A pregnant cat will usually allow you to touch her belly. Those tests are calibrated to humans, and you need a species-specific test for your cat, Vahrenwald says. It should be posted & pinned @ the top of every "I found a pregnant cat" post. Hes also often skittish of me, yet exposes his belly to me often. Do you think you could explain the situation and encourage them to be quiet and respectful when shes giving birth? If your cat loves it when you rub her belly, take it as a compliment. During pregnancy, a cats nipples will go through a few changes as her body prepares for lactation. Since nesting begins about a week before birth, this behavior confirms that your cat is due very soon and, if she hasnt given birth yet, will probably do so within the next several days. She may also start to nest, or make a bed for herself in a quiet spot. Have you ever successfully rubbed a cat belly? ? Touching a cat during pregnancy can be beneficial for both the mother and her kitten. She is showing signs of going to start having the babies soon. One of the first signs may be that your cats nipples will begin to enlarge and darken in color. As the pregnant queen prepares to give birth, she may start to pant, pace, and groom excessively. For additional info, check out this cute infographic from our friends at kobipets.com. Hya. JaneA is the webmaster and chief cat slave forPaws and Effect, an award-winning cat advice blog written by her cats, for cats and their people. 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!!! Will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly? The kitten receives vital nutrients, antibodies, and oxygen through the mother's milk while she is pregnant. She has 2/3 options set up for her as a safe birthing place so any are fine. She has nested. 5. 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. 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. You might want to look into a diet thats appropriate for a pregnant or lactating mom while also supporting good GI health. Read more here. There could even be as many fathers as there are kittens! She lets me rub her belly quite a few times a day. Why does my cat want me to touch her belly? Im just waiting to see when she will give birth. I just go to touch her belly and she rolls over so I can keep rubbing it. I was on the internet for a hour searching for what I needed. There are plenty of times I have done the full out belly rub, and every time I see him from a long day he comes right up and rolls right to his back. This myth is close to the truth but still untrue. She loves belly rubs. I think communicating with your kids about this will be much easier and more effective than trying to change your cats behavior. The removal of hair around the nipples is usually seen between four and eight weeks, but it seems most common later in the pregnancy. When she licks the fur backwards it warms them right up. Raising the hind quarters when rubbed or scratched. We have four cats, two Maine Coons (brother and sister Ferals,) who both love belly rubs. This is normal and nothing to worry about. All of this is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. How far should cat food be from litter box. Whilst it's safe to stroke your pregnant cat, make sure that you avoid her tummy. How do I encourage her to nest in the nesting box??? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. A cat will become unusually vocal, will roll around on the floor and often become much more affectionate. The answer is unfortunately, no. So it is considered highly auspicious for better fortune. You can have your pregnant cat come around often to get attention or disappear in certain stages of her pregnancy. If you do have to pick your cat up, make sure to "scoop" her up from her bottom, rather than touch her stomach. Pregnancy can cause mood swings in cats, just like in humans. Thats why you rarely see a cat lying on his back, even when hes fast asleep. The uterus is the womb, which is where the fetus develops. An abdominal x-ray will show a clear presence of kittens and how many there are. Unlike dogs, who love to have their tummies rubbed, cats are a good deal more reticent about it. As with all things related to cats, unlike dogs, there has to be a bond of trust built first. While cats usually have an average of four kittens in each litter, this can range from one to 12 kittens. Dont try to feel them during birth, it could cause problems during birth. Get tips and exclusive deals. During week two of pregnancy, the fertilized eggs implant themselves in the lining of the uterus. When I took her to the vet he said she was nursing a litter and may be expecting another one already. So, can you touch a pregnant womans stomach? I still got a paw-smack or two while doing so. Ill even pretend Im going in, and he cant get me and he will roll side to side like this. My cat Emmabee is 7 y/o mama 2 litters and since she was a little kitten she love loves having her belly rubbed everyday I could keep rubbing and scratching til the cows came home She also likes brisk rub downs and esp when. He does however turn into a limp noodle when picked up and will let you do just about anything for holding and snuggling with him. How much longer? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What do cats do right after giving birth? Of my four cats, two love belly rubs. Although relatively rare, this is by no means abnormal. The heart and circulatory system begin to form, and the intestines start to develop. I can grab and rub their bellies whenever I want and they have no qualms with it. This process happens around 2-3 weeks after conception and may be the first sign you notice when a cat is pregnant. It's also quite likely that this cat has come to view the woman as her family, so she trusts that the house is a safe place. 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. Her mother always came and woke me up to let me know it w time. Your female cat may want to hide when giving birth, but you can help prevent this by providing her with a suitable nesting box. She will gain weight, her nipples will become more prominent, and she may even exhibit some nesting behavior. 