Expert: Norman Auspitz - 6/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am pretty much 99 sure that our cat is pregnant. She was on heat when we
moved in and was being extremely amorous around a big tom cat. Since then
she hasn't been on heat again and ha put on considerable weight. Her tummy
protrudes from either side, and her appetite has really increased. She actually
meows for food now and she has never ever done this!!

Her nipples are protruding more than they have before although she wont let
me properly look. I can feel them very easily whereas i haven't been able to in
the past.

She has never been overly affectionate and now she spends most of her day
at my side or wanting a cuddle. She also seems to be sleeping more.

All this said im pretty sure she is pregnant but wander if she's just gotten fat?
?
I think she is around 7 weeks and think i should be able to see and feel
movement by now but i cant.

I just need some advice as to what to expect and if you think this is
pregnancy and that its progressing normally.

Thanks very much

Amanda and ruby the cat. x

ANSWER: Amanda,

Yes, she is pregnant, so here is an information dump on what to expect:


Cat gestation is normally 65-67 days with 63 days being a normal minimum and 69 days being a normal maximum.  Anything over 69 days would mean a visit to the vet!  You should be able to see and feel the kittens moving in the last week and a half to 2 weeks of pregnancy.

Here is the problem.  Every queen seems to want to do it a little differently, so the best I can do is give you some guidelines.

Anywhere from a week before birth up until the onset of birth or anywhere in between, she will get her milk in.  In this time frame she may also have a mucous/bloody discharge. (Although these events may start at different times during this time frame).

Anywhere from a few days before birth up until the onset of birth or anywhere in between, she may exhibit nesting behavior and restlessness.  Also, in this time frame her kittens will form hard knots and begin to move backward and downward in her abdomen.  This is really the very early stages of labor. (Although these events may start at different times during this time frame).

Anywhere from a few hours before birth up until the onset of birth or anywhere in between, her water may break and she will have what are called positioning contractions where she begins to get the kittens in line for birth.

You will know hard labor when you see it.  Once she starts her birthing contractions, it is usually about an hour before the first kitten is all the way out.  About 50% of the kittens are breech, so although it is a bit tougher, it is normal for the first kitten to be breech.

A couple of things you want to have handy are a roll of paper towels, a bottle of isopropyl alcohol, scissors (in case you have to cut the cords), and a soft face cloth to clean the kitten's face if mama does not do it immediately.

I like to use a "jumbo" cardboard storage chest (10" X 16" X 26") as a birthing box.  Put some old sheeting or toweling in side.  Put it somewhere you can easily get to, in a warm spot away from drafts, and away from young children and other pets.  You can half cover it with a towel, so it seems more den like.

Make sure your vet knows what is going on, so, in case she has trouble, you have arrangements about what you must do.

Please let me know if you have any more questions.

Best regards... Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi still not convinced i can feel movement. although she has defiantly grown.
Her tummy tends to protrude more at one side that the other but this is
changeable.She is a bit less affectionate now. And her tummy has become hard
to touch. Am i worrying unnecessarily?

Answer
Amanda,

If she is 7 weeks along, you may or may not detect movement.  If this is her first litter, her tummy will be very tight, and, even if they move inside, you may not feel it.  I would not worry until 9 weeks are up and then see what is going on.  Use my previous answer as a guideline.

The earliest I would expect premature babies to survive is if they were born at 56 days (8 weeks).  So just habg on and see how it goes.  If you are really worried, there is nothing wrong in visiting your vet for a prenatal checkup.

Best regards... Norm.