Whilst it's safe to stroke your pregnant cat, make sure that you avoid her tummy. This area will be very sensitive, and any touching there could cause her discomfort or hurt her unborn kittens. If you do have to pick your cat up, make sure to “scoop” her up from her bottom, rather than touch her stomach.
It means that your cat wants attention and trusts you enough to touch her belly. Remember your cat's belly is the most vulnerable spot on her body. If she allows you to pet her in this area, then she trusts you completely.
Most cats would prefer to be left alone, and they definitely don't want to be pet or touched while they are giving birth. It's best to give your pregnant cat as much privacy as possible while also leaving yourself the ability to monitor the birthing process for any signs of issues or distress.
Each cat has a different personality, and each pregnancy is different. If she liked belly rubs before, she will probably still enjoy it unless she's sensitive.
Absolutely! Petting your cat will not result in becoming infected. As a matter of fact, while Toxoplasmosis is a danger to an unborn baby, the chances of actually being infected are very low.
You can keep, and continue to cuddle with, your friendly feline — just don't change your cat's litter box. An infection called toxoplasmosis can be spread through soiled litter boxes and can cause miscarriage and serious problems in a fetus, including seizures and severe eye and brain damage.
You should always be careful when picking up your pregnant cat, but it is possible. While you may be used to picking her up from the stomach, try to avoid this area as it may be sensitive. Instead, try scooping her back legs up gently, allowing her to sit on your arms.
Licking, pacing, howling, and chirping
You might notice your cat licking her genitalia frequently – There is a discharge from the cat's vulva a few hours before birth starts. Your cat's water will break as well. Now is the time for pacing, restlessness, and howling, meowing, or chirping from your cat.
Handling and cuddling
From early on in her pregnancy a soon-to-be-mum cat will become more maternal and affectionate due to her hormones; she'll show more love and look to you for comfort. Cuddles and affection are an important part of taking care of your pregnant cat and making her feel safe.
Your cat's labour should go smoothly, but it's useful to have help on hand to keep her calm and in case she runs into any complications. Get hold of your vet's out-of-hours phone number prior to your cat giving birth, as delivery often happens during the night, or they might need an emergency helping hand.
Provide a quiet environment for your cat as much as possible during her pregnancy. Keep her in a quieter part of the house away from daily chaos, but make sure to spend plenty of time with her, too. If you have other pets in the home, consider separating them from her unless they get along very well.
It takes an average of 20 days before he or she can confirm a cat's gestation period by feeling the abdomen, taking X-rays or performing an ultrasound. The further along your cat is in its pregnancy, the more accurately the vet can determine how many kittens she is carrying.
Unlike us, cats are unable to take pregnancy tests, so cats know that they are pregnant as their belly starts to grow, and their brain receives chemical stimuli. This is usually at the 2/3 weeks pregnant mark. At this point, your cat is likely to become less active and more protective.
It's their way of saying, “I love you the best.” If they haven't been spayed, it's the signal to mate. Female cats go into heat or oestrus when they haven't been sexually altered. This kneading is a way to signal to males that she is ready to mate.
Weeks 4 to 8: Major physical changes
Between weeks 4 and 6 of a cat's pregnancy, the foetuses of the future kittens will start to grow rapidly. This brings about significant physical changes for the mother to be: her back hollows out, her pelvis becomes wider and her abdomen swells.
How long does pregnancy last in the cat and what are the signs? After the female cat becomes pregnant, her body slowly changes over the next 63 days as the fetuses grow.
Why won't my cat let me touch her belly? Pregnant cats may not allow you to touch their belly because they're being protective of the fetuses. However, if your cat is not pregnant, not allowing you to touch their belly may indicate pain.
Before a cat's birth, the feline will begin to exhibit noticeable changes in behavior. The cat may start hiding more or spending time in quiet parts of the house. Cats who are particularly close with their pet parent might become more affectionate or clingy in the days leading up to the birth of their kittens.
foetal membranes (water bag) appears briefly at the vulva and bursts. Liquid is usually cleared up by the cat. active straining starts and the kitten usually comes out head first. once the head is out, one or two strains from the cat should push out the kitten.
How long after a cat starts showing will she give birth? Pregnant cats, also known as queens, start showing about halfway through their pregnancies. For some cats, the showing can be a marker to tell she's in the middle of her pregnancy, about 30 days in.
You can tell if these are happening by gently feeling its abdomen. Tension and straining in the abdominal area likely signify that contractions are taking place. You may also be able to see your cat's abdomen contracting and releasing. Your cat may lay on its side during this time, making an inspection easier.
The concern here is toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can be transmitted through cat poop (such as in kitty litter or outdoor soil where cats have defecated). If you've had toxoplasmosis in the past, you're generally considered immune, which can protect your unborn child from getting the infection.
You can safely clean a litter box while pregnant by wearing a mask and other protective gear such as gloves. It's important to protect yourself against all kinds of harmful bacteria when you're pregnant.