You can check on them to make sure theyre healthy and gaining weight, but try to limit direct physical contact. Let Catster answer all of your most baffling feline questions! I've had 6 cats throughout my life and all but one adored having their bellies rubbed. My parent's cat let me rub her belly, but she's an exceptionally snuggly cat. Another way to determine if your kitten is pregnant is to perform a blood test. Also, Id confirm that your cat is eating enough and getting adequate nutrition to support both her and the kittens. Weight gain. The answer is, it depends. For more information, please see our Unfortunately, that same courtesy isn't often extended to protruding bellies. Remember your cat's belly is the most vulnerable spot on her body. 2. Provide a nutritious diet: A pregnant cat needs a nutritious diet to support her and her developing kittens. and our So some background first. The answers vary. She will also require more food and water than usual. Around week 6, you may be able to feel the kittens moving inside her belly. Hell walk into the room, look me in the eye & fall over on his back, maintaining eye contact, An older stray tomcat has visited my porch here in a small city. I very seriously doubt that your cat will harm the older kitten once the new ones arrive. CatsCaress.Com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Vets recommend not touching kittens unless you have to while their eyes are still closed. There is no definite answer to this question since it can vary from cat to cat. Once the new ones are here her other litter only one survived but they was born April 18th Im worried will she harm the other kitten?? It's at this stage that the vet is best able to feel the pregnancy. This is super helpful for me. Instead, bring your grams scale right next to the nest and weigh them there. The areolas (the darker area around the nipple) will also become slightly enlarged. Catster Magazine Subscription Maintenance, Thank you Top 5 Cat Behaviors Explained. My cat is 64 days pregnant today, she has whitish brownish stuff coming out of her vagina, she has been pacing back n forth around the house, and she is super clingy but only a meow here and there, she also isnt eating as much!!! Required fields are marked *. I didnt know she found a way outside and i could not find her for about an hour. Many pregnant cats experience morning sickness, just like pregnant women. Went onto a corner of a closet & laid down. Our feline is trying to tell us that they feel comfortable and calm at our side. She has to at least start labor at some point right? It can be as simple as a cardboard box or laundry basket lined with towels and blankets. Overtime she started coming inside eating, taking a nap, then right back out she goes. I quickly learned the contrary. 40. This helped me. The mother will also sever the umbilical cord herself and may eat the placenta to obtain its nutrients. If she is a picky eater, do not hesitate to try feeding her canned tuna, chicken or salmon. Never did it before. She's gaining weight. As the pregnant queen prepares to give birth, she may start to pant, pace, and groom excessively. One of the most important points that you need to keep in mind when you have a pregnant cat at home is her health and her grooming. If your cat is consistently avoiding being touched on her stomach, it may be necessary to speak with a veterinarian about possible underlying issues, such as anxiety or a fear of the dentist. This helped alot .a ex of mines cat had her babys by my side while i was sleeping lol, This is my cats first litter really nervous cause I think she is nesting an getting ready to have babies soon should I let her do it own her own an dont bother her but keep a good eye on her or what do I do Ima just really scared an nervous about her having first litter, This help me understand my cat doesnt leave my side much but know she stays in my bed , My cat Lily is going to have kittens but Lily lost the father and now she .her nipple are pink and getting bigger in size she licking her genitals and her Dominos is that mean shes about to have her kittens. She is showing signs of going to start having the babies soon. You know what this is: it's those kittens moving around inside. Touching it could cause discomfort or even hurt the kittens. We have three Maine Coon mixes. As your cats due date approaches, youll notice that her nipples will start to produce a clear or straw-colored fluid. Id leave her totally alone during birth until each full comes out, then you step in with towels and rub them gently but vigorously to get them breathing, wipe their noses after rubbing. Shes quite young and the first of my own to have a litter. She is a professional member of the Cat Writers Association, and has been a speaker at the BlogPaws and Cat Writers Association conferences. The mortality rate, which is the ratio of kittens that die at or immediately after birth, is between 15% and 30%. I tried bringing the nesting basket down to her, but she jumped back on the table. Our boy Joey would have me rub his belly all day if possible. Her 5th litter was born January 21st of this year and she had 5 that time and the times