You can’t tell if a stray cat is pregnant by just looking at the animal.
Sure, cars have darkened nipples and swollen abdomen when pregnant. However, you can’t confirm pregnancy without a blood test, x-rays, ultrasound, or abdominal palpation. Moreover, cats can also experience pseudopregnancy or false pregnancy.
Therefore, if you’re worried about a stray cat because you think she’s pregnant, take the animal to the nearest vet clinic to confirm your doubts.
Other than physical changes, most felines exhibit behavioral changes during pregnancy. Some cats can become more aggressive, while others get more affectionate.
In today’s article, I will share signs you can tell a stray cat’s pregnant and ways you can help the homeless animal, so let’s dive right in.
How Do You Tell if a Stray/Feral Cat is Pregnant or Just Fat?
When a feline’s pregnant, they’re called a “queen.” However, how can you tell if a feral cat is pregnant? Common physical signs include a swollen belly and darkened nipples. These signs usually appear later in the pregnancy.
Some cats experience a false pregnancy because of hormonal imbalances. In this case, a feline displays pregnancy symptoms, such as lactation.
These changes usually happen 1-2 months after the feline’s heat and can last for about a month. If you suspect a cat’s going through pseudopregnancy, take the animal to your local vet for examination, if possible.
However, unless you’ve taken care of the stray kitty for some time, you can’t tell if she’s pregnant by her behavior and appearance. If you have taken care of the kitty for a while, you can notice changes, such as vomiting, nesting behavior, appetite, etc.
Here’s a breakdown of physical and behavioral signs of pregnancy in cats:
Physical Changes
Felines have short pregnancies (9 weeks). So, you can immediately notice the physical signs of pregnancy in cats.
For instance, about 15-18 days into pregnancy, a cat’s nipples get bigger and darker in color. The change of color in a cat’s nipples during pregnancy is called “pinking up.”
Also, about halfway through pregnancy, a feline’s stomach becomes more rounded and hangs lower when she stands. Looking closely at a pregnant cat, you might see and feel the babies moving inside her stomach.
Let’s discuss these physical changes in cats during pregnancy in detail.
Changes in the Cat’s Nipples
A pregnant cat’s nipples swell, become larger, and turn dark pink. These changes make the nipples appear engorged and darker. They will also hang out of the coat on the cat’s abdomen.
However, you will have difficulty observing the cat’s nipples if the animal’s darker or has long fur.
Weight Gain
After the gestation period, felines put on extra weight quickly. You can easily notice the change in weight if you’ve been watching the stray female cat for some time.
However, if the kitten was malnourished and you’ve started feeding her, the weight gain can result from the increased food intake and consumption of better food.
Swollen Stomach
About halfway through gestation, the cat will show physical signs of pregnancy, such as a swollen abdomen. The belly area usually swells and hangs low.
In some cases, the belly almost touches the ground. If a pregnant feline’s due soon, you can even see and feel the movements or shapes of the kittens.
Behavioral Changes
Like people, some pregnant cats experience morning sickness. However, you can’t see this behavior in a stray cat unless she’s always around.
Other behavioral changes include a bigger appetite and nesting behaviors.
If you’re feeding a pregnant kitty, she will visit your property more often, looking for food or consuming larger amounts.
Pregnant cats exhibit nesting behaviors toward the end of the pregnancy (during the last two weeks before delivery). They look for a quiet and safe area to give birth and care for their newborn kittens.
If a stray cat hangs around your home before giving birth, she probably sees you as her protector and your home as a safe space.
Let’s discuss these behavioral changes in cats during pregnancy in detail.
Nesting Behaviors
Pregnant cats prepare for delivery about two weeks before giving birth. They often pick a quiet, secluded, comfortable place to deliver their babies.
Some cats even collect blankets and other soft things they can use in their nest.
Therefore, if you care for a pregnant stray cat, you can leave a blanket outside in a safe and secluded spot. See if the cat hangs out in this spot and adjusts the blanket with her paws. If she does, you’ve done a good job.
Otherwise, follow the stray cat to find out if she already has a spot where you can leave the blanket.
Sleeping Patterns
Most pregnant cats sleep more frequently and for longer. So, if you care for a stray cat, you might notice she’s less active than other outdoor cats and prefers sleeping instead of wandering or playing with her fellow cats.
