How to Tell if a Cat Is Pregnant

If you have an unspayed female cat who has been outdoors, slipped out for a few hours, or lives with an unneutered male, pregnancy is definitely possible. The tricky part is that early pregnancy can look a lot like a normal heat cycle, a little weight gain, or even a mild tummy upset (mild stomach upset). As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, Texas, I have seen many caring pet parents miss the earliest signs because they are subtle.

This guide walks you through what to look for, when to call your veterinarian, and how to care for a pregnant cat safely and confidently.

First: could she be pregnant?

A cat can become pregnant as early as 4 to 6 months old, depending on the individual and the season. Most feline pregnancies (gestation) last about 63 to 65 days. Many cats deliver in the broader about 58 to 67 day range, and occasionally it can be a bit shorter or longer.

Common scenarios that raise the odds

• She is not spayed and has had any access to intact male cats.
• She recently went into heat (loud vocalizing, rolling, tail to the side, extra affection) and then suddenly stopped.
• She is an indoor cat who slipped outside, even briefly.

Heat cycle vs pregnancy

It is true that some cats seem to “stop” heat behaviors after mating, but that alone is not proof of pregnancy. Cats can cycle again if they did not conceive, and some will show heat-like behaviors even with early pregnancy. If there is any chance of exposure, it is reasonable to watch for signs and schedule a veterinary visit.

Early signs (weeks 1 to 3)

In the earliest phase, you may not notice much. Cats are very good at acting normal, even when their body is changing quickly.

What you might see at home

• Behavior changes: more cuddly, more quiet, or occasionally more irritable.
• Mild appetite change: some cats eat a bit more, while others have a short phase of decreased appetite.
• Sleepiness: she may nap more than usual.

“Pinking up” (often around weeks 2 to 3)

One of the classic early clues is that the nipples (teats) become more noticeable, pink, and slightly enlarged. This is called pinking up. It is not foolproof, but it is a strong hint when paired with possible exposure to a male cat.

Mid-pregnancy signs (weeks 3 to 6)

This is when many people start to feel more certain something is going on.

Physical changes you may notice

• Weight gain: gradual and centered around the abdomen rather than the whole body.
• Rounder belly: the abdomen becomes more pear-shaped as pregnancy progresses.
• Increased appetite: many pregnant cats become noticeably hungrier.
• Coat and grooming changes: some cats groom less or have mild coat changes as their energy shifts.

Do not squeeze the belly

It is tempting, but pressing or repeatedly palpating the abdomen can be uncomfortable and may be risky. Leave pregnancy confirmation to your veterinary team.

Late pregnancy and nesting (weeks 6 to birth)

Late pregnancy is usually more obvious.

Signs as delivery approaches

• Nesting behavior: seeking quiet closets, under beds, laundry rooms, or tucked-away corners.
• More affectionate or more withdrawn: either response can be normal.
• Mammary gland development: mammary glands enlarge and may start producing milk close to delivery.
• Visible kitten movement: in some cats, you can see movement in the abdomen late in pregnancy.

If you suspect she is within 1 to 2 weeks of delivering, now is the time to prepare a safe, warm kittening area and tighten up home safety.

How vets confirm pregnancy

Home observations are helpful, but veterinary confirmation matters because it guides safe nutrition, vaccine choices, parasite control, and planning for birth.

Common methods and timing

• Physical exam: an experienced veterinarian may feel uterine changes in some cats around 3 to 4 weeks, but palpation is not always reliable and is not always attempted.
• Ultrasound: can sometimes confirm pregnancy as early as about 2 to 3 weeks, but many clinics find it more reliable closer to 3 to 4 weeks. Ultrasound can also assess fetal viability later.
• X-rays: best for estimating kitten count after the fetal skeletons mineralize, usually around 45 days (about 6 to 7 weeks). This helps you know how many kittens to expect, which is important during delivery.

Care: what to do now

If you think your cat is pregnant, you do not have to do everything perfectly on day one. Start with these fundamentals.

1) Schedule a vet visit

Ask your veterinarian about confirmation, nutrition, parasite control, and a delivery plan. Mention any medications, supplements, or flea products you have used recently.

