She has apparently had a litter before but I have no clue when. This can be done by gently inserting a finger into the kittens vagina and feeling around for a round, hard object. This is a common question that many cat owners ask themselves when their feline friend becomes pregnant. So, how long will you have to wait to see your newly born, cute and fluffy kittens? Our pregnate cat went into hiding in an area we cant get into thru a hole in our basement wall. Then i stop as i can see he wont enjoy more. Cats are very sensitive creatures, and their stomachs can be particularly sensitive during pregnancy. I didnt know she found a way outside and i could not find her for about an hour. The symptoms of a pregnant cat will now encompass many changes in her behavior. Some people feel that its safe to cuddle a cat while pregnant, while others advise against it. That doesnt sound right at all. Manage Settings This is super helpful for me. My cats always comes to me ribbing her against me every time I lay on bed and insist of me to rub her belly while I rub her belly she falls asleep and when I remove my hand she wakes up searching for more cuddles. 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. Will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly? And do cats like belly rubs? What does a pregnant cat belly feel like? More About How To Tell If Your Cat Is Pregnant Will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly? I think communicating with your kids about this will be much easier and more effective than trying to change your cats behavior. The mother cat will stimulate the kittens to breathe by washing them with her rough tongue. Our feline is trying to tell us that they feel comfortable and calm at our side. The mother needs physical contact to help her feel secure and to help regulate her body temperature. Read more here. The answers vary. My husband and I are thinking about our first child. Should i be worried? I very seriously doubt that your cat will harm the older kitten once the new ones arrive. Dont try to feel them during birth, it could cause problems during birth. Fact: Not true. I feral cat that I have been feeding is now pregnant. The most common way is to perform a vaginal examination on the kitten. Actually have soo many questions. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. If your cat is suddenly acting more irritable or withdrawn, it could be a sign that shes pregnant. This is a common question that we get asked a lot here at the clinic. For additional info, check out this cute infographic from our friends at kobipets.com. We have three Maine Coon mixes. Raising the hind quarters when rubbed or scratched. Have you tried lining the nesting box with some of your unwashed clothes or blankets? If your cat is pregnant, it is especially important to monitor her closely, as vomiting can lead to dehydration and other complications. First of all, the belly is a very vulnerable place. 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. I am only fostering her so I dont know her pre pregnancy behaviors. Myth: It is not safe to touch a cat during pregnancy because of the risk of toxoplasmosis. Her appetite has almost doubled in the past few weeks. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Many pregnant cats experience morning sickness, just like pregnant women. 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. The skin may feel warm to the touch, and the cat may have a noticeable increase in appetite. I am afraid something may go wrong, but we know a vet that can come on a moments notice. MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978. Cats can have anywhere between 1-12 kittens with an average of 4 in a litter. Another sign is if she starts vomiting more than usual or has a decrease in appetite. She purrs extremely loud while getting belly rubs. Scratch her tailbone! As your cats due date approaches, youll notice that her nipples will start to produce a clear or straw-colored fluid. Additionally, your cat's stomach will be noticeably bigger after about five weeks, and it will continue to swell until she gives birth. I have 7 years of experience working with pets. Shes usually following me around, she is ATLEAST 46 days maybe more Im guessing ?? Do pregnant cats let you touch their stomach? Otherwise, you should be able to visually observe the movement as the day of delivery gets closer. 2. Required fields are marked *. So, can you touch a pregnant womans stomach? How do you tell if a cat is pregnant without going to the vet? It can be as simple as a cardboard box or laundry basket lined with towels and blankets. She may also start to gain weight and her appetite may increase. Whilst it's safe to stroke your pregnant cat, make sure that you avoid her tummy. My concern is if Ive had her 71 days shes been inside since that day, Ive felt kittens move, but shes showing zero signs of labor and zero signs of stress when do I worry? https://thecatsite.com/forums/pregnant-cats-and-kitten-care.36/. 5. Good luck! This is my first time to own a cat. A little known fact is that kittens in a single litter can have different fathers. Will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly? Regardless if you have ever been around when your cat gave birth in the past, you will not be able to mistake this specific sound. I had a cat who slept with me every night for 21 years. Furthermore, Around 30 days after a cat mates, their belly will start to get big. Do cats like to be touched when pregnant? I was on the internet for a hour searching for what I needed. The average litter size is about four kittens. A human pregnancy test wont indicate whether kittens are on the way. Feed a High-Calorie Cat Food She will also require more food and water than usual. Therefore, it is advised to keep your cat indoors to ensure that she does not make her nest outdoors. Also, Id confirm that your cat is eating enough and getting adequate nutrition to support both her and the kittens. I believe she is around 5 weeks. He comes and snuggles with me in bed almost every night so I'll rub his little spotted tummy. Yes, if your cat suffers from morning sickness and starts vomiting for the first two weeks; eat less. Use a large enough box to comfortably hold the mother cat and her kittens. And if youre ever unsure about whether or not you should touch a pregnant womans stomach, just ask first. This myth is close to the truth but still untrue. It has become our ritual. Isn't that cat belly just begging for a rub, pet or tickle? 