Signs a Cat is Pregnant

Camille Carpenter was surprised one fall morning when she found her cat snuggled in a corner of her closet surrounded by newborn kittens. Carpenter had no idea that her cat was pregnant or she would have provided more comfortable accommodation for the mom-to-be as well as getting advice from her vet about how to best care for a pregnant cat.

For outdoor cats that are not fixed, it is pretty near a certainty that they are going to become pregnant. That is why it is always a good idea to have your cat spayed or neutered if they spend any time at all outdoors. Some experts recommend that even indoor cats be spayed or neutered as it provides overall health benefits to the cat as well as helping to cut down on the ever growing population of unwanted kittens, many of which wind up at animal shelters around the country.

If, however, your cat is not fixed, it is a good idea to keep your eyes open for the signs that she might be pregnant so that you don’t end up with the same kind of surprise as Camille.

Keep in mind that cats as young as four month old can become pregnant. There are more health risks involved when the cat is that young, so special attention from your vet would be required in order to ensure the health of your cat and her kittens.

Change in the Nipples
One of the first signs to look for is a change in the size or appearance of the cat’s nipples. Particularly look for the color of the nipples. If they appear to be more pink than normal, that is a sign that the cat is pregnant. Of course, if your cat has very thick fur, this is not something that will be noticed very easily.

No Heat Cycle
If you notice that your cat has not gone into heat again following her last heat cycle, that is a good sign that she is pregnant. Cats that are not pregnant will usually go into heat within weeks of the previous heat cycle.

A Bigger Appetite
If you notice that your cat is eating more than usual, that is a sign that she may be pregnant. Because she is eating for herself and her babies, your vet may suggest a specific diet. That is just one of the reasons that it is important to learn of your cat’s pregnancy as soon as possible.

Morning Sickness
Pregnant cats are subject to hormonal changes that are similar to those that humans realize when they are expecting. For this reason, the same type of morning sickness that affects people, can also affect some cats. If you notice that your cat is especially lacking in energy or is not eating the same amount she usually eats in the morning, this could be a sign of pregnancy.

Personality Changes
If your normally aloof cat suddenly craves your attention that is a signal that she may be expecting. Watch for any change in personality as it may be a cause of hormonal changes brought on my pregnancy.

While the early stages of pregnancy may bring out the sweet side of your cat, in the time just before she is to give birth, you may notice that she is a bit more grumpy than usual. Also, you may see that she spends more time grooming, particularly in the genital area.

Change in Size of Abdomen
One of the most obvious signs that your cat may be pregnant is an increase in the size of her abdomen. It is not good to rely solely on this sign of pregnancy, however, as it will not manifest itself until several weeks into the pregnancy. Your cat should be seen by a vet as early in the pregnancy as possible. That is why it is important to watch for all signs of pregnancy rather than relying on this one.

Nesting
If you notice that your cat is “setting up housekeeping” in a corner of your home, under the bed, in a closet or in any other out of way spot, that may be because she is looking for the perfect spot in which to have her kittens.

Keep in mind that cats may exhibit signs of pregnancy, but not actually be pregnant. False pregnancies in cats are more common than some might think. If you suspect your cat may be pregnant, the only way to find out for sure is to have her examined by your vet.

Get to the vet as soon as possible if you think your cat may be pregnant. Just as for people, there are certain precautions and other medical advice that is important to the health of your cat and her new kittens.

Responsible pet owners will never allow their pet to become pregnant unless they are 100% sure that they will able to find wonderful homes for every kitten born in the litter. Unless you plan to breed or show your cat, the best course of action is to have your pet spayed or neutered as soon as she is old enough for the procedure.

Cat Health Concerns

If you are thinking about getting a cat, or already have one, it is important to be familiar with some major cat health concerns. By being educated about common feline health problems, you can help to ensure your furry friend will have a long, healthy life with you.

There are many potentially deadly viruses and diseases that can affect cats. Luckily, many of the most common ones are almost fully preventable through vaccination. Vaccinating your cat or kitten may be one of the most important decisions you make for the health of your pet. According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, all cats regardless of breed, sex or geographic location should be vaccinated against the following diseases.

