You can tell if your cat is pregnant by observing a combination of physical and behavioral signs, especially after a few weeks into the pregnancy: Physical Signs:
- Nipple Changes ("Pinking Up") : Around 16-21 days into pregnancy, your cat’s nipples become enlarged, pinker, and more prominent as her body prepares for milk production
- Weight Gain : Pregnant cats typically gain 2 to 4 pounds (about 1-2 kg) over the course of pregnancy
- Enlarged Abdomen : From about 4 to 5 weeks, the belly starts to swell noticeably as kittens grow inside
- Vomiting : Some cats experience early pregnancy vomiting, similar to morning sickness in humans
Behavioral Signs:
- Cessation of Heat Cycles : A pregnant cat will stop going into heat, which normally occurs every 1-3 weeks during breeding season
- Changes in Appetite : Early pregnancy may cause a slight decrease in appetite, but later your cat will eat more to support the growing kittens
- Personality Changes : Pregnant cats often become more affectionate, calmer, or sometimes more reclusive. They may also start nesting behavior as birth approaches
- Lower Energy Levels : Your cat may appear more lethargic as the pregnancy progresses
Confirming Pregnancy:
- A veterinarian can confirm pregnancy by gently palpating the abdomen after about 17 days to feel for fetuses
- Ultrasound can detect fetuses and heartbeats from about 14-21 days into pregnancy
- X-rays can show kittens’ skeletons after about 42 days
Because some signs can overlap with false pregnancy (pseudopregnancy), and early signs can be subtle, a vet visit is the best way to confirm pregnancy and estimate how far along your cat is
. In summary, look for nipple pinking, weight gain, a swollen belly, behavioral changes, and cessation of heat cycles. For certainty, have your vet perform a physical exam or ultrasound
