Rapid tests to determine the pregnancy of cats do not exist - whether your pet is expecting kittens, you can find out only by her behavior and external signs. Owners should be aware of the symptoms for suspecting that the cat is pregnant in order to provide her with proper care during the waiting period and have time to prepare for the birth of offspring.
First signs
You can suspect that the cat is expecting kittens if the next period of estrus has come, and the animal behaves calmly, does not meow and does not roll on the floor.
The first signs of a cat's pregnancy are swelling and discoloration of the nipples. Swelling of the nipples is more pronounced if the cat is pregnant for the first time. This symptom usually appears within two to three weeks. The animal may begin toxemia, manifested by morning weakness, vomiting, and mild malaise. If you suspect pregnancy, you should stop taking anthelmintic drugs and medicines for fleas so as not to harm the future offspring.
By the age of four weeks, the cat gains significantly in weight, its belly becomes noticeable. A pregnant cat most often eats a lot - in the first days, the appetite may decrease slightly, but the closer the due date, the more food the expectant mother needs.
Most often, during pregnancy, cats become more affectionate, calm, require a lot of attention and affection. Take a pregnant cat in your arms very carefully, you should not allow her to climb on high surfaces - due to increased clumsiness, the animal may fall and receive serious injuries.
A veterinarian examination is needed when the first signs of pregnancy appear and shortly before childbirth. On the first visit, the doctor will make sure that the suspicions are not in vain, and, if necessary, to determine whether the pregnancy is false, will prescribe an ultrasound scan or X-ray examination.
Labor is coming soon
In a late pregnant cat, only a doctor should - it is better for the owners not to do this, so as not to damage the placenta with a careless movement and cause a miscarriage.
If at the beginning of pregnancy the cat is usually friendly towards other animals in the house, then later she may begin to behave aggressively - hissing at other cats, chasing them away and even biting.
By the eighth week of pregnancy, milk begins to flow from the nipples. The nipples swell even more.
At the end of pregnancy, the cat is sleeping or lying down almost all the time. If the expectant mother began to be active, eat less, worry, try to hide in a secluded place - most likely, childbirth is close, and it is time to equip a comfortable nest for her pet, where she could feel safe. It is best if it will be a large cardboard box in a quiet place where the cat and her offspring will not be disturbed. The bottom of the box can be covered with old towels or a small blanket.
Make sure that the cat cannot climb into cabinets and cabinets, otherwise it may make a nest for itself on the stack of laundry.
