How do I know if my cat is Pregnant?

wThere is a simple test - check your queens' nipples. With all the hormone changes, about 3 weeks after mating, her nipples will get pink and appear slightly swollen. A queen has 8 or 9 nipples.

wA cat is pregnant for approximately 65 days so once you notice your cat's nipples looking swollen and pink, you could expect the kittens about 6 weeks later.

wThere is sometimes less change of colour with cats that have previously had a litter. Do not expect the nipples to stay pink for the entire length of pregnancy, they may become pink again only in the later stages.

wExpect your cat to gain weight as well - anything up to 1.5kg or 3lb depending on her breed and litter size. An increase in weight is only seen in the 4th or 5th week of pregnancy.

wYou should be able to express milk about a week before birth.

wFor a definite pregnancy diagnosis, take her to your vet. We are not always 100% accurate - an x-ray is 100% accurate but is not advisable for growing foetuses.

wAn ultrasound scan will determine whether your cat is pregnant or not but it cannot determine the number of kittens, just tell you whether there will be more than one.

False Pregnancies in cats

wThis is a rare condition in cats - it is more common in dogs.