Whether you’re starting to breed your cat, or they slipped outside for a few days and came back, you need to know if your cat is pregnant to begin planning. A cat’s pregnancy lasts around nine weeks, and you should consult a veterinarian soon for confirmation. If you think your cat may be pregnant, here are a few signs to look for before taking her to the animal hospital.

How Can You Tell if a Cat Has Pregnancy Symptoms?

1. Darkened Nipples

At about three weeks into the pregnancy, your cat’s nipples will appear larger and grow darker in color. Sometimes, nipples will become puffier as they prepare to produce milk after the kittens are born. If your cat has lighter fur, you will notice these changes more easily than if she has dark hair or a thick coat.

2. Morning Sickness

If your cat starts vomiting on a more frequent basis, there is a good chance she is pregnant. Just like pregnant women, cats will sometimes go through bouts of morning sickness. Improperly named, nausea can sprout up at any time throughout the day during the beginning stages of her pregnancy.

3. Swollen Belly

Cats start showing much sooner than humans. At about 30 days, a pregnant cat will have developed a rounded abdomen. During her entire pregnancy, the cat will only gain about two to four pounds, depending on how many kittens she will deliver.

If your cat has thicker or longer fur, it may not be as easy as you think to notice. But, flip her over and check out the underside of her belly. If it appears larger than usual, it is time to take her into the animal hospital and have her looked at.

4. Nesting

Your cat will start to nest during the last few weeks of her pregnancy. She will begin scouting the house for a quiet, comfortable place to deliver her kittens and arrange blankets in her designated birthing area. She may also have less tolerance for other animals as she wants to make sure she can be left alone and protected from any disturbances.

What Should You Do Next?

If you notice any of the above signs, take the cat into the animal hospital for an ultrasound or X-ray. This is the most effective way to know for sure if she is expecting. An X-ray will show the kittens’ skeletons if she has been pregnant for about 40 days.

An ultrasound will show her kittens in as little as 21 days. Some doctors prefer an X-ray over an ultrasound and will reassure you that the radiation is so small that one X-ray is considered safe for your cat and the growing kittens.

For an ultrasound, checkup, or questions about your cat’s possible pregnancy in Columbia, MD, contact Cat & Dog Hospital of Columbia for a complete evaluation. They offer a wide variety of vet services, as well as comprehensive pet care, pet adoptions, and boarding. To schedule an appointment, call (410) 995-6880 or visit them online for more information on all of their pet supplies and services.