The Cat Becomes More Affectionate
Some cats become more affectionate when they’re pregnant. So, the stray kitty will rub against your feet, meow softly in your presence, and try to enter your home for comfort.
If you have space for a new feline in your home, welcome the stray kitty so that she can deliver her babies in peace. Alternatively, you can build a shelter in your yard where she can rest and give birth.
Morning Sickness
Pregnant women experience vomiting or morning sickness. The same happens to kitties when they’re pregnant. You can easily notice regular vomiting, especially in the morning if the stray cat’s sleeping in your yard or near your property.
However, if the stray kitty isn’t sleeping near your property, you can’t witness this sign of pregnancy.
Increased Appetite
Pregnant felines aren’t only eating for themselves but for their growing babies too. You can notice the pregnant stray kitten eating larger portions or eating more often than the other stray cats. Also, the stray pregnant cat can seem hungry after eating.
If you see the signs above in a stray female feline, she’s probably pregnant. Remember that every cat’s different. So, the common pregnancy symptoms can vary depending on what level of gestation the cat’s going through.
You can only tell a cat’s pregnant by visiting the local vet. They can quickly confirm your suspicion. Sings like vomiting and swollen abdomen can indicate a health condition. So, it’s best to see the local vet clinic for sure results.
If you’re certain the stray cat’s pregnant, here’s a list of ways to help.
How to Help a Pregnant Stray Cat?
Most female cats don’t need people’s help when giving birth. However, you can help the stray cat in your neighborhood by making her pregnancy more comfortable.
The average cat often delivers 4-6 babies and will clean each one right after giving birth. Therefore, she doesn’t need your help while giving birth. However, if you notice the cat’s having difficulty giving birth, call your vet for advice.
Moreover, the kittens should start eating within one hour of birth. If your stray kitty looks anxious, distressed, straining, or can’t look after her babies, call your vet for help.
Let’s learn how to make a pregnant cat’s outdoor life less stressful.
Earn the Cat’s Trust
Avoid touching the feline unless you became friends before she became pregnant.
Some stray cats become more aggressive instead of affectionate during pregnancy, so keep that in mind.
If you hadn’t established a connection with the kitty before she got pregnant, start slowly by spending some time together. The mother will eventually learn you mean her and her babies no harm.
Provide High-Quality Cat Food and Water
You can quickly earn a stray cat’s trust by providing food and water regularly. That way, you will help the pregnant cat stay fed and hydrated.
If you give the pregnant feral cat food, she won’t have to wander around all day looking for food. She can rest and gather strength for delivery.
What to Feed a Pregnant Stray Cat?
Ideally, a queen needs high-quality cat food. You can buy the stray cat proper food and feed her multiple times daily. If you’re giving the cat a new type of food, start with small portions to prevent stomach upset.
Create a Nest for the Cat
About two weeks before giving birth, cats look for a safe, secluded place to deliver their babies. You can help the pregnant stray cat in your neighborhood by creating a nest for her delivery.
You can either place a box with blankets or towels on your property or open your house for the pregnant cat so that she can give birth safely.
If you take the pregnant cat in, keep her away from your other pets. If the cat refuses to enter your home, create a nest on your property or somewhere near your home.
Take the Cat to The Vet
If the stray cat trusts you, you won’t have difficulty putting her in a carrier and taking her to the vet for a checkup.
The vet will share helpful tips for the delivery process and scan the kitty for a microchip. If she has a microchip, you can contact the cat’s owner and ask if they’re missing a cat. If you don’t find the owner, you can bring the cat back into your neighborhood.
Keep Your Distance
Keep your distance if you don’t know the stray cat very well or if she’s anxious because she’s pregnant. Otherwise, she might run away and deliver her babies elsewhere.
If you have the time and means, you can install a web camera and a baby monitor near her nest, so you can know what’s happening.
If you notice any of the following signs, call your vet immediately:
- A stuck kitten
- Straining for more than 40-60 minutes without kittens arriving
- The queen seems very distressed
- She’s overly lethargic
- She’s bleeding heavily
How Do You Know if a Stray Cat is About to Give Birth?
Once the cat begins active labor, don’t disturb her. You can watch her from a distance to ensure everything is going smoothly.
The first labor stage lasts between 6 and 12 hours. In this period, contractions start, and the cervix spreads open.