Feline panleukopenia, also known as feline distemper, is caused by the feline parvovirus. This highly infectious disease is especially prevalent in catteries, shelters and boarding facilities. The virus can remain active in the environment for months to years after it is introduced. Cats become infected with panleukopenia by coming into contact with the virus on litter boxes, bowls or through contaminated feces. Panleukopenia is especially dangerous in kittens, and can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and death. Kittens should be vaccinated for panleukopenia at 8 weeks of age, and boostered every 4 weeks until 16 weeks, then given annually or every 3 years thereafter.

Feline Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus are the two most common causes of upper respiratory diseases in cats. Caused by the herpesvirus or the calicivirus, both are highly contagious between cats, transmitted via nose-to-nose contact or by sharing infected items. Although these viruses are not usually life-threatening in adult cats, affected kittens can die from the disease, and some cats that develop the virus may become chronic carriers. Vaccination should be started at 6-8 weeks of age, continuing every 3-4 weeks until the cat is 16 weeks old, then boostered in one year. After that time, vaccination should be given once every three years, and is often combined with the panleukopenia vaccine, in the form of an FVRCP vaccine.

Rabies is a deadly, untreatable illness that is transmitted through the bites of affected animals. The disease is always fatal, and due to their propensity for hunting species of animals that may be infected with rabies, it is recommended (and in some states, required) that all cats be vaccinated for rabies, regardless of whether they are indoor only or outdoor cats. Initial vaccination is given at 16 weeks of age for kittens, then boostered at 1 year of age, and boostered every three years thereafter.

Feline Leukemia Virus is a retrovirus that works by attacking the immune system of affected cats. Extremely contagious, it can be transmitted by saliva and nasal discharge, as well as from an infected mother cat to her kittens. The disease causes an array of problems including weight loss, lethargy, anemia, cancer, and infections. A simple blood test must be performed prior to vaccinating for FeLV to ensure a cat is not a carrier of the disease. Vaccination for FeLV can have side effects, the most serious of which is a vaccine associated sarcoma, or cancerous mass, than can form at the injection site. For this reason, many vets may choose not to give the vaccine to indoor-only cats who are negative for FeLV, and do have an opportunity to come into contact with infected cats. In outdoor cats, the risk of contracting FeLV is a far greater threat to their health than a potential vaccine reaction, and the vaccine is thus recommended. Kittens should be vaccinated at 12-16 weeks, with a booster in four weeks, and every year thereafter.

The best way to address your cat health concerns is to create a relationship with your cats’ veterinarian. Careful discussion can help you to select the best vaccination protocol for your cat, as well as helping you to keep your cat healthy throughout his or her life.

Spaying or neutering your cat not only is the single best way to stop pet overpopulation, but it has significant health benefits for your cat. Female cats should be spayed (ovariohysterectomy) before they enter their first heat cycle (before 6 months) to cut the risk of developing mammary (breast) cancer by almost 95%, and eliminate the risk of developing ovarian or uterine cancer completely. In male cats, neutering will eliminate the risk of testicular cancer. In addition, several behavior problems common to male cats, such as spraying urine in the house, fighting with other cats and the urge to roam to find a mate are greatly diminished once a cat is neutered. Like vaccinations, spaying and neutering is an easy way to achieve peace of mind with your cats health- and will go a long way to reducing suffering of thousands of unwanted cats and kittens.

Ensuring your cat is free of parasites is an important part of pet ownership. Your cat sits in your lap, sleeps on your bed or couch, and is part of your life- and it’s important to know that he is not harboring parasites on the inside, or the outside.

Routine fecal screening with your veterinarian can help to detect and eliminate common internal parasites, such as roundworms, tapeworms, coccidia and Giardia. In addition to their adverse effects on your cats health, many of these parasites are zoonotic, meaning that they can be transmitted to humans, especially children. Routine fecal screening can detect and correct these conditions before they become a serious problem.

External parasites, such as fleas and ticks, are equally important to remove and prevent from infesting your pet. There are a plethora of highly effective products available on the market that work well in killing fleas and ticks, and preventing them from infecting your cat. By talking to your veterinarian, you can find out which product works best in your area, and the most effective way and frequency to administer the product. In addition to being annoying and even painful to your pet, fleas and ticks can transmit serious diseases, such as tapeworms and lyme disease, to your cat. Throughout your cats life, your veterinarian can help to identify cat health concerns that may occur. Dental care and routine dental cleanings, annual health exams, and as your cat gets older, annual blood and urine analysis testing can help to detect potential health problems early, so that they can be diagnosed and treated before they become a major health problem.