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. Extra protein and energy keep your cat strong throughout pregnancy. She may also nest, which means shell start looking for a safe, comfortable place to have her kittens. 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 A veterinarian may be able to detect the kittens via ultrasound or abdominal palpitation between 3 and 4 weeks after fertilization. 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. There are a few ways you can determine if your kitten is pregnant. She lets me rub her belly quite a few times a day. If mating occurs when the female cat is in heat, she can become pregnant. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Do not take the kittens away from mom while weighing. My parent's cat let me rub her belly, but she's an exceptionally snuggly cat. This is basically happening to me (except she found a way to get under my bed even though I sealed it up like a bank vault). Then let mama step in and lick them. 5. Let Catster answer all of your most baffling feline questions! This area will be very sensitive, and any touching there could cause her discomfort or hurt her unborn kittens. 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. The ability to produce a litter of kittens fathered by more than one tom cat is called superfecundation. 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 ? My cat loves a good old belly rub! She hasnt moved from the table all day to eat, potty, nothing! Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. My adopted 5-yr-old skittish Maine Coon mix absolutes loves for me to rub his belly for usually 20 min or longersometimes 2x or more daily. There is no definite answer to this question since it can vary from cat to cat. In the 3rd stage of pregnancy, the kittens begin growing quickly and your cat will continue to gain weight and develop a belly. Other times, your cat could meow when you touch her stomach because she's hungry. Supplies for the Birthing. Remember your cat's belly is the most vulnerable spot on her body. A female cat can become pregnant again very quickly after giving birth her next heat cycle may occur within a few weeks after the kittens are born. Her nipples will become enlarged and pink or red. A drastic or complete loss of appetite when her labor pain is due to start. If your cats nipples are enlarged and there is a pinkish or reddish discharge from them, its likely that she is pregnant. Shell also need balanced nutrition to ensure shes healthy enough for the act of giving birth. I guess I've been lucky. Will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly? My kitty was young when we got her and she is 8 now. Keep tabs on your cats process through the stages of labor and try to determine when she became pregnant, if you can, so you can estimate the due date. and our A transgender man or nonbinary person may be able to, however. The Kitten Birthing Process The kittens are born within their amniotic sacs, which the queen will remove. We groom every morning and that includes not only rubbing her belly but brushing it as well. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. At this point, your cats body will begin producing the hormone progesterone, which will help to maintain the pregnancy. Do cats let you touch their belly when pregnant? will she become more clingy? Once you know for sure, you can start making preparations for the arrival of her kittens! She still lets them nurse occasionally so she has milk. Some pregnant cats may also become more aggressive, hissing and growling more often. So, you should avoid touching the swollen belly as it may hurt the momma cat and the unborn kittens. And is still excessively grooming! While you worry Is that safe, with all this human babies warnings about plastic bags in a crib ? Its like a game we play. A pregnant cat will begin moving around with great care. Keep her clean: A pregnant cat needs to be kept clean, especially during the later stages of pregnancy when she is larger and her belly is more exposed. Hiding. What is the life expectancy of a cat with diabetes? Maybe you can try doing it to your kitty sometime, that is if you're sure your kitty won't freak out. Started again about 15 minutes or so after. This is the final stage of cat pregnancy. Here are the most probable reasons why your cat suddenly doesn't want to be touched: 1. She has been pregnant for awhile. Another way to tell is to look for pregnancy symptoms, such as eating a lot, being restless, and having a lot of energy. What if your cat chooses a place to birth her kittens in a heavy plastic bag area in your kitchen closet ? In addition, she will begin to show signs of sudden excitement. She is really clingy and it constantly pacing, having a really loud meowing call, and she is losing her appetite some. Then I just watch their body language to se how they are enjoying it and adjust to what they are telling me. Will a Human Pregnancy Test Work on a Cat? 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. Her nipples are pink and full. Have I gone in for the belly rub, even though I knew better? 