You are here:
- Home
- Animals/Pets
- Cats
- Cats
- Cat 14 months pregnant or not?
Cats/Cat 14 months pregnant or not?
Advertisement
Question
My little girl had her first heat cycle in September and managed to escape,she went missing for awhile but thankfully returned. We had her checked over by the vet who said she was 98% sure she was not pregnant.
I have noticed though that she is slightly more plumper,sleeps alot,very affectionate, has had no more heat cycles but no real pinking of the nipples.
Could you advise please if she is not pregnant what is happening as Im trying to avoid any surprises!!
Hi Sarah,
It's often very difficult to determine whether cats are pregnant without a solid test. This time of year in the Northern Hemisphere, cats often will not go into heat, they put on a little winter weight (and thicker winter coat) and do spend a lot of time nestled up. However, there is also a window around four to five weeks along when it's extremely difficult to detect a pregnancy by palpation. And some vets are better at it than others.
So to be sure one way or another, you really need to have a blood test or x-ray done to determine whether she's pregnant. Both diagnostics can be run close to the same time. A blood test can be run one month into the pregnancy if your vet carries these. Results in about 15 minutes. X-rays can pick up the skeletons of the fetuses, but you need to wait 5-6 weeks into the pregnancy for this. I believe you are past this point with your girl, at any rate. I prefer the x-ray method, personally, because then you know how many kittens to expect, and then if she does not deliver them all, you can consult a vet promptly.
Other than this, it truly is a surprise!
Good luck!
Jessica
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thankyou, This has been so helpful!! It is always so difficult to get out all of what you want to say to a vet sometimes but this was easier and your response was clear and helpful and non judgemental!! From what I had told you you had answered all the questions that were left blank at the vets. I appreciate your time and knowledge on this matter and we will be off to the vets for an ultrasound/x ray. If Charlotte is not pregnant then I now will know what to do for the best. Many thanks again Kind regards Sarah | ||
Related Articles
- X-rays in Pregnancy - Are X-rays in Pregnancy Safe?
- Colon Cancer Awareness Month Fact - Cancer Screening Tests
- Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease - IBD - IBS in cats
- Adult Cat Annual Veterinary Exam - Annual Well-Check Vet Exam for Adult Cats
- How did you feel in early pregnancy? Lots of pregnancy symptoms or none?
Answers by Expert:
Jessica
Expertise
The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.
Experience
I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.
Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.