The second labor stage includes the delivery of the baby. There can be 10 minutes to 1 hour between each baby’s birth.
After the birth of each baby, the cat will enter the third labor stage, including delivery of the placenta.
The whole process can take between 2 hours and one day. However, most cats, including stray and feral cats, usually complete the delivery within 2-6 hours.
Here’s a list of signs your cat’s about to give birth:
Nesting Behaviors
As the delivery approaches, your pregnant feral cat can seek a comfortable, safe, and secluded place where she can give birth.
Nesting behaviors usually occur about two weeks before delivery, but some cats might look for places to give birth days or even hours before going into labor.
Anxiety
About 1-2 days before delivery, the momma cat can appear anxious or restless. The female cat can go in and out of her delivery area as if pacing.
Panting
Typically, pregnant cats will pant as delivery begins. So, if you see your cat panting, she will likely enter the first labor phase soon.
Vocalizations
Aside from restless behavior and pacing, the pregnant cat can meow loudly and cry out more than normal before going into delivery.
Reduced Body Temperature
Cats have a normal temperature of 100.5-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. About 12-36 hours before delivery, your cat’s body temperature will get under 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Reduced Appetite
Pregnant cats will probably have a good appetite during their pregnancy. However, your cat’s appetite will significantly decrease as she approaches her delivery.
Licking Her Private Parts
Your feline will start licking her private parts to clean discharge as delivery approaches. You won’t see this discharge because the cat will keep her privates clean.
Signs of Trouble During Labor and Delivery
Most felines will deliver their kittens without a problem. However, labor and delivery can sometimes cause issues that harm the mother cat and her babies.
Signs of trouble during labor and delivery include:
- The mother cat’s lethargic
- She has breathing problems
- Extended contractions of multiple hours that don’t result in delivery
- Foul-smelling and yellow or green discharge
- Baby lodged halfway out for a while
Call your vet immediately if you notice these signs during labor or delivery. Your vet can help the animal with veterinary medicine.
How to Tell if A Stray Cat Has Given Birth?
If your stray cat has given birth, she will present a set of physical signs of having a litter of kittens.
For starters, she will lose a significant amount of weight. The cat’s stomach will become smaller from losing the weight of her babies.
Moreover, the mother cat will have swollen nipples because she creates milk for feeding her babies.
Other signs your kitty has given birth include increased thirst, dehydration, and appetite. So, you should provide your stray kitten with fresh water and cat food.
Here’s a list of other ways you can help your stray cat and her kittens:
Don’t Touch Her Kittens
Ignoring little kittens isn’t easy. However, it would be best if you didn’t handle your cat’s babies during the first couple of days after delivery.
Otherwise, the mother cat might move or abandon her babies.
You can break this rule if you suspect there’s something wrong with the babies or if they show signs of illness.
If you haven’t seen their kittens yet, there are ways to find where stray cats hide their kittens.
Call Your Vet for Advice
If you believe there’s something wrong with the kittens or the mother cat, you can call your vet for advice or take the whole family to the clinic to reduce stress and prevent abandonment by the mother cat.
Create a Playground
If the baby kittens were born in your yard or home, and you plan to care for the adorable creatures, you can make a kitten-proof space where they can play.
As the baby kittens grow and develop, they will want to explore different things and play. So, they will need a safe space for playtime, sleeping, napping, etc.
Also, don’t forget kitten food, toys, etc.
Final Tips
Some cat lovers can decide to bring in a pregnant stray feline.
If you plan to do this, you should isolate the cat from other pets and meet the pregnant cat’s basic needs, such as food, water, and comfort.
If you have the time and means, you can take the mother cat to the vet clinic to confirm her pregnancy and ensure her health.
Your vet can also check the homeless kitty for a microchip and provide valuable tips for her labor and delivery.
When the babies grow up, they can get their shots. You should also neuter or spay the female and male cats before looking for their forever homes.
Lastly, you should feel proud of yourself for taking in a stray cat and helping her deliver her babies in a safe and comfortable place; it’s not something every person would do if they saw a stray pregnant cat in need of help.
Hopefully, now you know how to tell if a stray cat is pregnant so you can help the female cats in your neighborhood. The tips above will work whether it’s a feral cat or a stray cat.
*image by varbenov1/depositphotos