Cat breeders are keen on learning all the information related to cats. One of the most important pieces of information that a breeder should know is how to identify signs of pregnancy in cats. These signs include the desire indicators in cats, their mating season, and several other aspects that we will delve into in this topic.
Identifying Signs of Pregnancy in Cats
Answering the question of how to tell if a cat is pregnant, we can state that there are numerous signs of pregnancy in cats, as follows:
Change in Nipple Color: You might notice a change in the color of the cat's nipples to a pinkish shade, which is a significant indicator of pregnancy. By the third week of pregnancy, there could be a further change in nipple color, darkening more than usual.
Swollen Nipples: The cat's nipples might appear larger and swollen. Additionally, the cat's nipples may secrete a brownish fluid, indicating pregnancy.
Morning Sickness: Cats can experience morning sickness similar to humans, which might occur during the day as well.
Increased Appetite: One of the vital signs of pregnancy is an increased appetite for food.
Abdominal Enlargement: Although this is an important symptom of cat pregnancy, it can be difficult to detect.
Weight Gain: Pregnant cats tend to gain weight, typically around 1 to 2 kilograms during pregnancy.
Psychological Signs: Signs of pregnancy in cats are not limited to physical changes; there are psychological signs too, including:
Increased emotional behavior, seeking more attention from people around.
Greater desire for sleep and rest, with pregnant cats sleeping more than usual.
The female cat might refuse mating with a male for an extended period. The male, too, might show permanent disinterest as long as the female is carrying fetuses. This refusal is one of the best answers to the question of how to tell if a cat is pregnant.
As the pregnant cat nears her due date, the breeder might notice her seeking a quiet place to give birth.
Stages of Cat Pregnancy
In the context of how to tell if a cat is pregnant, it's important to outline the stages the cat goes through during pregnancy, which are as follows:
First and Second Weeks: During these weeks, the cat refrains from making loud noises and stops rubbing her body against walls and objects. She also avoids mating with male cats.
Third Week: Nipples begin to swell and turn pink. A veterinarian might perform an ultrasound or manual examination to confirm pregnancy. Caution is advised, as touching the cat's abdomen during pregnancy can be dangerous.
Fourth and Fifth Weeks: During these weeks, the cat might show physical exhaustion, lack of appetite, and desire to sleep. These symptoms might last for a few days before her appetite increases, leading to weight gain and noticeable abdominal enlargement.
Seventh Week: A veterinarian might recommend a nutritional supplement to support the health and growth of the fetuses.
Final Days of Pregnancy: The cat seeks a quiet place to give birth and might exhibit anxiety. Providing a suitable, quiet birthing location is important.
Tips for Dealing with a Pregnant Cat
When discussing how to tell if a cat is pregnant, it's crucial to mention some tips and guidelines for caring for a pregnant cat:
Provide the cat with care, affection, and necessary attention.
Offer nutritious food tailored for pregnant cats.
Avoid giving any medication to the pregnant cat without consulting a veterinarian, as some medications can be harmful to her and her offspring.
Maintain the cleanliness of both the cat and her living environment.
Prevent the pregnant cat from jumping off high surfaces.
Prepare a quiet and suitable spot for the cat to deliver her kittens, setting it up shortly before her due date.
When Do Cats Mate?
After addressing how to tell if a cat is pregnant, we need to answer another question: When do cats mate? Cats are greatly influenced by the climate. Their mating season is typically strong in February, prompting them to mate multiple times during this month. The mating season is determined by their fertility period when they allow males to mate with them more frequently than at other times of the year.
The frequency of cat pregnancies varies from 3 to 4 times a year. After giving birth, the female cat nurses her kittens. However, this frequent pregnancy can negatively impact her health due to her young age. Thus, breeders must provide extra care and attention to young cats.
The mating age for female cats is usually between 4 to 7 months, depending on the breed or type. Mating is influenced by the climate. Female cats have a fertile period when they can mate, which lasts for 7 to 10 days, after which it pauses and resumes later.
Signs of a Cat's Desire to Mate
When discussing how to tell if a cat is pregnant, it's important to explain signs that indicate a cat's desire to mate, including:
The cat displays affection towards the owner, seeking constant companionship.
The cat becomes more active and roams around the house.
The cat emits loud vocalizations to attract male cats.
The cat rubs her face on objects around the house to leave a scent that indicates her desire to mate.
The cat raises her rear end if the owner pets her in that area.