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. Cat Pregnancy Test He will always flop onto his back indicating he wants a belly rub, always initiated by him. Pregnancy can cause mood swings in cats, just like in humans. Its always best to speak with a veterinarian about the safety of any particular activity or behavior, especially during pregnancy. She is showing signs of going to start having the babies soon. You may notice that she leaks milk when shes not nursing. How far should cat food be from litter box. Pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in urine, which is only present in pregnant humans. Most people I know ask permission before touching someone's dog. How many hours does it take to replace a fuel pump? Can you give me more symptoms of what happens during cat pregnancy. If you have any concerns about your cats nipples or any other aspect of her pregnancy, be sure to talk to your veterinarian. Cookie Notice The second answer, if you cant follow that advice, is to take a different approach to the cat belly. Seeking extra attention - She will act more maternal, like pursuing more and seeking extra attention and fussing from you. During week two of pregnancy, the fertilized eggs implant themselves in the lining of the uterus. Your female cat may want to hide when giving birth, but you can help prevent this by providing her with a suitable nesting box. Some people may feel comfortable touching a newborn kitten if it is sleeping or if it is not actively resisting, while others may not feel comfortable doing so. Talk to your vet about formulas for pregnant and lactating females. During week four of pregnancy, the fetuses continue to grow and develop. If you catch the signs of labor early enough, you may be able to gently transfer her from the bed and into the nesting box (ideally close to the bed) before she gives birth. The estrus cycle in cats typically lasts between one and six weeks with each cycle being about three weeks long. It normally happens when i get home after a day's work. It is only possible for a person to be pregnant if they have a uterus. Will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly? Cats do want to be touched by their humans but only in specific areas of their bodies. Instead, bring your grams scale right next to the nest and weigh them there. This area will be very sensitive, and any touching there could cause her discomfort or hurt her unborn kittens. Whilst it's safe to stroke your pregnant cat, make sure that you avoid her tummy. They have all never scratched us for rubbing their bellies, ever; they are just used to having their bellies rubbed. The 3 Types Of Heavy Breathing And What They Mean, Overstimulated Cat: Signs, Symptoms & How to Help, Cat Gagging: What You Need To Know & How To Help, Making Cat Food: Homemade And Raw Cat Food Diets Explained, 6 Common Reasons Why Cats Pee Outside The Litter Box, 5 Heartwarming Cat And Dog Friendship Stories, 10 Proven Ways To Show Your Cat You Love Her, https://thecatsite.com/forums/pregnant-cats-and-kitten-care.36/, Is Your Cat Lonely? But nothing. Her areolas (the darker area around the nipple) will also be slightly enlarged. During week eight of pregnancy, the fetuses continue to grow and develop. When labor is imminent, the temperature will drop to 98 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. How do I calculate how many calories my cat needs? Whilst its safe to stroke your pregnant cat, make sure that you avoid her tummy. Contact your vet if your cat is having obvious contractions for more than 60 minutes without kitten birth. Morning sickness could be the cause like with some of us humans we loose weight from being sick them gain it all in the end lol. 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. If you notice any of these signs, its a good idea to take your cat to the vet to confirm that shes pregnant. She's gaining weight. She may become ravenous or lose her appetite altogether. If she is a picky eater, do not hesitate to try feeding her canned tuna, chicken or salmon. . Sorry, Ive fostered many kittens and bottle babies, but this is my first pregnant cat and I am in totally unfamiliar territory. Yes, it is always a cause for concern when your cat vomits, as it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. 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. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. He cracks me up so much. If you suspect that your cat is pregnant, you should take her to the vet to confirm the pregnancy and to give her advice on how to care for her kitten. If the woman is comfortable with it and doesnt mind, then go ahead. Is walking low a sign of labor also? This can be done by taking a blood sample from the kitten and testing it for the presence of pregnancy hormones. This is normal and nothing to worry about. When your kitten reaches sexual maturity, she will start to go through heat cycles and is capable of becoming pregnant. If you think your cat may be pregnant, there are a few things you can look for to be sure. A cat I had when I was younger gave birth to her kittens in my lap and now i have a different cat that is pregnant with her first litter. I read that its a sign of complete trust so I dont question it. 2. It has taken us a while to get to this level of trust. Thanks in advance! Touching a cat during pregnancy can be beneficial for both the mother and her kitten. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. So, why do cats react this way when we try to touch their bellies? 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. The 4th stage is where your cat begins labor, roughly about a week . Your cat needs to rest after giving birth. Another sign to watch for is when your cat starts to lick her fur more frequently or to give birth-like cries. April 23, 2022 . It's called "pinking," and it describes changes in your cats nipples when she's affected by pregnancy hormones. This is due to the increased blood flow to the area and the development of milk glands. That doesnt mean you should take it as an invitation for a cat belly rub. However, there are some general clues that might help you determine when your cat is ready to give birth. Your cat should not need any assistance giving birth, though it doesnt hurt to have an emergency vets phone number handy, just in case. 