7 Early Signs a Cat Is Pregnant

One of the first things you may notice is that your unspayed female cat no longer goes into heat. Cats typically cycle every few weeks during breeding season. If her heat cycle suddenly stops, it might be a sign she’s pregnant.

Around two or three weeks into pregnancy, a pregnant kitty will show changes in her nipples — they become enlarged and pinker in a process called "pinking up." This is one of the earliest visible signs of pregnancy.

Much like humans, some pregnant cats experience mild morning sickness during the early weeks. You might notice vomiting or a change in appetite, which should pass quickly.

Pregnant cats often become more affectionate — or, conversely, more withdrawn. She might start avoiding human traffic in the house or seek solitude, which can be a subtle early signal.

By the fifth week of the cat gestation period, you may notice a slight weight gain and a rounding of your cat's abdomen. Gently feeling the cat's belly may even reveal slight movements later on — though this should only be done by a vet to avoid harming the pregnant cat.

As your mother cat approaches her due date, she may start displaying nesting behavior by arranging blankets or sneaking into quiet spots like a cardboard box or nesting box. Offering soft blankets in a calm space can help her prepare.

Some cats experience a decreased appetite during the first few weeks and then develop a hearty hunger as the pregnancy progresses. Feeding high quality food is essential to support a healthy and safe pregnancy.

To confirm cat pregnancy, a veterinarian can use a few different tests including palpation, ultrasound or even an X-ray later in the pregnancy to determine how many kittens she’s carrying — often around four kittens, but litters can be anywhere from one to six or more.

Keep in mind, only a vet can give an accurate diagnosis. Changes in behavior or health could also point to underlying health concerns unrelated to pregnancy.

So, how long are cats pregnant? The cat gestation period typically lasts 63 to 67 days.

That means within about nine weeks of conception, your pregnant queen will give birth. Monitoring the cat's body temperature near the end can help predict when labor begins, as a drop may signal that labor is right around the corner.

If you’re not planning for kittens, it's important to get your cat spayed before she can fall pregnant. Cats can reach sexual maturity as early as four months and can become pregnant quickly, even while still caring for a previous litter.

Remember, this article is intended to inform and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your vet regarding your pet's condition and health during pregnancy in cats.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.