This is partly because she may feel comforted by your touch and partly because she may be checking to see if you are a potential threat to her unborn kittens. Sure, there are some cats who love belly rubs, but theyre few and far between. If you have any concerns about your cats nipples or any other aspect of her pregnancy, be sure to talk to your veterinarian. Should i be worried? Hya. She may also start to nest, or make a bed for herself in a quiet spot. Sometimes though he just sits up straight and i'm only allowed to stroke his head and between his ears. Following fertilization, a pregnant female cat will go through a 4-week period of early-stage pregnancy. This is a common question that we get asked a lot here at the clinic. It should be posted & pinned @ the top of every "I found a pregnant cat" post. Your email address will not be published. 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. My cat just recently started showing his belly, maybe the past month or so. Hello! Its ultimately up to her to choose a spot where she feels comfortable. You know what this is: it's those kittens moving around inside. will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly. Following fertilization, a pregnant female cat will go through a 4-week period of early-stage pregnancy. This is the final stage of cat pregnancy. I always am prepared when he gets on his side and invites me to do a 5 minute belly rub followed by brushing. Normal heat cycles for cats are somewhere between 10 to 14 days. Read more here. Ultrasound cannot tell you how many kittens your cat is carrying. She's gaining weight. You might even place the blanket from your bed in the box. Even if you keep your cat indoors, hormonal changes during heat can be a powerful motivating factor for even a normally docile cat to seek ways to escape the house so neutering and spaying is the best option. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. That doesnt sound right at all. Its full of nutrients and antibodies that will help keep your kitten healthy. However, kittens separated at this time are still at risk for developmental, social, and health issues. One of our current cats loves belly rubs very much, and the other one will tolerate it when shes in a snuggly mood. So, you should avoid touching the swollen belly as it may hurt the momma cat and the unborn kittens. She'll let you know when she does not want it. 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. If your cat is looking a little rounder than usual or starts displaying nesting behaviors, you may be in for a surprise. 2 If the cat uses this spot, it will be easier for you to observe and attend to the birth. If you do have to pick your cat up, make sure to "scoop" her up from her bottom, rather than touch her stomach. You may be touching her in the wrong places. 2001-2023 BabyMed.com - All Rights Reserved. If she doesn't, you should help. I have a Cali who is very pregnant. I would keep a close eye on her, looking for other signs that shes close to labor, like milk around the nipples, a reduction in appetite, and a slightly lowered body temperature. This is normal and nothing to worry about. X-rays can determine the number of kittens to expect, but they are not always accurate, and they shouldnt be done until your cat is at least 42 days pregnant and generally not recommended until 55 days. Even if your cat is not constantly ravenous - the tummy will grow and the bodyweight will steadily increase. If you are unsure, it is best to ask your veterinarian before attempting to touch a pregnant cats belly. Pedigree breeds like Siamese, Burmese, and Oriental cats are more likely to have large litters. She may remove hair from around all the nipples or may stop at two, but they will definitely be enlarged and may even leak some milk towards the very end of her pregnancy. Based on what youve said, it sounds like shes probably between seven and nine weeks pregnant. Shell also need balanced nutrition to ensure shes healthy enough for the act of giving birth. ? Based on my understanding, extreme lethargy isnt considered typical for cats at this stage of pregnancy, so this may justify a trip to the veterinarian. A veterinarian may be able to detect the kittens via ultrasound or abdominal palpitation between 3 and 4 weeks after fertilization. A normal cat temperature is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. 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. I have set up a nice warm place for her, with a birthing box an room. This includes knowing how to tell if your cat is pregnant. So some background first. 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. A host of vital organs sits mere millimeters under the skin of your cats tummy, and damage to any of them could be potentially fatal. The second stage is when the cats belly is noticeably larger and more round. This area will be very sensitive, and any touching there could cause her discomfort or hurt her unborn kittens. "Pinking". My cat loves a good old belly rub! Here are 5 signs that your cat is pregnant: If your cat is suddenly putting on weight, it could be a sign that shes pregnant. Do you think you could explain the situation and encourage them to be quiet and respectful when shes giving birth? Furthermore, Pregnant cats are sensitive in their tummies. If you notice your cat bedding down in unusual places, it could be a sign that shes expecting. There could be a pause of 30 to 60 minutes sometimes more between births but if you are sure there are kittens remaining and there is a delay of 2 hours or longer, call your veterinarian. So, if your cat is pregnant, you can expect her to give birth to a litter of anywhere from two to six kittens! Our other two, a Tuxedo male, tolerates it mostly. