What to Look for to Determine if Your Cat is Pregnant

Physical Changes: Monitor Your Cat’s Body Size and Weight

Monitoring your cat’s body size and weight is an important tool in managing their health. Just like humans, cats can gain or lose weight due to lifestyle changes, life stage, seasonality, health issues, stress and diet. Knowing their baseline weight over time can help identify potential physical changes which may indicate underlying health problems.

Physical assessment of your pet should include examining their body condition score (BCS), body structure and body measurements. A BCS is given on a scale from 1- 9 – with 1 being very thin, 9 being obese – to objectively evaluate how much fat is stored on the cat’s body. Measuring your cat’s neck, chest, girth and length will provide an idea as to their overall size, as well as if any abnormalities become apparent when comparing measurements from one side of the body to another.

It is important to routinely and consistently weigh your cat at home, or have their weight monitored and documented by your veterinarian during their regular annual check-ups, and whenever there is a suspicion of weight change. Regular weight monitoring is especially important for older cats who tend to experience age-related musculo-skeletal changes that can cause them to lose muscle mass and gain body fat – both changes which can be monitored through regular weighing.

Weight management in cats is essential for maintaining good health and longevity, so make sure to keep track of your cat’s body size and weight.

Behavioral Changes: Notice Unusual Habits or Attitudes

Behavioral changes can be a sign of an underlying problem or a sign of a potential mental health issue. It is important to pay attention to sudden and significant changes in behavior, habits, and attitudes.

Unexpected behavioral changes can include changes in sleeping patterns, increased agitation or isolated activities, lack of interest in things that used to bring joy, or changes in consumption habits. If any of these noticeable actions are out of the ordinary for a person it could be a sign that something more serious is happening.

It is important to reach out to those who display atypical behaviors and attitudes to get a better understanding of what may be occurring. Offer listening and support without engaging in speculation or judgement. Observe body language and take notice if emotions become extreme or excessive. Be mindful of any physical symptoms as well, such as fatigue, headaches, or lethargy. Show care and compassion as you further probe into why they are acting differently.

By paying close attention to behavioral changes, it can be beneficial to provide appropriate resources on how to cope with the issue and find long-term solutions. Make sure that both physical and mental health concerns are taken seriously. By being aware of changes to both habits and attitudes, it can help provide answers to any potential issues a person may have.

Natal Care: Recognize Signs of Nursing or Kitten-rearing

Natal care is the practice of attending to a new mother during and after her pregnancy, delivering her baby safely, and providing post-natal care for both the mother and her newborn. Natal care typically begins with prenatal care, which monitors the progress of the mother and baby before the birth. During this time, medical health professionals provide advice on nutrition, exercise and other lifestyle changes that the pregnant woman can make to optimally prepare for delivery.

During and immediately following childbirth, health professionals may also monitor both the mother and baby’s vital signs. This is done to ensure their safety and development through delivery. After the birth, natal care typically includes monitoring the mom and baby’s weight, keeping a close eye on the mother’s health while she recovers, breastfeeding support and education, and providing newborn care instruction. Specialists can be called upon if needed in order to diagnose and treat any conditions that might arise in either the mother or the baby.

A key part of natal care is recognizing the signs of nursing or kitten-rearing. In order for the mother and baby to have a successful and healthy relationship, knowing when your infant is ready to feed and when the mother needs assistance in nursing is imperative. Signs of nursing readiness include rooting, eyeball movements and licking/sucking motions of the lips; meanwhile, signs of maternal preparedness for nursing could involve skin-to-skin contact, good latching when placed at the breast, and infants that relax and appear alert once nursing begins. By recognizing these signs of nursing or kitten-rearing and providing optimal attention, health professionals can aid in the development of a strong connection between the mother and baby.

Veterinary Examination: Schedule an Appointment with Your Vet to Confirm the Pregnancy Diagnosis

Confirming a pet’s pregnancy diagnosis is an important step for any pet parent. That’s why it’s important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a thorough veterinary examination. During the examination, your vet will check for signs of pregnancy and may even be able to detect fetal heartbeats.

The exam includes several steps that help provide a definitive diagnosis. Your veterinarian will feel their abdomen to detect any changes in size or shape, look for visible signs such as mammary glands enlarging, and assess the presence and distribution of thickened uterine tissue. If needed, ultrasounds may also be used to check for developing puppies.

While a home pregnancy test may give a preliminary answer, don’t rely on these tests alone. It’s best to follow up with a vet appointment as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis. Failing to do this can lead to serious health and behavioural issues if your pet’s condition remains undiagnosed.

Your veterinarian will discuss and review the options available to you should the pregnancy be confirmed. An experienced veterinarian can provide guidance on nutritional requirements, lifestyle changes, grooming techniques, and more. Knowing how to properly care for a pregnant pet is essential for both their health and that of their litter.

At the end of the examination, your veterinarian should have a better understanding of your pet’s overall health and will be able to provide advice on the care they need during their pregnancy. With the right support and information, you can ensure that the pregnancy will go smoothly and safe for both the mum and her little ones.