{"id":3045,"date":"2024-05-15T12:11:45","date_gmt":"2024-05-15T12:11:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fluv.com\/blog\/?p=3045"},"modified":"2025-11-10T07:57:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-10T07:57:00","slug":"catpregnant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/catpregnant\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the signs of cat pregnancy? From pregnancy to postpartum care and spaying \u2014 all in one guide!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3046\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/header-image-a.jpg\" alt=\"Is your cat pregnant? It's recommended to take her to an animal hospital for an ultrasound\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/header-image-a.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/header-image-a-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/header-image-a-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/header-image-a-809x540.jpg 809w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>&#8220;<\/p>\n<p>Whether it&#8217;s a stray you&#8217;ve been feeding outside or a cat you recently welcomed home, if she&#8217;s been looking a little rounder lately, you might be wondering \u2014 could she be pregnant? Thanks to government encouragement around spaying and neutering, and the growing awareness of <a href=\"https:\/\/kmweb.moa.gov.tw\/theme_data.php?theme=news&amp;sub_theme=agri_life&amp;id=57818\">TNR practices<\/a> (Trap, Neuter, Return), cat pregnancies are less common these days \u2014 which can make it all the more overwhelming when one does happen. Don&#8217;t worry! This article will walk you through the 3 key signs of cat pregnancy, along with how to care for your cat from pregnancy through birth and beyond, so you can figure out whether your kitty is just well-fed and fluffy, or possibly pregnant because she hasn&#8217;t been spayed yet.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>3 signs of cat pregnancy at a glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>1. Physical changes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Weight gain: In addition to morning sickness-like symptoms in early pregnancy, a cat&#8217;s appetite will gradually increase and she&#8217;ll typically gain around 1\u20132 kg.<\/li>\n<li>A growing belly: From around week 5, you&#8217;ll clearly notice her abdomen starting to swell. As adorable as it looks, avoid picking her up or touching her belly so as not to stress the mother or kittens.<\/li>\n<li>Nipple changes: Nipples that were once a pale pink and easy to overlook will gradually darken to a deeper pink and become slightly swollen \u2014 a process known as &#8220;pinking up.&#8221; The fur around the nipples will also shed, making them more visible.<\/li>\n<li>Coat changes: Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can make a cat&#8217;s coat look shinier and more lustrous.<\/li>\n<li>Slower movements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\uff0aWhile weight gain is normal during cat pregnancy, the total weight gained should stay within 40% of her ideal body weight.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>2. Changes in eating habits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Much like morning sickness in humans, cats in early pregnancy may have a reduced appetite or even vomit. Fortunately, once that phase passes, the mother cat&#8217;s appetite picks back up as her body starts absorbing nutrients and building up energy reserves.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>3. Personality changes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>In most cases, a pregnant cat will become more affectionate and gentle. In a small number of cats, the opposite happens and they become more withdrawn. As a mother cat searches for a safe and comfortable place to give birth, she may also start showing behaviors you&#8217;ve never seen before \u2014 like piling up towels in a corner to make a cozy nest.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond these 3 signs, it&#8217;s still best to take your cat to an animal hospital for a proper check-up and professional advice from a vet.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>A guide to caring for a pregnant cat<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>There&#8217;s a lot to keep in mind when caring for a pregnant cat, but diet and environment are the two most important priorities.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Diet guide for pregnant cats<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>As your cat&#8217;s belly grows, it&#8217;s important not to overwhelm her digestive system. Rather than increasing portion sizes, focus on offering calorie-dense food \u2014 look for cat food labeled for pregnant cats or formulas higher in fat.<\/p>\n<p>After giving birth, you can switch to cat food specially formulated to support milk production and nursing. Since nursing cats lose significant amounts of calcium \u2014 which can lead to a condition called milk fever \u2014 your vet may recommend adding calcium powder to her wet food to replenish what&#8217;s been lost.