the pregnancy, the cat's abdomen begins to expand. By the end of the first month, you can gently grasp the skin around the cat's neck with your left hand. With your right hand, use your thumb, index, and middle fingers to delicately and carefully slide back and forth along the sides of the abdominal midline.

By around the 50th day of pregnancy, a spherical embryo, measuring between 2.1 to 3.1 centimeters in diameter and with some elasticity, can be felt. The fetus is fully formed and can be distinctly felt upon palpation. However, during the examination, it is crucial to avoid rough handling and excessive pressure to prevent embryo death and miscarriage.