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. No, you cant get your cat to pee on the stick. The answer is unfortunately, no. Provide a comfortable place to rest: A pregnant cat needs a comfortable place to rest and nest. will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly. Watching an animal give birth is a special experienceyour kids would be lucky to be a part of the moment. This is called pregnancy. Shes less active. In addition to blogging about cats, JaneA writes contemporary urban fantasy, and whatever else strikes her fancy. We work to make the world a better place for cats, and we're getting better for you. You can check on them to make sure theyre healthy and gaining weight, but try to limit direct physical contact. Cats are therefore highly likely to guard their bellies from potential injuries. So some background first. will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly. The mother cat will also usually chew off the umbilical cord. 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. My pregnant cat is due very soon. Tell us: What about you? I appreciate that it was in laymans terms I can understand. Id never seen another cat do this, before or since! 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. I've had 6 cats throughout my life and all but one adored having their bellies rubbed. 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. If your cats stomach looks like its swollen or distended, its possible that shes pregnant. "Pinking". Your cat may call for you. Touch a pregnant cat's belly. 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. Its full of nutrients and antibodies that will help keep your kitten healthy. This area will be very sensitive, and any touching there could cause her discomfort or hurt her unborn kittens. Is that normal? Hes a very trusting cat, and has a part to him that truly belongs to the neighbourhood. During the length of pregnancy, females will gain around 2 to 4 pounds of body weight. 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. 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. How can I tell how far pregnant my cat is? 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. ? Is she okay? He was stand-offish but trusted me with petting. Thank you. You know what this is: it's those kittens moving around inside. The eldest female Long Hair only seldom, and shortly. Last week, her belly was starting to look pregnant. Those tests are calibrated to humans, and you need a species-specific test for your cat, Vahrenwald says. Heres a look at what you can expect to see during each week of your cats pregnancy. Some cats will let you touch their stomachs if you go in from the side, but you really have to watch their body language. I tried bringing the nesting basket down to her, but she jumped back on the table. Most cats would prefer to be left alone, and they definitely don't want to be pet or touched while they are giving birth. 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? What does a pregnant cat look like at 6 weeks. 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. Specifically, why do they expose their bellies to us. 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. I can feel the babies move up until she gives birthbut the she delivers and they diei want to help her successfully give birth to live babieshelp me!!! She has horrible diarrhea but has this whole pregnant time. Do cats feel pleasure when they mate? The removal of hair around the nipples is usually seen between four and eight weeks, but it seems most common later in the pregnancy. How do I know when my cats ready to give birth? 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. My new cat as well as the one I had for 16 years love their bellies rubbed. If you do have to pick your cat up, make sure to "scoop" her up from her bottom, rather than touch her stomach. my cat is always in pain and something comes out from where she urinate. Shes nesting. People will want to touch it, pat it, and rub it, and it can be tough to know how to respond. My cat sleeps on her back constantly, sometimes I worry she's not breathing but she always is . The kittens are moving like crazy in her belly and her breathing movements have picked up a little not much but a bit!! Two of them will climb into my lap and beg for belly rubs regularly, and the other three will curl up beside me and allow belly rubs. So, if you need to pick up your pregnant cat, make sure to scoop her up from her bottom, rather than touch her stomach. My Bengal loves having his belly rubbed. A cat in pain will often hide from you. From about 5 to 6 weeks it is possible to see movement in the cat's belly. How do you get my cat to let me pet her belly? The period during which a female cat is in heat lasts an average of six days. We do feel blessed by this. 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. Sure, there are some cats who love belly rubs, but theyre few and far between. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases, About Us Privacy Policy Disclaimer Contact Us. He shows his belly and Ill rub it even if he claws and bites me. If you are able to find a round object, then the kitten is most likely pregnant. Ultrasound can confirm a pregnancy after day 16. 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. My cat, Thomas, will let me rub his belly if hes lying on his side and I touch the tummy fur with my fingers as Im stroking his flank. 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. Then I believe the second issue is how gentle you are. Great question, Heather. So, if your cat is pregnant, you can expect her to give birth to a litter of anywhere from two to six kittens! My girl is hiding under my bed. Is it OK for a cat to sleep on a heating pad? To you, it may just seem like odd behaviour but to them, it can be a cry for help. 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. I can grab and rub their bellies whenever I want and they have no qualms with it.