before she had 4 the 1st and 2nd litters and the 3 the next two litters. Yes, if your cat suffers from morning sickness and starts vomiting for the first two weeks; eat less. If your cats nipples are enlarged and there is a pinkish or reddish discharge from them, its likely that she is pregnant. In the second week, cats develop pink nipples that are swollen and sensitive to the touch. Yes they do. During the length of pregnancy, females will gain around 2 to 4 pounds of body weight. And do cats like belly rubs? Is she in labor? Thank you. Help.so my queen is currently hiding under my daughters bed scratching the carpet under there, Ive made her several places around the house, Moses basket, cardboard box even the bottom drawers full of her blames and puppy pads, she has dried milk on her, shes been pacing for days, her temp is now 98.2.wouldnt say shes in Labor? Hi, I am fostering a pregnant cat, I have no idea how far along she is. A pregnant belly isn't license for family, friends and random strangers to go around touching you and here are 10 reasons why. If you do have to pick your cat up, make sure to "scoop" her up from her bottom, rather than touch her stomach. Cats are typically pregnant for about 60 days, and it might be a good idea to keep Kia inside and away from male cats until you are sure. There is no definitive diagnostic test to determine how far pregnant a cat is, but scientists have developed a number of techniques that can provide indications of how far along the cat is in her pregnancy. Heat cycles change. 9 This is colostrum, and its the first milk that your kitten will drink. If you do rub the cat belly, you might betray the sacred trust between you and your kitty. Making water available. One of the most obvious signs is that your cats belly will begin to swell. I not a cat person, but because this cat isnt like a normal cat it seems by what I read, he has made one, but just him. Go From Pregnant Cat Signs to More Info on Cat Pregnancy Facebook Twitter Pinterest If he falls asleep this way, it is a signal that he trusts you so much he feels no need to protect himself. my cat is actively in labor and i didnt know until i saw this artical. Most cat owners have experienced what we call the "Tummy Rub Trap": When your cat rolls over onto their back and shows their soft, fluffy bellies as if offering an invitation for pets, but when you do - you get swatted or scratched. How do you apologize to someone you love deeply? - YouTube 0:00 / 3:33 #CatGivingBirth #CatGiveBirth #MeowingTV Touch a pregnant cat's belly. Whilst its safe to stroke your pregnant cat, make sure that you avoid her tummy. Cats are therefore highly likely to guard their bellies from potential injuries. MY CAT HITS ME GENLY WHEN I STOP RUBBING HER FULLY EXPOSED BELLY WHILE SHES SLEEPING IS SHE MAD I STOPPED? Thanks for the sharing such an informative article. Im not a vet, but it sounds like your cat may have a chronic digestive issue like a food allergy, intolerance, or perhaps even IBD. Larger litters are seen more frequently in pedigree breeds such as Oriental, Siamese and Burmese. Your cats appetite will also begin to increase, so a high-quality growth formula may be necessary. We have four cats, two Maine Coons (brother and sister Ferals,) who both love belly rubs. I have a russian blue called corona and i noticed she was pregnant the beginning of decemeber shes cleaning herself non stop is this nornal? My Tara will even let me stroke her stomach once or twice, but for my little Belladonna, the belly is strictly a no-go. In the 3rd stage of pregnancy, the kittens begin growing quickly and your cat will continue to gain weight and develop a belly. Contact your vet if your cat is having obvious contractions for more than 60 minutes without kitten birth. She has nested. I will have my hand on her belly and ribcage and she goes right to sleep! Your cat may call for you. Then slowly it starts eating again and gain some weight then you can be sure that she is in her first stage of pregnancy. Will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly? Litter size can vary from one breed to another from 1 to 12 kittens. It might be a little bit gross for you, but the kittens will probably be fine. She may also start to gain weight and her appetite may increase. MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978. For example, a pregnant cat may become more affectionate, purring and rubbing against her owner more often. My partner and I have had three sets of cats between us, each set a pair of siblings. The period during which a female cat is in heat lasts an average of six days. Which small dogs have the least health problems. If you notice your cat bedding down in unusual places, it could be a sign that shes expecting. Also, get in touch with the vet if more than two hours go by without the next kitten birth. Why do you feel she needs to give birth away from the kids? The educational cat health content on Cats.com is written by or reviewed by our team of veterinary experts to ensure that its in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines. I am only fostering her so I dont know her pre pregnancy behaviors. Have I gone in for the belly