Pet and health

Cat pregnancy symptoms - The first noticeable sign of pregnancy in a cat is a change in her nipples. Approximately three weeks after mating her nipples will become pinker and more enlarged. This is called ‘Pinking’
Your cat may become more affectionate and want more of your attention. There may be an increase in appetite.
Pregnancy can be confirmed by your vet from approximately 22 days using ultrasound.

As the pregnancy advances your cat may begin ‘nesting’ behaviour. She may begin searching for a place to deliver her kittens. She will try to get into closets, cupboards and other secluded places. Usually about two days before giving birth your cat’s mammary glands will increase in size and she will begin producing milk. Your cat’s temperature will decrease to about 99 degrees F and you may notice a drop in her appetite. She may become restless and begin nesting in earnest. She may follow you around and become very affectionate or pace from room to room. Other signs are that she may begin purring, meowing, panting, licking her genitals and she may vomit. You may notice a vaginal discharge and eventually contractions. Not all signs apply to all cats.

Cat pregnancy - Cats really should be classified as a truly matriarchal species because the survival of each kitten depends solely upon females. The biological mother is primarily responsible for the care of her young, but other females will feed and protect the kittens when she is absent. The father of the litter, nor any other males will care for the kittens.

In the fifth week you can feel golf-ball sized swellings in her abdomen. Limit your prodding an poking. Use gentle hands as you can damage an embryo or cause a miscarriage.

In the sixth week you will notice her nipples are very large and they look full. They are. She is now storing milk in preparation for those hungry newborn felines.
During her pregnancy, allow Sylvia to lead a normal life. If she is an outdoor cat, let her venture out for a hunt. If she wants to climb, discourage her. She may think she’s got it all under control, but the weight of her babies has changed her center of balance.

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