How Do I Know if a Cat is Pregnant?

When you share your home with a female cat, you may one day notice subtle changes that make you wonder whether she’s carrying kittens. In Australia, unplanned litters are common because unspayed queens can cycle several times a year, and a male can impregnate her in minutes. Recognising the early signs helps you prepare for the arrival of kittens and ensures both mum and babies receive the best care. This guide explains how to tell if your cat is pregnant, how long feline gestation lasts and how to care for an expectant queen, with practical product suggestions from Michu to support her journey.

Understanding Cat Fertility and Gestation

Cats reach sexual maturity at about six months of age, and unlike humans they can come into heat multiple times per year. If mating occurs, pregnancy (gestation) typically lasts 63-65 days. Because queens can show signs of heat even when pregnant, some owners aren’t sure what is happening. False pregnancies also occur, so a veterinary examination is the only definitive way to confirm.

Early Physical Signs of Pregnancy

• Pinking up of the Nipples: Around 2–3 weeks after conception, the nipples become larger and darker pink. This is often the first visible clue and is easier to spot in short haired cats. Some queens may develop a small amount of milky discharge later on.
  
• Changes in Appetite: Many cats experience a temporary drop in appetite or even mild vomiting similar to morning sickness around the third week. Soon afterwards their appetite increases and remains high throughout pregnancy. To support this increased need for calories, consider introducing a high energy wet food like a rainbow mousse wet food variety pack that provides hydration and flavour.
  
• Weight Gain and Abdominal Swelling: Pregnant cats typically gain about 2-4 pounds of body weight, with the belly becoming noticeably rounder by week 5. Remember that weight gain is gradual; if your cat suddenly bloats or seems in pain, consult your vet.
  
• Reduced Heat Cycles: A pregnant cat’s heat cycles usually stop. If your normally vocal queen suddenly becomes quiet and her behavioural heat signs cease, pregnancy is possible.
  

Behavioural Changes to Watch For

• Personality Shifts: Hormonal changes can make queens more affectionate, seeking extra cuddles, or conversely more solitary. Respect her mood and offer gentle grooming with an undercoat shedding rake to reduce discomfort from a thickening coat.
  
• Nesting Behaviour: As birth approaches, many cats seek a warm, secluded spot and may start kneading blankets or dragging soft items to a chosen site. Provide a quiet area lined with towels and consider a spacious litter box like the XXL BoBa deluxe box for privacy.
  
• Restlessness Before Labour: In the final 24-48 hours some cats pace, vocalise and refuse food. Monitor her closely during this time and contact your vet if she seems distressed.
  

Veterinary Confirmation

While the above signs suggest pregnancy, only a vet can confirm. A veterinarian can gently palpate the abdomen around 2.5 weeks after mating, feeling for tiny embryonic bumps. Ultrasound can detect heartbeats at 25-35 days, and X rays can reveal the number of kittens after 42 days. Blood tests and hormonal assays are also used. Scheduling an early appointment ensures your queen is healthy, receives any necessary vaccinations and deworming, and helps you plan for birth.

Caring for an Expectant Queen

Provide Proper Nutrition

Pregnant queens require about 25 % more calories than usual and need nutrient dense food rich in protein and fat. Many owners switch to kitten or growth formulas. Michu’s health monitoring tofu litter includes built in pH testing; while it’s not food, using it in her litter box can alert you to urinary tract issues early. Pair this with a balanced diet such as a wet cat food selection to support growth and hydration.

Keep Her Environment Comfortable

A pregnant cat needs a calm environment free from stress. Offer multiple resting spots, including a cardboard box lined with blankets for nesting. For hygienic toileting, maintain clean, low dust litter like the dust free tofu cat litter, or opt for an odour absorbing mixed tofu litter that provides heavy duty clumping and odour control. To keep your home smelling fresh without irritating her sensitive nose, add a negative ion smart deodoriser near the litter area it neutralises odours using advanced technology.

Offer Gentle Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Moderate activity keeps your queen fit for labour. Encourage light play with toys and climbing opportunities. A real wood cat tree or exploring the cat trees & towers provides safe climbing surfaces that satisfy natural instincts. A premium cat scratcher protects your furniture while allowing her to stretch and condition her claws.

Support Her Digestion

Cats sometimes nibble grass to aid digestion and obtain folic acid. Offer a soil free cat grass kit or a seed refill pack to let your queen graze safely indoors. Cat grass is especially useful for indoor cats because it provides fibre and helps minimise hairball formation.

Monitor Health with pH Sensitive Litter

Pregnancy can exacerbate urinary tract infections or kidney problems. Michu’s Cat health monitoring product range uses colour changing indicators to alert you when your cat’s urine pH or blood markers fall outside the normal range. The health monitoring pellets detect issues such as UTIs, acidosis and kidney stones by changing colour. These tools act as an early warning system so you can consult your vet promptly.

Preparing for Birth and Aftercare

As the due date approaches, assemble a whelping kit: clean towels, disposable gloves and your vet’s contact details. Keep the birthing area warm and quiet. During labour, queens usually manage on their own, but monitor for complications such as prolonged straining without delivering a kitten or excessive bleeding. After birth, ensure each kitten nurses and the mother expels all placentas; contact your vet if you notice any abnormalities. Feed the mother high quality food and keep her water bowl full. Groom her gently with the undercoat shedding rake to remove loose fur and maintain comfort. Providing cat grass and a premium scratcher will help satisfy her post birth chewing and scratching needs.

Spaying your queen once her kittens are weaned prevents future unplanned litters and reduces the risk of uterine infections and some cancers. Consult your vet about the appropriate timing and whether the procedure can be done at the same time as desexing the kittens.

Final Thoughts

Recognising pregnancy signs early allows you to plan for the safe arrival of kittens. Watch for nipple changes, appetite shifts, weight gain and behavioural cues, and confirm with a vet using palpation or ultrasound. Caring for a pregnant cat in Australia means providing a balanced diet, a clean and comfortable environment, gentle exercise and close health monitoring. Products like Michu’s pH sensitive litters, nutritious foods, grooming tools and odour eliminators make this process easier and enhance your cat’s wellbeing. By preparing ahead and partnering with your veterinarian, you can help your queen enjoy a healthy pregnancy and welcome her kittens with confidence.