<\/p>\n<p>\uff0aA reminder: whether switching to a pregnancy formula or a nursing formula, always mix it gradually with her regular food, slowly increasing the proportion of the new food so she can adjust comfortably.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Environment guide for pregnant cats<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>If your cat is a newly rescued stray who isn&#8217;t yet familiar with the home, calm and comfort matters far more than novelty or stimulation \u2014 set up a quiet corner for her to settle into. If she&#8217;s already at home and knows the space well, or has given birth before, it&#8217;s best to let her find her own comfortable spot without too much interference.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What to keep in mind before and after birth<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Preparing for birth<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Emotionally:<\/strong> A mother cat may become anxious or even aggressive in the days leading up to birth. Give her extra space and try not to crowd her.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Setting up a space:<\/strong> Prepare a cardboard box lined with blankets or towels to serve as a birthing space. Cut a cat-sized opening in the side so she can easily come and go without having to jump \u2014 no extra strain needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Postpartum care<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Space:<\/strong> Continue providing a quiet, comfortable environment for the mother and kittens, and try to minimize disturbances.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Watching the kittens:<\/strong> Keep an eye on nursing, breathing, weight, and any unusual behavior.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gentle socialization:<\/strong> Help the kittens get used to human interaction \u2014 but don&#8217;t overdo the handling, as it can disrupt their bond with their mother.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3047\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/second-image.jpg\" alt=\"A cat's journey from pregnancy to birth is a period that requires extra special care\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/second-image.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/second-image-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/second-image-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/05\/second-image-809x540.jpg 809w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Preventing pregnancy: the many benefits of spaying and neutering<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Spaying or neutering your cat doesn&#8217;t just prevent unwanted pregnancies \u2014 the benefits for your pet and the wider community are numerous.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Population control:<\/strong> Spaying and neutering reduces the number of stray animals, which in turn helps address issues like overpopulation, survival challenges for strays, and disease transmission.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reducing problem behaviors:<\/strong> It can help curb unwanted behaviors such as aggression, escaping outdoors, and territorial marking (spraying) \u2014 especially noticeable in male cats.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Health benefits:<\/strong> Both sexes benefit. Females have a lower risk of lymphoma, mammary tumors, and ovarian cancer; males have a reduced risk of testicular cancer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><strong>Worried about a pregnant cat? Find a pet sitter on the Fluv app<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Ready to become a proud pet grandparent? If you&#8217;re not sure about the birthing process, worried you don&#8217;t have enough experience, or uncertain whether you&#8217;ve set up the right environment for a smooth delivery \u2014 let the professional pet platform <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/service\">Fluv<\/a> take care of it! On Fluv, you can find experienced veterinary professionals to come to your home and check on your cat&#8217;s health, as well as experienced pet sitters to assist with the birth \u2014 full end-to-end support for your peace of mind. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\">Fluv<\/a> is Taiwan&#8217;s largest pet care platform, with over 100,000 pet owner users and 5,000+ verified, trusted pet sitters ready to help. <a href=\"https:\/\/fluv.com?utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=20250527_blog_catpregnant\">Download the app<\/a> today!