All About Heat Cycles & Pregnancy in Cats
The Female Cat's Reproductive Cycle
Cats are polyestrus, which means females can have many heat periods in each
breeding season. Each heat period lasts between 5-14 days. If she is mated,
the cat will usually go out of heat within 24 hours.
Breeding season in the Northern hemisphere is during the months of late
winter and early spring (March-September). Indoor-cats or cats living in warm
climates can go into heat and become pregnant more than once during the
breeding season.
When in heat, the cat may display several signs. These may vary between
breeds and even between individual cats. Signs include the famous calling
(loud meowing), increased appetite and restlessness. Many cats begin to roll
on the floor and demand to be petted. Some cats may begin to spray urine
around the house.
If the cat is not mated and does not become pregnant, she can go into heat
repeatedly every 2-3 weeks. This means that if your cat goes into heat - you
can't simply keep her locked up at home, waiting for it to go away. Unless you
spay the cat, she will keep going into heat practically every month.
Pregnancy
Feline pregnancy, or gestation, usually lasts 63-65 days. The length of the
pregnancy, from ovulation to birth can vary between different breeds -
anything between 58-70 days is considered within normal range.
You should be able tell if your cat is pregnant by the second or third week
of the pregnancy, as the nipples of the pregnant female become enlarged and
change color to deep pink. Later on, the growing abdomen will become more
visible and leave little room for doubt.
Take the cat to see the vet for a prenatal check-up. Your vet will be able
to confirm the pregnancy using an ultrasound or other tests. He or she will
also set a course of tests and future check-ups as necessary.
Occasionally, a cat may exhibit a condition called pseudo- pregnancy or
false pregnancy, where elevated levels of hormones cause symptoms that look
much like a pregnancy. This condition can last for several weeks and then
gradually fade away.
Care During Pregnancy
A young and healthy pregnant cat usually needs little special care
other than extra attention to her nutrition.
She may experience nausea and morning sickness for a few days during
mid-pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. She may also show a decrease in
appetite and may even go off her food entirely a few days before the birth. If
she stops eating for more than a couple of days, or if you notice a decrease
in appetite for more than 3-4 days, consult your vet.
You should never medicate a cat unless your vet instructs to do so. This is
especially important during pregnancy, where relatively safe and common drugs
can be harmful. Let your vet know even if you only suspect your cat may be
pregnant before any drugs are prescribed.
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