rub, even though I knew better? I was on the internet for a hour searching for what I needed. He stretches his legs out further so that all of his belly is exposed hahaha. If your cat is only resistant to being touched on the stomach occasionally, it may be worth experimenting with different touch techniques to see if one works better than the others. We are a bunch of friends all over the world who, at a certain time of their lives, realised the doctors advice was not enough anymore. First of all, the belly is a very vulnerable place. She will roll over from a standing position if we pet her belly sometimes. Dec 11, 2012 Thread Starter #4 C clearbells TCS Member Thread starter Kitten Joined Dec 11, 2012 Messages 3 Purraise 0 i hope you enjoy our tips. Another symptom of pregnancy is that their nipples will enlarge and redden, which happens 2 to 3 weeks after they conceive. Mallory. All of this is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. My kitty was young when we got her and she is 8 now. It's called "pinking," and it describes changes in your cats nipples when she's affected by pregnancy hormones. My cat loves a good old belly rub! Our one year old little girl, hasn't decided yet if her growing self likes them the way she did as a rescued, feral kitten. If you think your cat may be pregnant, there are some physical signs you can look for: 1. Here are some tips on how to take care of a pregnant cat: 1. She is clingy. My cat is about 3-4 years old and shes pregnant with her 6th litter and shes a small cat. It sounds like shell be having kittens very soonif she hasnt already! Pregnant cats can gain around 1-2kg, depending on how many kittens they are carrying, which should be noticeable if you look at her body shape from above. . Tie a piece of sturdy thread tightly around the cord about an inch from the kittens' body. Cookie Notice At this point, your cats body will begin producing the hormone progesterone, which will help to maintain the pregnancy. Post author: Post published: May 28, 2022 Post category: Post comments: Additionally, touch helps to create a close bond between mother and kitten, which is important for the development of the kittens social and emotional well-being. For additional info, check out this cute infographic from our friends at kobipets.com. Between the scratching the carpet under the bed, pacing around, dried milk from the nipples, lowered babies, and lowered body temperature, everything youve described is textbook nesting phase. Furthermore, Around 30 days after a cat mates, their belly will start to get big. Cats. Feed her a high-quality cat food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. She will start to nest, making a cozy spot for herself to give birth. The mother cat will also usually chew off the umbilical cord. Swollen belly (3 rd to 4 th week) - Your cutie pie will show her belly during pregnancy. Even with a smooth birth, you should have your cat and her litter of kittens seen by a vet within 24 hours. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Cats are very social creatures, and they enjoy the attention they get from their humans. Keep the nest in a warm place and line it with soft blankets or towels (that you wont mind throwing away). However, kittens separated at this time are still at risk for developmental, social, and health issues. The fetuses are still very tiny at this point, and they are not yet fully formed. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. God Bless You n Yours and all creatures great n small !! (One pregnant woman I know even had an acquaintance literally lift up her shirt to see her non-existent first-trimester belly!) Never has he gone for me or anyone in our little family unit. My cat loves to have her belly rubbed. Will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly? She could surprise you by losing all interest in your bed when the time comes. Maybe birds too. What does a pregnant cat look like at 6 weeks. When your feline friend is pregnant, her appetite will grow along with the belly! 3. It is also possible that she is not pregnant. my cat is always in pain and something comes out from where she urinate. Their eyes and ears are beginning to form, and their limbs are starting to grow. How far should cat food be from litter box. She was very poor when she showed up here and I thought I was finally fatting her up but guess what her babies are fatting her up. At this point in her pregnancy, your cats nipples will be quite sensitive. The nipples become pink, and the mammary glands get swollen, and just like some women have very sensitive breasts during. The eldest female Long Hair only seldom, and shortly. If your cat is suddenly acting more irritable or withdrawn, it could be a sign that shes pregnant. Following fertilization, a pregnant female cat will go through a 4-week period of early-stage pregnancy. Do pregnant cats not like their belly touched? The cat gestation period (cat pregnancy length) is about 63-65 days on average, or about two months. I have a Bombay mix and Im the only person she will ever let rub her tummy. Any advise is appreciated. The second stage is when the cats belly is noticeably larger and