2) Talk vaccines with your vet

In general, we try to avoid giving vaccines during pregnancy unless your veterinarian feels there is a specific reason. Bring your cat’s vaccine history so your clinic can recommend the safest plan.

3) Switch to appropriate nutrition

Most pregnant and nursing cats do best on a high-quality, calorie-dense diet. Veterinarians commonly recommend a growth or kitten-formulated food during pregnancy and lactation because it supports increased energy and nutrient needs.

• Transition food slowly over about 7 days to avoid stomach upset.
• Offer smaller, more frequent meals as the belly grows and space gets tight.
• Provide plenty of fresh water at all times.

4) Keep her indoors

Indoor-only is one of the kindest safety choices you can make now. It reduces risks like injury, infectious disease exposure, toxins, and parasites.

5) Parasite control, safely

Do not assume your usual flea or deworming product is safe during pregnancy. Call your veterinary clinic for guidance. Some products are appropriate and some are not, depending on the active ingredient and timing.

6) Create a calm nesting space

Set up a quiet area away from kids, dogs, and household traffic. A simple box or covered cat bed lined with clean towels works well. Let her investigate it early so it feels familiar.

If pregnancy was not planned

Many people ask what options exist if their cat is pregnant unexpectedly. One option is a spay procedure that ends the pregnancy (often called a spay-abort). It is a personal decision and can depend on your cat’s health, how far along she is, and local resources. Your veterinarian can talk you through the safest, most realistic choices for your situation.

What not to do

• Do not give human pain medications (like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin) for discomfort. These can be dangerous for cats.
• Do not start supplements “just in case” unless your veterinarian recommends them. Over-supplementation can cause real harm.
• Do not dramatically increase food overnight. Gradual increases help prevent vomiting and diarrhea.
• Do not bathe her unnecessarily or expose her to stressful grooming if she is anxious.

Emergency signs

Most cat pregnancies and deliveries go smoothly, but it is important to know the red flags.

Seek urgent veterinary care if you notice

• Any heavy bleeding from the vulva.
• Green discharge before the first kitten is born (a small amount of clear or whitish discharge can be normal).
• Strong, unproductive straining for 30 to 60 minutes with no kitten produced.
• More than 2 hours between kittens when you know there are more expected.
• Extreme lethargy, collapse, pale gums, or trouble breathing.
• Not eating for 24 hours, especially in late pregnancy.
• Fever, foul-smelling discharge, or signs of severe pain.

If you are unsure, call. It is always better to be told “everything sounds normal” than to wait too long.

Pregnancy or something else?

A swollen belly or nipple changes can also happen with other conditions. This is why a veterinary visit is so valuable.

Common look-alikes

• False pregnancy: hormone shifts can cause mammary enlargement and nesting behaviors without kittens.
• Weight gain: especially in indoor cats with free-feeding.
• Intestinal parasites: can cause a pot-bellied look, especially in younger cats.
• Pyometra: a serious uterine infection in unspayed cats that can be life-threatening. Often includes lethargy, poor appetite, and sometimes discharge.
• Fluid or masses: abdominal fluid or tumors can mimic pregnancy.

If her abdomen looks bigger and she seems unwell, treat it as urgent, not a wait-and-see situation.

After birth: quick basics

Once kittens are born, your job is mostly to provide a calm environment, good food, and close observation.

• Keep the room warm and quiet.
• Feed mom a kitten diet and allow frequent meals.
• Watch that kittens are nursing and gaining weight steadily.
• Schedule a vet check for mom and kittens, and ask about deworming and vaccination timelines.

Postpartum red flags

• Mom seems sick: fever, not eating, severe lethargy, vomiting, foul-smelling discharge, or painful, hot mammary glands (possible mastitis).
• Kittens struggle: constant crying, feeling cool to the touch, trouble latching, or not gaining weight day to day.
• Mom ignores or cannot care for kittens or you see ongoing heavy bleeding.

If you can, plan ahead for spay and neuter. It is one of the most effective ways to protect feline health and prevent repeated, stressful litters.

Simple checklist

• Possible exposure to an intact male cat
• Nipples becoming pink and enlarged around 2 to 3 weeks
• Gradual belly growth and weight gain after week 3
• Increased appetite and more resting
• Nesting behavior in the final weeks
• Vet confirmation with ultrasound or X-ray