Pregnancy can be one of the most joyful, stressful and confusing times of your life. It may take a while before you realize that your cat is acting strangely because he is so excited. Once you know, you may wonder how a cat can know she is pregnant.
The cat probably doesn’t recognize the specific state of pregnancy, but it may be able to tell you that something is different. Some cats, like the gentle kitten I had before my daughter was born, stride through these changes and enjoy just cuddling in their new comfortable baby gear. Obvious behavioral changes may also be seen in other cats.
In this article, learn specifically how you can tell your cat is pregnant and how you can help your cat prepare for baby.
Oh baby!How Cats Can (sort of) Tell You’re Pregnant
Here are some ways your cat might be able to tell you something is different, even if she couldn’t figure out you were pregnant.
you smell different
During pregnancy, your body experiences multiple hormone increases, including progesterone and estrogen. These hormones are responsible for many of the side effects of pregnancy, such as morning sickness, as well as breast milk production and other preparations necessary for the birth of a baby. Also, the scent may change.
Doctors and scientists believe that cats have a much more sensitive sense of smell than humans, and that they may be able to tell the difference during pregnancy. Again, you don’t necessarily connect the dots between your new smell and your pregnancy, but you’re more likely to detect changes.
you sound different
In addition to their excellent sense of smell, cats have much better hearing than humans. If your cat likes to snuggle up to her pregnant belly, especially late in her pregnancy, there’s a good chance she’ll hear heartbeats and other sounds coming from within. They may not understand exactly what they’re hearing, but it’s another change that gives clues that something is different about you.
you act differently
As we’ve already mentioned, pregnancy is a big life change, with new routines, behaviors, and baby products coming almost from the start. In the months leading up to your baby’s arrival, you may be struggling with morning sickness, interviewing for a babysitter, taking time off from work, and building a crib.
All these changes and disruptions can be very stressful for cats, especially if they are already prone to anxiety or are sensitive to differences in their daily routines. Even if your cat can’t specifically say you’re pregnant, they’ll find that their lives aren’t playing out exactly the way they used to. If so, you’ll probably see changes in your cat’s behavior as well.
What behavioral changes do pregnant cats see?
Depending on your cat’s personality, you may not notice any changes in behavior during pregnancy. My cat was more interested in napping on the pregnant pillow than the pregnancy situation. However, there are some common behaviors seen in kittens during pregnancy.
Some cats become more affectionate and cuddly during pregnancy. Some people become irritable and aggressive as they deal with all the changes. In between you have a cat that is guarding and guarding you.
Cats may also show signs of stress and anxiety, such as peeing outside the litter box, hiding, or over-grooming.
How to Help Your Cat Adapt to Pregnancy and Prepare for Birth
If your cat exhibits unwanted behavioral changes during pregnancy, here are some tips to help your cat adjust and prepare for a new baby.
- Do your best to keep your cat’s routine as normal as possible during pregnancy. Try offering food at the same time and spending time playing and petting your cat. If your cat is unusually sticky or anxious, you may need to take extra care to calm him down.
- If your cat becomes aggressive or exhibits extreme and unwanted anxiety symptoms, such as peeing outside the litter box, consult your veterinarian. Anti-anxiety medications may be recommended to help your cat cope with pregnancy changes.
- Give your cat as much time as possible to smell and explore all new baby items to get them used to it. This helps reduce stress after the baby arrives and starts using the stroller or changing table.
- Let your cat hear your baby’s sounds, especially their cries, before they arrive home. I can tell you from experience that nothing prepares you for the sheer volume of sounds that a newborn’s cries make. Cat ears are even more sensitive than human ears. To reduce your kitten’s stress level, be prepared ahead of time.
- If you decide to keep the cat out of the baby’s room, close the door early enough to dampen the cat’s curiosity about the forbidden space. When the baby is born, bring home a scented blanket or something so the cat can get used to the smell of the new family member.
Conclusion
In recent years, younger generations such as millennials have often chosen to delay having human children and adopt pets first. Therefore, there will be more pregnancies in homes where cats already exist. These cats may not know exactly what’s going on, but they will notice some of the life changes that come with pregnancy. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any physical signs of your pregnant cat’s behavior, especially vomiting, loss of appetite, or peeing outside the litter box.
Featured image credit: Nesolenaya Alexandra, Shutterstock
About the author
Ivy’s mom cat is a lively little rescue kitten who is her only child. At this point! Throughout her life, she has known the special love found in the bond she has with her cat. Having owned multiple cats, she is convinced that their love is unmatched, unconditional, and unlike any other animal. With a passion for educating the public about everything about cats, their behavior, and their unique personalities, Krystal encourages all cats and their owners to live and love consciously. I am dedicated to making people aware of the importance of