more round. This behavior is known as quickening, and it is a critical stage of a cats pregnancy in which the fetus begins to move. If you continue to use this site, you agree with it. How many hours does it take to replace a fuel pump? Cats do want to be touched by their humans but only in specific areas of their bodies. Your queens probably going to give birth within the next week, so Id continue to keep a close eye and watch for any changes. She hasnt moved from the table all day to eat, potty, nothing! Some of the most common techniques used to assess the pregnancy status of cats include: -Urine analysis to measure the levels of specific hormones that are produced by the pregnant cat-An ultrasound exam to measure the size and shape of the cats uterus-A blood test to measure the levels of folic acid, a nutrient necessary for the development of the fetus-A physical examination to assess whether the cat has any changes in her behavior or appearance that might be indicative of pregnancy. But creating hybrids of animals that are very genetically distinct from each other such as a dog and a cat are impossible, as is one species giving birth to an entirely different one. If you are unsure, it is best to ask your veterinarian before attempting to touch a pregnant cats belly. Supplies for the Birthing. After all, cats can get pregnant as early as 4 months old, so its important to be on the lookout for the tell-tale signs. We dont exactly have money to take her to the vet to get her checked out but weve been with her with every one of her pregnancies. The part that feels hunger the most is the stomach and you touching that part reminds them they haven't eaten. Her nipples are pink and full. He would sleep snuggled up under my arm with his head resting on my arm for a pillow. If the woman is comfortable with it and doesnt mind, then go ahead. She is sleeping constantly and has a uri. This may seem like a gruesome topic but in short, the answer is usually no mother cats (or more correctly queens as they are known), do not eat their kittens. The mother cat will stimulate the kittens to breathe by washing them with her rough tongue. Shes spotting a bit too . 4. I have 7 years of experience working with pets. And she is breathing a little quicker I think. Watching an animal give birth is a special experienceyour kids would be lucky to be a part of the moment. She may also have a swollen belly, and her litter box will be increasingly crowded. Any donation helps us keep writing! Lets dig into it and see if we can figure it out. I think communicating with your kids about this will be much easier and more effective than trying to change your cats behavior. 5. Do you have any idea how many weeks shes been pregnant? Rather, it is a position which indicates contentment, well-being or relaxation. Many an adult cat was born on top of someones bed! During the third to fourth week of pregnancy, your cats belly will begin to swell. A pregnant cats belly will feel hard and round. And is still excessively grooming! One of the very obvious signs of calling comes when she lies on her stomach on the floor, tucks her back feet under her and lifts her rear into the air. Your cat might want to hide to give birth. A little known fact is that kittens in a single litter can have different fathers. If you do have to pick your cat up, make sure to "scoop" her up from her bottom, rather than touch her stomach. This is normal behavior and nothing to worry about. Most cats would prefer to be left alone, and they definitely don't want to be pet or touched while they are giving birth. Chilling is one of the most critical dangers to newborn kittens. ; ; Since then, he insisted that I give him belly rubs every day after he eats. The will lay down for hours on their back. If she usually ventures outdoors, she will tend to prefer remaining indoors. They do, however, commonly eat the placenta of their kittens and this is completely normal behaviour. The swelling will also be more apparent in her pink nipples. 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. 1 Provide blankets, a heat lamp, or a heating pad to ensure the kittens stay warm. She is still eating and drinking a lot tho. The pre-labor stage usually starts 1 week before delivery, and you may observe several signs including drops of milk in the nipple area, loss of appetite, and rectal temperature drop. Or I have to stop her Labour by removing her out of there ??? Support The Healthy Journal! We know its tempting to want to save a few bucks by using a cat pregnancy test on yourself, but its just not accurate. Then she came out for a bit. So, if youre not pregnant and you take a cat pregnancy test, the test will come back negative. Then its back to rub downs. So, what should you do if you really feel you must try for a cat belly rub? If your cat is pregnant, you have some planning to do. My cat loves belly rubs but also when I hold her belly and chest while she sleeps. You may not be able to tell immediately when a female cat is pregnant but youll notice increased appetite and weight gain after a few weeks (generally 2 to 4 pounds in total) along with swollen nipples, a distended abdomen, and nesting behaviors. She