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Actually, I believe that all mammals are capable of loving. As with all things related to cats, unlike dogs, there has to be a bond of trust built first. Privacy Policy. I took in a stray cat around 2 months ago. Keep an eye on her; if you feel she is getting too sick, take her to the vet. If she's had enough, she will maybe push my hand away. If you must pick them up, scoop them from their bottom instead of touching their stomach. All cat pairs were constantly touched ALL OVER so we can pick them up, grab them from their bellies, cut their nails, give them baths every-so-often, etc. 4. Groom her regularly and wipe her down with a damp cloth. 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. The mortality rate, which is the ratio of kittens that die at or immediately after birth, is between 15% and 30%. will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly. 5. Rubbing against people or objects. Cats go through five stages of pregnancy, each with specific symptoms that can guide you to tell when your cats labor is close. While cats usually have an average of four kittens in each litter, this can range from one to 12 kittens. At this point, your cats body will begin producing the hormone progesterone, which will help to maintain the pregnancy. HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY CAT IS PREGNANT will she go in heat while she is pregnant ANSWER: Weight gain, rounding of the abdomen, increase in prominence of nipples, and no, she will not go into heat. Although there is no definitive test to determine how far along a cat is in her pregnancy, the techniques mentioned above can provide some helpful information. Who Won the Catster Purrrific Photo Contest in 2018? A cat's typical response when its belly is touched is to go into defensive mode - they swat or scratch and may even gently bite. At around 12 weeks, the kittens will be born. It's all instinct. Feline pregnancy (known as the gestation period) is generally 63 to 65 days long about nine weeks but it is not unusual for kittens to be born after only 58 days or as late as 70 days of gestation. Weight gain. Dec 11, 2012 Thread Starter #4 C clearbells TCS Member Thread starter Kitten Joined Dec 11, 2012 Messages 3 Purraise 0 Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Provide a comfortable place to rest: A pregnant cat needs a comfortable place to rest and nest. Her appetite has increased, she is increasingly having to know my whereabouts, and refuses to sleep until Im in bed and she can cuddle up next to me with the blanket over her Im worried she may decide to have the kittens in the bed and being it is relatively high off the ground I wouldnt want them to fall and get hurt. But nothing. Vets recommend not touching kittens unless you have to while their eyes are still closed. And her stomach is big. Any advise is appreciated. Hi Baker, generally, if 48 hours pass after the cat loses the mucus plug and she still hasnt given birth to any kittens, you should head to an emergency vet. THANK YOU!!! It is always best to err on the side of caution and avoid touching a kitten if it appears to be in pain or if it is visibly upset. Cats can have anywhere between 1-12 kittens with an average of 4 in a litter. She will start to gain weight, especially in her abdomen. My Bengal loves having his belly rubbed. 3. Its now 1am and age is still on the table excessively licking and her eyes are big and black! Is walking low a sign of labor also? My cat is 65 days pregnant today. So, how long will you have to wait to see your newly born, cute and fluffy kittens? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. This can be done by gently inserting a finger into the kittens vagina and feeling around for a round, hard object. A cats belly will usually start to show around 30 days after they mate. It might be a little bit gross for you, but the kittens will probably be fine. You are obv a cat savior . 5. For additional info, check out this cute infographic from our friends at kobipets.com. For a cat, this is a golden birthing area. So, can you touch a pregnant womans stomach? I appreciate that it was in laymans terms I can understand. A pregnant cat will have a noticeable increase in size, with her body appearing rounder and her fur becoming thicker. So, if you need to pick up your pregnant cat, make sure to scoop her up from her bottom, rather than touch her stomach. 