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by paula bennett on March 3rd, 2005

paula bennett

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How do I know if my cat is pregnant?

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  • by Jillifish on March 4th, 2005

    Jillifish

    If you think your cat might be pregnant, you should first check her nipples. These become more prominent and pinker by week three of gestation. Production of progesterone rapidly increases, peaking at around the 35th day after conception. This induces a more serene disposition during pregnancy. By week four to five, your vet will be able to feel golf-ball sized swellings in her abdomen. At this time the developing fetuses are usually quite easy to count. Shortly afterward, her belly becomes a visibly enlarged.

    Pregnancy can be as short as 57 days or as long as 70 days, but a few days before birth, the female becomes restless and searches out her chosen shelter. She rearranges her bedding material and spends increasing amounts of time in her chosen nest. This impregnates the region with her own scent, something that will eventually help her kittens orient themselves toward home. As birth approaches, the mother loses her appetite and restlessly paces in the nest until contractions begin.

    Occasionally, a cat may exhibit a condition called pseudo-pregnancy or false pregnancy, where elevated levels of hormones cause symptoms that look much like a pregnancy. This condition can last for several weeks and then gradually fade away.

    If you suspect your cat is pregnant you should seek out medical attention for her as soon as possible. You should also try to line up some prospective homes for the kittens, before they become a handful.

    (adapted from "Expecting Kittens" by Dr. Bruce Fogle DVM [http://www.pets.ca/articles/article-expecting.htm] & "Cat Pregnancy" by Anne Moss [http://www.thecatsite.com/content/view/31/27/1/1/])

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    • I was going to post the same question but found your answer instead and it was very helpful, thank you.

      tqj2004

      by tqj2004 on December 31st, 2007

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