is friendly but very clearly wants to get out of her room. How To Tell If A Cat Is Pregnant: Labor Signs, Behavior And Timeline. Here are five signs to look for: 1. This area will be very sensitive, and any touching there could cause her discomfort or hurt her unborn kittens. However, some pregnant cats may be more relaxed and allow their owners to pet their belly. ? He will always flop onto his back indicating he wants a belly rub, always initiated by him. You may be tempted to touch her belly to feel for signs of life, but you should avoid doing this too much as you could risk hurting the new mum or her babies Most pet parents do not intend for their cat to become pregnant, so planning may need to be done at a moments notice. If the cat is not using the litter box, it is likely that she is pregnant. His brother is a beautiful long hair black kitty and also very affectionate although he only does brief belly rubs. You may also notice that she is eating more and that her abdomen is beginning to swell. Have you tried lining the nesting box with some of your unwashed clothes or blankets? April 23, 2022 . Assuming that she didnt get outside of the house unbeknownst to you, 71+ days is on the longer side for a feline pregnancy, so I would recommend contacting your veterinarian to get some peace of mind. She has horrible diarrhea but has this whole pregnant time. How much should Goldendoodle puppies eat? At any rate, based on the information youve given, Id think that shes likely to give birth in the next week. Is that normal? The mother needs physical contact to help her feel secure and to help regulate her body temperature. I still got a paw-smack or two while doing so. So, you should avoid touching the swollen belly as it may hurt the momma cat and the unborn kittens. My cat isnt like that. Thats why you rarely see a cat lying on his back, even when hes fast asleep. will she become more clingy? Sure, there are some cats who love belly rubs, but theyre few and far between. Cat Pregnancy Test If she allows you to pet her in this area, then she trusts you completely. Tell us: What about you? Should i be worried? So, what's the deal? This myth is close to the truth but still untrue. She has removed the hair from 2 nipples and I her babies are quite active. Ugh Didnt help at all. Her areolas (the darker area around the nipple) will also be slightly enlarged. Is walking low a sign of labor also? How do I encourage her to nest in the nesting box??? Based on what youve said, it sounds like shes probably between seven and nine weeks pregnant. What happened when you went in for the cat belly rub? Infection can follow handling of cat litter because it can be found in the stool of cats, so pregnant women are advised not to handle cat litter. Younger mothers, and those giving birth to their first litter, will usually have fewer kittens, while experienced mothers that are in their prime can comfortably have as many as 10 cats or more. Another sign is if she starts vomiting more than usual or has a decrease in appetite. If you do have to pick your cat up, make sure to "scoop" her up from her bottom, rather than touch her stomach. She will start to gain weight, especially in her abdomen. Also called the nesting stage, this is when your cat will start looking for warm places to give birth. I am sure I can do this with my cat. Unlike what many cat owners may believe, this position is not an invitation to caress them. i rub my cats belly all the time he loves it and has never bitten or scratched me he has no problem with it he rolls over and expects it but i would not do this if he didn't want me to i have two other cats that i do not do this to because they do not ask for it we call it being floored i know the fact that they are protecting there vital organs and i respect that but i do love giving the belly rubs to the one that loves it. You may notice that she leaks milk when shes not nursing. Thank you, no babies yet but they are very active for about the past week and a half. 2. Why wont my female cat let me touch her stomach? You may be tempted to touch her belly to feel for signs of life, but you should avoid doing this too much as you could risk hurting the new mum or her babies. My cats love belly rubs! Detecting a cat pregnancy by feeling her belly is tricky and depends on timing. If you notice any of these changes, or if your cat just seems different to you, take her to the vet for a check-up. Will a Human Pregnancy Test Work on a Cat? When youre pregnant, you may start to feel like your stomach is a public area. How long can a newborn go at night between feedings? Kittens start wiggling about in the womb at four to five weeks, but most people say they arent able to feel or see them until around the seventh week. She always wants me to rub her belly. However, there are a few other symptoms that can appear a few weeks earlier, around 2-3 weeks after conception. A veterinarian may be able to detect the kittens via ultrasound or abdominal palpitation between 3 and 4 weeks after fertilization. So, I think this information is perfect for me to be a mother. Some pregnant cats may also become more aggressive, hissing and growling more often.