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. If she is a picky eater, do not hesitate to try feeding her canned tuna, chicken or salmon. Dont try to feel them during birth, it could cause problems during birth. Hi, I have a Bengal. Because i am.. From about 5 to 6 weeks it is possible to see movement in the cat's belly. Isn't that cat belly just begging for a rub, pet or tickle? have a bed for her , lots of food and water, very affectant to us what signs should I look for ? The answers vary. This process happens around 2-3 weeks after conception and may be the first sign you notice when a cat is pregnant. Absorbent pads: Get absorbent pads to line the delivery area. She may have a change in her vocalizations, crying more or meowing more than usual. Enjoys in when in bed. All the best to you and your new kitty! Her external as well as internal health needs to be check thoroughly to ensure that she does not contract any diseases to her kittens or to any other cats in the vicinity. She is showing signs of going to start having the babies soon. I think my kitty is 4-6 weeks pregnant. She will display nesting behavior, such as looking for a warm, quiet safe place to give birth. As your cats due date approaches, youll notice that her nipples will start to produce a clear or straw-colored fluid. 2. Go From Pregnant Cat Signs to More Info on Cat Pregnancy Facebook Twitter Pinterest I think communicating with your kids about this will be much easier and more effective than trying to change your cats behavior. on How To Tell If A Cat Is Pregnant: Labor Signs, Behavior And Timeline, I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article, Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. i hope you enjoy our tips. 5. Giving birth to kittens by a cat is considered to be a good Omen for the head of the house owning the cat as it is believed that evil spirits will never enter such house. How many kittens are in a cats first litter? Hi, I have a calico that escaped several times and im not exactly sure when she got pregnant this past week she was SUPER clingy just wanting me to hold her and carry her 24-7 this morning when I woke up, she was excessively licking her stomach and genetalia (her whole body really, but with focus on those areas) on top of a side table in our living room. It is a common misconception that kittens can be separated from their mothers as early as 8 weeks old. Actually begs for them! 3. There are lots of places cats like to be petted, but if you try to pet a cats belly, youre almost certainly going to be met with some claws and teeth. If i pet her, she'll lay back all comfortable and if I stop she gives me a disgruntled look. Does your cat like having his stomach rubbed? "Mule" figure My cat isnt like that. One obvious answer is, dont. She's less active. 5. As the pregnancy progresses, you may notice your cats belly getting larger. If you do rub the cat belly, you might betray the sacred trust between you and your kitty. Im not sure whether she is lethargic from the uri or its normal for her. 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. He was stand-offish but trusted me with petting. Hi, Great to prepare for pregnancy. She is still eating and drinking a lot tho. Litter size can vary from one breed to another from 1 to 12 kittens. Talk to your veterinarian about your cats changing dietary needs and make adjustments to her diet if needed to ensure she gets the calories and nutrients she needs. Dr. Amos Grunebaum, MD, FACOG is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and among the world's leading authorities on fertility and pregnancy. My tabby has been all about getting his belly rubbed since adopting him and his brother as kittens last Mothers Day. 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. 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. Overtime she started coming inside eating, taking a nap, then right back out she goes. Are you certain that your cat is indeed pregnant? The kitten receives vital nutrients, antibodies, and oxygen through the mothers milk while she is pregnant. This is normal behavior and nothing to worry about. My two cats will just roll over and push my hand toward their belly when they are in the mood for it. It means that your cat wants attention and trusts you enough to touch her belly. We found a homeless cat not very old and we think she is having kittens .how will I know if she is having babies and what should I do ? . Switching to kitten food. Her nipples will become enlarged and pink or red. How do you apologize to someone you love deeply? So many cats give birth to multiple litters in rapid succession: you really shouldnt have anything to worry about other than making sure that mom and kittens are comfortable, safe, and healthy. Then I just watch their body language to se how they are enjoying it and adjust to what they are telling me. Sometimes he lets me rub it, and then other times I get the bite and claws. Specifically, why do they expose their bellies to us. Im just waiting to see when she will give birth. Started again about 15 minutes or so after. The number of kittens determines how long the birthing process will take. Use a large enough box to comfortably hold the mother cat and her kittens. He stretches his legs out further so that all of his belly is exposed hahaha. She will have a change in appetite. She will want me to follow her and flip down on her back and wait for her belly rubs she will continue to Kay there until I stop. Catster Magazine Subscription Maintenance, Thank you Top 5 Cat Behaviors Explained. Anyone got any advice on how I can get her to go somewhere out of the way of the kids because I feel awful shutting her in a room alone if she feels she wants to be around me. 