Expert: Marcia Owen - 3/9/2009

Question
Hi

I'm wondering whether my Ragdoll cat could be pregnant. She was bred between 12-16th Feb. Her nipples have been pink for about a week now, which i thought was too early? Comparing them to my other cat, her nipples are pink and slightly larger - my other females nipples are white. Is white the normal colour, only turning pink when pregnant?
We are going to the vet this week, but the thought of kittens makes me too excited to wait!

Thanks


Answer
Dear Jess

Indeed it does sound like your cat is expecting.  Nipples turn pink and become larger at around the 21 day stage - some earlier some a little later.  When not pregnant nipples may become pink if the cat gets hot, i.e. sitting on a radiator etc. but they do not become larger.

Well only another 5/6 weeks or so left to go!

Unless you have any problems with your girl, its not really necessary to visit the vet as even if they scan they can't always be sure of how many kittens etc.  It is also additional stress for the Mum which she really doesn't need at the moment, especially if its her first pregnancy.

Marcia.