Cats can go through a lot of changes during pregnancy, which is why it’s so important to know what to look for. If you think your cat is pregnant, here are some signs to watch out for and a cat pregnancy timeline with pictures you can reference.
In the early stages of feline pregnancy, you’ll notice that their nipples become swollen. They also start to groom themselves a lot. This is normal behavior.
1st Stage
Once the female cat mates with a male cat, they enter feline estrus (also known as a heat cycle). This period of time, which typically lasts for two weeks, is when the sperm finds and fertilises the eggs.
At this stage, a cat’s nipples may become swollen and pink as they start to produce milk. This is a clear sign of pregnancy.
Another very common sign of cat pregnancy is a bulging abdomen. This is because a cat’s body is starting to fill up with nutrients that are needed for her growing kittens.
At this point, vets can use ultrasound to diagnose cat pregnancy and estimate how many kittens your cat is carrying. However, this technique is not always accurate.
2nd Stage
One of the first signs of pregnancy is that your cat’s nipples become pink and enlarged. This happens between 15 days and 18 days after ovulation.
Another indicator is a swollen belly which can be noticeable when your cat’s uterus is mature. She may also have a high frequency of vomiting which is common during this time.
Lastly, your cat may show signs of increased appetite. This is due to the fact that she’s pregnant and needs extra nutrients for her growing kittens.
If your cat’s temperature drops to 98 degrees or below, she’s entering the first stage of labor and she may seek out a quiet, safe place to birth her kittens. She’ll also exhibit specific symptoms, such as panting and nesting activity.
3rd Stage
In this stage of a cat pregnancy you’ll see a much bigger belly on display and a full-on udder (mammary gland chain) adorning the front end. In addition to the feisty female’s milk-making capabilities, she may also be showing signs of apprehension. She’s likely to exhibit the usual suspects like pawing around your feet, panting, and meowing.
The 3rd Stage of a Cat Pregnancy is where the real fun begins and the best way to keep your feline happy and healthy is to pay attention to her needs. You might also want to start a new routine like scratching and playtime. The baby-making process is a bit bumpy in the early stages, so it’s important to provide your kitty with a safe and secure place to hide out. The most memorable moment of all is when she finally gives birth to a litter of sweet and oh-so-tiny kittens!
4th Stage
Gestation is a very busy time for cats. It is also a good time to take a moment and think about the care of your furry friend as she goes through her pregnancy.
One of the most noticeable signs that your cat is pregnant is her nipples looking swollen and rosier than usual. Breeders refer to this as ‘pinking up’, which is a normal part of the cat pregnancy timeline.
Another indicator that your cat is pregnant is her increased appetite. She may become a bit less interested in food during the early stages of her pregnancy, but will regain interest as her stomach enlarges and she needs to nurse her kittens.
5th Stage
Pregnancy is a busy time for your cat, and she will go through many changes during this time. But she will also be able to give birth and meet her kittens soon, barring any complications.
A pregnant cat will usually eat more than usual as she’s preparing for the birth of her kittens. This is because they will need more calories to grow healthy fetuses.
If you see your cat eating more, you should also be noticing her belly getting bigger and her nipples enlarging and reddening (pinking up). This is normal during the 2nd to 3rd week of pregnancy.
In the 4th to 6th weeks of her pregnancy, your cat will start nesting and searching for a safe place to have her kittens. She will be looking for places that are warm and secluded, and will try to find these in your house.
6th Stage
A cat’s gestation period, which starts when she mates and fertilizes her eggs, is 63 days. During this time, her body goes through many changes.
After two weeks of implantation, the embryos in the lining of her uterus begin to develop and grow into fetuses. They are still small but a scan may show them kicking and growing rapidly.
The third week of pregnancy is a significant one for your cat as she will begin to show signs of her growing kittens. Her nipples will become dark pink and her stomach may be a little swollen.
During this week, some cats will start experiencing nausea and vomiting that mimics morning sickness in humans. If your cat is experiencing food refusal during this stage, talk to your vet about how to help her.
7th Stage
The seventh stage of a cat pregnancy timeline with pictures is called the “nesting phase.” It’s when a queen begins to search for her perfect nesting place. This is similar to the human nesting instinct, and it’s important for you to provide a comfortable resting spot for her during this time.
During this stage, your cat will be more affectionate and may be less interested in food for a while, although she should still have her usual appetite. This is when she’ll start to gain weight, but she shouldn’t eat too much because she’s trying to feed her developing kittens.
8th Stage
A cat’s gestation period (the time from fertilization to birth) is about nine weeks. It is possible for a female cat to get pregnant several times a year if she is not spayed.
In the third week of a cat’s pregnancy, the kittens start developing in her stomach and she starts gaining weight. She will also begin nesting – she will seek out quiet, warm places to settle herself for her labor and delivery.
At this stage, it is important to have an ultrasound scan. This can help us to assess the health and viability of the fetal kittens in utero. The crown-rump lengths of the fetuses can be detected on an ultrasound scan as well, which helps to determine their approximate fetal age.
9th Stage
By the end of week seven, your cat’s belly will have a large rounded shape. This is a normal stage of pregnancy and your cat will look for a comfy resting place to give birth to her kittens.
She will also start losing her appetite as the kittens take up more space and press against her stomach. If you keep your furry Queen happy and safe throughout this time, she should deliver her babies without any issues!
This is a very important stage of gestation. It’s when the embryos turn into fetuses and grow rapidly until they are ready to deliver at the end of the pregnancy. This is also the stage when fetal bones are mineralized (calcified) and can be clearly seen on radiographs.
10th Stage
Throughout her pregnancy, your cat will look for a quiet and secluded place to deliver her kittens. This is similar to the nesting instinct in humans and can be difficult for you to notice, but it’s a good sign that she’s feeling comfortable enough to give birth.
A pregnant cat will be able to feel her kittens moving around in her belly. She’ll also have large, swollen nipples and spend a lot of time grooming herself!
Typically, a pregnant cat gives birth after 63 days of pregnancy. However, there are a few factors that can cause early contractions and labor, so it’s important to watch for signs of this. If you see any signs, it’s a good idea to take your cat to the vet for confirmation. The sooner you find out, the sooner you can get her spayed or neutered and help reduce your pet’s population.
Also Read: Pregnant Cat Week By Week Pictures