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. They go limp in our arms whenever we pick them up and she will sit for her mani-pedi while he can only allow us to do two paws at a time before he starts to squirm. My cat loves to have her belly rubbed. And if youre ever unsure about whether or not you should touch a pregnant womans stomach, just ask first. So if you want to be able to rub your cats bellies, I highly suggest getting them while young and constantly touch them so they get used to it. And she cant keep still. This video shows a cat in heat meowing to a male cat. If you have to pick your cat up, be careful not to touch her stomach. She may also seem to be more tired than usual and may be less interested in playing. The mother cat will stimulate the kittens to breathe by washing them with her rough tongue. It is generally advisable not to touch a pregnant cats belly as there is a risk of causing her to deliver prematurely. If you do have to pick your cat up, make sure to scoop her up from her bottom, rather than touch her stomach. She's eating more than usual. 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. Cats are seasonally polyestrous animals which means they have multiple cycles during each breeding season. Will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly? ReadDr. Amos' full bio, the book about him "Lessons in Survival: All About Amos," and afictionalized account of his father's lifein the novel, "Through Walter's Lens.". Increasing food intake. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cats.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. The ability to produce a litter of kittens fathered by more than one tom cat is called superfecundation. Other times, your cat could meow when you touch her stomach because she's hungry. You may notice that she leaks milk when shes not nursing. A cat in pain will often hide from you. He grabs my hand with his paws and pulls my hand back. I had a cat who slept with me every night for 21 years. You might want to look into a diet thats appropriate for a pregnant or lactating mom while also supporting good GI health. They will be very small and barely noticeable, and will require a lot of attention and care from their mother. After a few weeks she brought me her current litter which are around 11 weeks old now. Your cat may call for you. Continue with Recommended Cookies. I took her to the vet which they informed us she is pregnant. Your queens probably going to give birth within the next week, so Id continue to keep a close eye and watch for any changes. Their eyes and ears are fully formed, and their limbs are starting to become more defined. She is clingy. Her nipples are pink and full. Your cats pregnancy officially begins when she goes into heat and mates with a male cat. Remember your cat's belly is the most vulnerable spot on her body. Please save this. As the pregnant queen prepares to give birth, she may start to pant, pace, and groom excessively. This gives the womb an appearance often described as a 'string of pearls'. What does a pregnant cat look like at 6 weeks. The symptoms of a pregnant cat will now encompass many changes in her behavior. 1 Provide blankets, a heat lamp, or a heating pad to ensure the kittens stay warm. You can have your pregnant cat come around often to get attention or disappear in certain stages of her pregnancy. she is normally clingy to me anyway. What was the outcome for you? But yesterday and today, she looks less pregnant. Feed her a high-quality cat food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Why wont my female cat let me touch her stomach? I took in my cat 71 days ago today. What is the life expectancy of a cat with diabetes? You can check on them to make sure theyre healthy and gaining weight, but try to limit direct physical contact. You may notice her licking them more often than usual. Why do some cats show us their bellies only to get upset when w If she liked belly rubs before, she will probably still enjoy it unless she's sensitive. More About How To Tell If Your Cat Is Pregnant Will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly? She hasnt moved from the table all day to eat, potty, nothing! Provide her with fresh, clean water at all times. My cat specifically loves belly rubs. He shows his belly and Ill rub it even if he claws and bites me. Maybe you can try doing it to your kitty sometime, that is if you're sure your kitty won't freak out. Your vet will want to run tests on your cat to ensure she doesnt have a viral or bacterial infection that could affect the rest of the litter. A healthy cats gestational period lasts roughly 6365 days, and queens may have an estrus cycle within four weeks of giving birth even if theyre still nursing. Babies r so low down x, Hi Sammy, thanks for the comment! It sounds like your cat may have been coming close to the point where she might give birth, but four days later, Im not sure anything I can say will be of much help. After your cat passes through the early stages of pregnancy, shell start obviously gaining weight. He lies next to my leg and if I try to remove my hand from his belly. By the third week, you may be able to feel lumps in your cats abdomen as the kittens develop. Pregnant cats can exhibit a variety of behaviors, some of which may be surprising to their owners. Swollen belly (3 rd to 4 th week) - Your cutie pie will show her belly during pregnancy. Furthermore, Around 30 days after a cat mates, their belly will start to get big. The more you know about cat pregnancy, the better you can predict when your cat will give birth so you can be fully prepared for the big day. The mother cat will also usually chew off the umbilical cord. This did help quite a bit actually. She will try to avoid twisting and stretching actions. Thank you. Touching it could cause discomfort or even hurt the kittens. Then she came out for a bit. Once your cat gives birth, her nipples will become even more enlarged as they fill with milk. Then i stop as i can see he wont enjoy more. Post author: Post published: May 28, 2022 Post category: Post comments: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Another symptom of pregnancy is that their nipples will enlarge and redden, which happens 2 to 3 weeks after they conceive. 