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Further reading:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/blog\/neighbor-service\/\">[2024 pet sitter recommendations] Neighbor cat and dog sitters from just $300\/visit! Find a trusted neighbor near you to look after your pet<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/blog\/%e7%95%b6%e8%87%aa%e5%b7%b1%e5%ae%b6%e7%9a%84%e6%af%9b%e5%ad%a9%e6%84%9f%ef%bc%9f%e6%af%9b%e5%b0%8f%e6%84%9b%e5%af%b5%e7%89%a9%e4%bf%9d%e5%a7%86%e6%84%9b%e7%9a%84%e5%af%a9%e6%a0%b8%e3%80%81%e8%a8%93\/\">Caring for pets like they&#8217;re your own? A behind-the-scenes look at Fluv&#8217;s pet sitter vetting and training process<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/blog\/%e5%b9%bc%e8%b2%93%e9%a4%b5%e9%a3%9f%e6%b3%a8%e6%84%8f%e4%ba%8b%e9%a0%85%e7%9c%8b%e9%80%99%e8%a3%a1%ef%bc%81%e8%a9%b3%e7%b4%b0%e5%b9%bc%e8%b2%93%e9%a4%b5%e9%a3%9f%e6%99%82%e9%96%93%e3%80%81%e6%ac%a1\/\">Kitten feeding tips: a complete guide to feeding schedules and frequency for young kittens<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/blog\/%e5%b9%bc%e8%b2%93%e7%85%a7%e9%a1%a7%e7%a5%95%e7%ac%88%ef%bc%81%e8%b2%93%e5%a5%b4%e5%80%91%e6%b3%a8%e6%84%8f%ef%bc%8c%e5%b9%bc%e8%b2%93%e7%85%a7%e9%a1%a7%e6%96%b9%e6%b3%95%e5%8f%8a%e6%b3%a8%e6%84%8f\/\">The complete kitten care guide: everything cat lovers need to know about raising a young kitten<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Fluv special offers<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"253\" data-end=\"302\">\ud83c\udf89 <strong data-start=\"256\" data-end=\"273\">Fluv&#8217;s 2025 Double 11 Pet Festival is here!<\/strong><br data-start=\"273\" data-end=\"276\" \/>\ud83d\udcc5 Event period: 2025\/11\/03\u201311\/14<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"304\" data-end=\"443\">\ud83d\udc49 Download the Fluv app now<a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"439\"> to claim your exclusive offer<\/a><strong data-start=\"307\" data-end=\"441\"><a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"309\" data-end=\"439\"> \ud83c\udf81:<\/a><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fluv.com?utm_source=web&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=20250527_blog_catpregnant\">fluv.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Enjoyed this article? Feel free to share it, and follow Fluv for more helpful tips and fun pet content!<\/p>\n<p>Facebook: <a href=\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/fluv.pet\">@fluv.pet<\/a><br \/>\nFluv Instagram: <a class=\"c-link\" href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/fluv.pet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/fluv.pet\/\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">@fluv.pet<\/a><br \/>\nYouTube: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@fluv_tw\">@fluv_tw<\/a><br \/>\nFluv website: <a class=\"c-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"http:\/\/Fluv.com\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">www.fluv.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Views: 10137<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #FFFAF0; border: 2px dashed #FFA500; padding: 30px; border-radius: 15px; margin-top: 40px; text-align: center;\">\n<h2 id=\"section8\" style=\"color: #E67E22; margin-top: 0;\">Fluv exclusive offers \u2014 limited-time deals for devoted pet owners<\/h2>\n<p style=\"color: #666; font-style: italic;\">#Give your pet the best \u2014 give them what fits<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;d like to give your pet a more personalized, home-like care experience, why not try Fluv&#8217;s in-home pet sitter service?<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fff; padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 1.1em;\">\ud83c\udf81 <strong>New users: enter promo code<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 2em; color: #D35400; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0;\">NEW95<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">Book now and enjoy <strong>5% off<\/strong> your first order!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 Looking for a caring, professional pet sitter for your pet?<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 20px;\"><a style=\"background-color: #E67E22; color: white; padding: 12px 25px; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 5px; font-weight: bold; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/zh-tw\/download\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download the Fluv app now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Views: 11796<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is your cat getting rounder? Learn the 3 key signs of cat pregnancy, how to care for your cat through birth, and why spaying is the best choice for your pet.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":3048,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,2444],"tags":[12,1520,1513,1517,1514,37,1518,1510,1512,1511,1519,1516,1515,36,874],"class_list":["post-3045","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pet-health","category-cat-health","tag-12","tag-1520","tag-1513","tag-1517","tag-1514","tag-37","tag-1518","tag-1510","tag-1512","tag-1511","tag-1519","tag-1516","tag-1515","tag-36","tag-874"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3045","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3045"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3045\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6718,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3045\/revisions\/6718"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3048"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3045"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3045"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3045"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}