Symptoms of cat pregnancy
A group of indicators appear on your cat when she is pregnant, including the following:
Changes in behavior: The cat’s character can change, as it moves towards more love and affection or prefers isolation and staying alone.
Increased size and abdomen: During the first weeks of pregnancy, you will see that your cat's weight increases and her abdomen gradually swells.
Change in appetite: You may notice that the cat’s appetite changes, as it may increase or decrease in the early stages of pregnancy.
Feeling nauseous and vomiting: Just as women experience morning sickness, a cat may experience similar symptoms in early pregnancy.
Increase rest and sleep periods: A pregnant cat is often more tired and tends to spend more time sleeping.
Preparing for birth: The cat begins to search for a private, quiet, and safe place in which she can give birth when the time of birth approaches.
Behavioral and physical changes during pregnancy in cats
During the period of pregnancy, cats undergo physical and behavioral transformations that express the hormonal and physical processes occurring within them.
In terms of behavior, cats may find themselves oscillating between wanting more affection and attention and wanting isolation and isolation. Also, she begins looking for a safe and hidden place where she can give birth to her young. Rest becomes a priority as she shows a tendency to spend more time sleeping.
As for physical changes, these include changes such as redness and enlargement of the nipples in the early stages. The cat's body mass also increases significantly, and a bulge appears in its abdomen.
Her appetite may fluctuate, sometimes increasing or decreasing. In addition, some cats may experience nausea or vomiting, which is somewhat similar to the symptoms women experience during pregnancy.
How do I know that the cat is pregnant through tests?
Veterinarians have several ways to check cat pregnancy, including the following tests:
1. Blood test: This test is used to detect pregnancy hormones in the cat’s blood, which helps confirm the presence of pregnancy.
2. X-ray: This is an effective method to look inside the cat's uterus and determine the number of fetuses present.
3. Ultrasound: This technique allows the fetuses to be seen clearly and their development inside the uterus examined.
All of these tests are conducted under the supervision of a veterinarian to ensure the safety of the cat and its fetuses.
What are the stages of cat pregnancy?
When a cat becomes pregnant, it goes through four important developmental stages during the pregnancy. Starting from the first stage of formation, where fertilization occurs and the formation of embryos begins, and during this stage, which lasts until the fourteenth day, the cat may not show any noticeable signs.
Then comes the second stage, which lasts from the fifteenth to the thirtieth day, when the organs and tissues are developing inside the fetus. During this time, you may notice that the cat shows signs of lethargy and prefers to rest and sleep more, and it may also witness an increase in its appetite.
Then, in the third stage, from days thirty-one to forty-fifth, rapid growth of the embryos occurs, making the cat’s abdomen appear larger and more droopy, and during this period the cat’s behavior may change between excessive tenderness and aggression.
Finally, the fourth and final stage occurs from the forty-sixth day through the sixty-third day, when the embryos have fully developed and the cat prepares to give birth. At this stage, you may notice discharge from the cat's vagina, and the cat begins to search for a safe and suitable place to give birth.
Each stage of a cat's pregnancy brings different changes and challenges that require special care and attention.
How many months does a cat carry?
Cats' gestation period usually lasts from 63 to 67 days, approximately two months. There may be slight variation in this period, as a cat may give birth slightly before or after this time range.
Signs of approaching cat birth
The cat tends to isolate itself in low-noise environments, away from crowds. She feels pain in her stomach, causing her to meow frequently and loudly. They show instability, constantly moving from one place to another. She also carefully licks her body, focusing on the area where she will give birth to her young.
Helping a cat during childbirth
When you are with your cat who is preparing to give birth, sit next to her, pet her, and talk to her calmly to make her feel comfortable. Over time, you will notice that she is lying down in preparation for the birth process to begin. If this is her first birth, it is very important that you stay with her to provide her with psychological support.
During childbirth, it is necessary to monitor the transparent membranes that appear. These membranes protect the kittens and allow them to breathe. If it does not open automatically, you may need to help the cat by opening it manually without using any sharp tools to avoid hurting the little ones.
You should also pay close attention to your cat's nutrition before and after pregnancy to ensure its health and the health of its kittens. A balanced diet is essential and must be chosen carefully.
Finally, the birthing site should be comfortable, quiet, clean, and warm enough to protect the cat and her babies from any potential illnesses.