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? There are a few ways you can determine if your kitten is pregnant. She has horrible diarrhea but has this whole pregnant time. How do I know when my cats ready to give birth? Be aware that, as her belly grows, she will probably need smaller and more frequent meals; continue to feed her a diet thats specially formulated for pregnant cats. Body temperature is also an indicator that labor is about to begin. If you had more insight into it, I would much appreciate it. Fact: Not true. It's at this stage that the vet is best able to feel the pregnancy. If mating occurs when the female cat is in heat, she can become pregnant. But if shes not comfortable, its best to respect her wishes and keep your hands to yourself. My cats usually will go into a hypnotic like state during a good belly rub session. 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. proud mom of Baby, and i am an animal lover as I have at home a cat, a dog, a fish tank, birds This diversity makes me special because I provide many answers to your questions that increase your knowledge about your pets friends. Sorry, Ive fostered many kittens and bottle babies, but this is my first pregnant cat and I am in totally unfamiliar territory. The heart and circulatory system begin to form, and the intestines start to develop. If you do have to pick your cat up, make sure to "scoop" her up from her bottom, rather than touch her stomach. She has apparently had a litter before but I have no clue when. Unfortunately, that same courtesy isn't often extended to protruding bellies. Vianna, kooda, and baby Swaren.. Hello Vianna, yescats will often act unusual and confused when theyre in labor. She is a professional member of the Cat Writers Association, and has been a speaker at the BlogPaws and Cat Writers Association conferences. At week five or six, she probably doesnt have her mind on nesting yet, so it may be a couple of weeks before she starts telling you where she might want to have her kittens. Weigh the kittens as soon as mom will allow and continue weighing them daily. Shes usually following me around, she is ATLEAST 46 days maybe more Im guessing ?? Cats like to nest in a safe, warm place when theyre pregnant. 1 answer Answered by Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS Veterinarian There is a lot of extra fluid in the abdomen due to the amniotic fluid, and that in combination with the kittens will put a lot of pressure on the abdominal wall. Share your thoughts in the comments! 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. Do not take the kittens away from mom while weighing. Will a Human Pregnancy Test Work on a Cat? But Ive only done it with cats Ive known for many years. It can vary depending on the individual kittens temperament and health. Whilst it's safe to stroke your pregnant cat, make sure that you avoid her tummy. Here's what you need to know about providing the right food for a pregnant cat. Like pregnant women, pregnant cats can also experience morning sickness. She has displayed no nesting behaviour and she is still eating a lot more than usual, shes jist following me everywhere. She is sleeping constantly and has a uri. The vet can confirm whether or not she is pregnant and advise you on how to best care for her during her pregnancy. Seeking extra attention - She will act more maternal, like pursuing more and seeking extra attention and fussing from you. He will always flop onto his back indicating he wants a belly rub, always initiated by him. The uterus is the womb, which is where the fetus develops. Instead, bring your grams scale right next to the nest and weigh them there. 2. Several tell-tale signs will help you know when your cat is close to giving birth: As your cat progresses toward birth, make an effort to stay nearby but dont interrupt your cats preparations. Is she in labor? But if shes not, its best to leave her be. A cats pregnancy lasts approximately 9 weeks, during which time she will gain weight, her nipples will swell, and she will begin to exhibit nesting behavior. Cats are therefore highly likely to guard their bellies from potential injuries. However, you can prepare a birthing area, such as a cardboard box or laundry basket lined with towels or blankets. Im a first time pregnant cat mom and im EXTREMELY nervous! 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. It depends on a number of individual factors, such as the size and temperament of the cat, the health of the pregnant woman, and the timing of the pregnancy. Stack clean towels to line it.