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. Many an adult cat was born on top of someones bed! Furthermore, Pregnant cats are sensitive in their tummies. It does not stop people from hoping. So, if youre not pregnant and you take a cat pregnancy test, the test will come back negative. I very seriously doubt that your cat will harm the older kitten once the new ones arrive. I am sure I can do this with my cat. Cats. Hi should l let the male cat be with my queen while she in labor and throughout the growth of the kittens? 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. By week five of pregnancy, the fetuses are about the size of a jellybean. The answers vary. While you worry Is that safe, with all this human babies warnings about plastic bags in a crib ? my cat is actively in labor and i didnt know until i saw this artical. Urinating more frequently or marking on objects. The cat gestation period (cat pregnancy length) is about 63-65 days on average, or about two months. She will have a change in appetite. By the third week, you may be able to feel lumps in your cats abdomen as the kittens develop. About two months after he started coming by, I saved him from a potential dog attack. Pedigree breeds like Siamese, Burmese, and Oriental cats are more likely to have large litters. I didnt know she found a way outside and i could not find her for about an hour. Would you do it again? Whilst it's safe to stroke your pregnant cat, make sure that you avoid her tummy. she is normally clingy to me anyway. So, I think this information is perfect for me to be a mother. We have three Maine Coon mixes. 1. She been under since I woke up. My kitty Maggie May practically begs to have her belly rubbed. It sounds like your cat may have started nestingscoping out the house to find warm, safe, and comfy places where she might be able to give birth. 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. He shows his belly and Ill rub it even if he claws and bites me. My cat isnt like that. He sleeps with me most nights and usually ends up on his back next to me or on top of me and loves his belly rubs. For this reason, its recommended that you provide a suitable nesting box for your pregnant cat. You may also notice that she is eating more and that her abdomen is beginning to swell. She'll let you know when she does not want it. What are the signs of a weak phone battery? I will have my hand on her belly and ribcage and she goes right to sleep! How much should I brush my long haired cat? She may become ravenous or lose her appetite altogether. Will she remove the hair from the remaining nipples as well and how far in advance of the babies being born do they usually do this? 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. If she liked belly rubs before, she will probably still enjoy it unless she's sensitive. So your pet would meow when you touch her stomach. Privacy Policy. It is characterized by the cat licking her abdomen and genitals, which will stimulate birth. So, how long will you have to wait to see your newly born, cute and fluffy kittens? Another way to determine if your kitten is pregnant is to perform a blood test. Pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in urine, which is only present in pregnant humans. Kia may be pregnant, as the hormonal changes that happen with pregnancy can make them act like they are in heat. You are obv a cat savior . 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. 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. Hello, Im fostering a cat who is pregnant. Many pregnant cats experience morning sickness, just like pregnant women. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 1. Thank you. You may notice them spending more and more time under the bed or in the back of the cupboard. If she is a picky eater, do not hesitate to try feeding her canned tuna, chicken or salmon. 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. Feed her a high-quality cat food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Is she okay? Signs a cat is pregnant includes loss of appetite, weight gain, and possibly little lumps you can feel which are the kittens developing in her stomach. My cat sleeps on her back constantly, sometimes I worry she's not breathing but she always is . 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 Around week 6, you may be able to feel the kittens moving inside her belly. Tell us: What about you? Your pregnant cat needs special attention including a healthy and balance diet, a proper place to give birth, and ongoing veterinary care to keep her and her litter safe. Before you get anywhere near your cats stomach, be sure you know each other very well. How do you tell if a cat is pregnant without going to the vet? Another sign to watch for is when your cat starts to lick her fur more frequently or to give birth-like cries. 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. Hi, Great to prepare for pregnancy. Shes showing signs of morning sickness. Most pet parents do not intend for their cat to become pregnant, so planning may need to be done at a moments notice. Required fields are marked *. The Purina PetCare team have given some of their tops tips on caring for a pregnant cat, to make sure both mum and her litter are as happy and healthy as possible. Stack clean towels to line it. What does a pregnant cat belly feel like? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Stay informed! This is super helpful for me. I took in my cat 71 days ago today. At this point, your cats body will begin producing the hormone progesterone, which will help to maintain the pregnancy. However, some pregnant cats may be more relaxed and allow their owners to pet their belly. Im excited but nervous at the same time. Hello! Therefore, it is advised to keep your cat indoors to ensure that she does not make her nest outdoors. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The symptoms of a pregnant cat will now encompass many changes in her behavior. He will always flop onto his back indicating he wants a belly rub, always initiated by him. Now i stroke the side of his body about 2- 3 times while including the tummy. She hasnt moved from the table all day to eat, potty, nothing! 