Q&A for How to Tell if a Cat is Pregnant

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How long does a cat stay pregnant for?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    The length of pregnancy is called the gestation period. An average gestation period for a cat is 64 to 67 days.
  • Question
    Do cats get aggressive when they're pregnant?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Not usually, but your cat may become protective of her kittens after they are born. After a mother cat has had her kittens, she becomes protective of her babies and may become aggressive if she feels they are threatened. However, aggression is not normal during pregnancy.
  • Question
    Can red nipples be a symptom of a cat being in heat?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    No. Red nipples are not a recognized sign of being in heat. "Pinking up" or having prominent red / pink nipples is more commonly a sign of pregnancy.
  • Question
    My cat has been eating a lot, going into her own little area, and her behavior has gotten a little odd. Could she be pregnant?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Pregnancy and nesting could be one explanation for your cat's behavior, but doing these things does not definitely mean that a female cat is pregnant. If she has not had contact with an entire male cat, then it is not possible for her to be pregnant.
  • Question
    My cat looks like she is having babies. How can I be sure?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    You can check for a swollen belly and enlarged mammary glands, but keep in mind that you won’t be able to see these signs until the final third of pregnancy. You can also take your cat to your veterinarian who can diagnose pregnancy after your cat has been pregnant for 28 days. A veterinarian can feel your cat's tummy or run an ultrasound scan to look for kittens.
  • Question
    How many weeks is a cat pregnant for?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    For cats, normal pregnancy lasts for approximately 9 to 9-1/2 weeks (around 64 - 67 days).
  • Question
    Can a cat be in heat and be pregnant at the same time?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    No, the pregnancy hormones inhibit the cat from coming into heat. If you suspect she is pregnant , but the cat is calling, then something isn't right and she should see a vet.
  • Question
    Can you stop a cat's pregnancy?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    There is no licensed (proven safe) product to induce abortion in a cat; however, an injection of prostaglandins is thought to be safe and effective in most cases. However, spaying a pregnant cat is possible, right up to the later stages, and is the preferred option for many, in order to avoid a repeat pregnancy.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

Return to Full Article

You Might Also Like