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. So, how can you tell if your cat is pregnant? Larger litters are seen more frequently in pedigree breeds such as Oriental, Siamese and Burmese. Is this normal that she hasnt had kittens yet? Mallory, ty so much this helped me so much bc my is getting more wight and losing more wight, Our cat has gone into labour a clear sac came out and other liquid with a bit of blood , still no kittens .shes moving around the house and into another basket, we are a little stressed because we dont know what to do . Shes quite young and the first of my own to have a litter. Your cats pregnancy officially begins when she goes into heat and mates with a male cat. So, if your cat is pregnant, you can expect her to give birth to a litter of anywhere from two to six kittens! Touching it could cause discomfort or even hurt the kittens. 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. Shes eating more than usual. The third stage is when the cats belly is very large and round, and the fourth stage is when the cats belly is so large that it hangs down. 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. How do I know when my cats ready to give birth? Thank you for posting this. If youre wondering how your 3-week pregnant cats nipples will look, the answer is: theyll be larger and more pronounced than they were before she became pregnant. 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. We do feel blessed by this. If the cat is comfortable with you touching her stomach, then go ahead. You can try to create a secluded nesting space for her by lining a box with your clothing or beloved blankets. After your momma cat gives birth, youll want to keep the space clean, quiet, and free of any other animals. I dont know when she is going to give birth. What happens if we drink carrot and beetroot juice daily for skin? If your cats nipples are enlarged and there is a pinkish or reddish discharge from them, its likely that she is pregnant. Youll have to wash or replace your blanket and carefully move the kittens after a while, but its unlikely that the newborns will fall off. Have you tried lining the nesting box with some of your unwashed clothes or blankets? 2. As is the case with most instances, wash your hands regularly before and after eating or touching something else. Weigh the kittens as soon as mom will allow and continue weighing them daily. My girl is hiding under my bed. Keep an eye on her; if you feel she is getting too sick, take her to the vet. 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. MY CAT HITS ME GENLY WHEN I STOP RUBBING HER FULLY EXPOSED BELLY WHILE SHES SLEEPING IS SHE MAD I STOPPED? My cat loves belly rubs and will roll over for them at least 10x a day and when hes done he gets up, he has let 7 people pet his tummy 3 of which he didnt know too well. It means that your cat wants attention and trusts you enough to touch her belly. Some people feel that its safe to cuddle a cat while pregnant, while others advise against it. 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. Cats can have anywhere between 1-12 kittens with an average of 4 in a litter. When youre pregnant, you may start to feel like your stomach is a public area. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 3. The second stage is when the cats belly is noticeably larger and more round. Are you certain that your cat is indeed pregnant? The number of kittens determines how long the birthing process will take. If you look at her from above she'll suddenly look much slimmer because the kittens are now hanging down below her instead of poking out the sides. She will also sever the umbilical cord by chewing on it approximately one inch from the kittens body. He now also has a heated shelter on the porch. She's gaining weight. In addition, she will begin to show signs of sudden excitement. This is called pregnancy. So, why do cats react this way when we try to touch their bellies? Our boy Joey would have me rub his belly all day if possible. Keep an eye on her health: Be sure to keep an eye on your pregnant cats health. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. He often pops into the hospital grounds for attention from the patients and staff as the hospital is nearby. 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. We have completed her deworming so I dont think that is why her belly is big. Even if your cat is not constantly ravenous - the tummy will grow and the bodyweight will steadily increase. My two cats will just roll over and push my hand toward their belly when they are in the mood for it. The second answer, if you cant follow that advice, is to take a different approach to the cat belly. If you suspect your cat might be pregnant, take her to the vet to get a confirmatory ultrasound. Your cats pregnancy will become obvious around the sixth week. Is it OK for a cat to sleep on a heating pad? I've read so many articles about this behavior and is so little info of cats that does enjoy belly rubs. Tie a piece of sturdy thread tightly around the cord about an inch from the kittens' body. 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. will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly. There is no definite answer to this question since it can vary from cat to cat. However, there are a few other symptoms that can appear a few weeks earlier, around 2-3 weeks after conception. Thanks again for the information. It sounds like your cat is close to giving birth, but its hard to say exactly how close. This is normal behavior and nothing to worry about. Another reason why cats enjoy belly rubs is because it feels good. Supplies for the Birthing. Lets break it down. She may become more affectionate, or more aloof. Some cats will let you touch their stomachs if you go in from the side, but . During the length of pregnancy, females will gain around 2 to 4 pounds of body weight. Her nipples are pink and full. Based on what youve said, it sounds like shes probably between seven and nine weeks pregnant. will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly Or, you may notice that they are quite restless and have a hard time settling in any one place. She is still eating and drinking a lot tho. Provide a comfortable place to rest: A pregnant cat needs a comfortable place to rest and nest. It is only possible for a person to be pregnant if they have a uterus. 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. He will stay on his back and Ill go in for the rub, Ill get bit and clawed and then pull away and then Ill go in again. She still lets them nurse occasionally so she has milk.