Most of us know that cats come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. Still, certain conditions, like pregnancy, obesity, and illness, can indicate changes in their weight and appearance.
Some of these changes are difficult to identify, and a few factors are to be considered. Things can get confusing for a new and inexperienced cat owner, even though we try to be responsible.
We will inevitably start to ask questions as our kittens mature, including: Is my cat pregnant, or is it just fat? Pregnant cats’ bellies look round and bulging from above and slightly bloated from the side.
Unlike an overweight cat, whose back may not look fat and whose spine might even be visible, their back won’t look fat, while their neck and legs will be fat everywhere. Continue reading to learn more about whether or not your cat is pregnant or just fat. Now let’s go!
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How To Tell If a Cat Is Pregnant or Fat?
In the case of a male or spayed cat, the answer is obvious; your pet has put on weight. However, in the case of an unaltered female cat, things become more difficult. We have collected some helpful data to get you started; however, the only way to know whether your cat is pregnant or has obesity is to take them to the doctor.
These conditions have dissimilar consequences, so you’ll need expert advice. In addition, it is important to remember that even with your best efforts, your cat’s physical changes can result from sickness. Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine states that cats can still get sick despite being fed a balanced diet, receiving vaccines, and receiving much love and care.
The difference between a cat that is ready to give birth and one that has put on too much weight can be determined differently. By observing your cat’s signs and symptoms, you can assess its health condition.
Symptoms of a Pregnant Cat
The likelihood of discovering a pregnant cat for cat owners who keep their kittens indoors or spay them is quite low. Having access to the outdoors and not neutering your cat can result in you having more than one cat if they do not have access to the indoors.
Some people let their cats roam around the yard because they think they’re too young to get pregnant. Indoor cats can also fall victim to this when their door is left open accidentally. There are a few clues that can tell you whether your cat is pregnant if you notice his body changing.
Cat in Heat: A cat can only get pregnant if it hasn’t been spayed and is old enough to breed. You may have observed the changes in your cat’s habits, or it may have been small enough that you didn’t attach importance.
Early-stage signs of a cat in heat cannot always be detected, which might lead cat owners to believe their kitten is not ready for spaying. But an article in the Veterinary Manual called “Breeding and Reproduction in Cats” says that “the queen (female cat) can go into her first heat as early as four months old, and she usually has two or three loops during the breeding season, which is usually February to October.” The majority of people would consider a kitten at four months of age to be very young.
Because cats are seasonally polyestrous, it is clear that they are quite successful at breeding. That implies if they cannot become pregnant during their short heat cycle, the estrous cycle process will begin once more in a week to three weeks.
Cats spayed naturally attempt to leave the house when the mating season approaches. With constant access to the outdoors, cats have a greater likelihood of leaving the house and becoming pregnant unnoticed. It is still possible for male cats to find a mate even if your cat remains in your perimeter.
In the heat, female cats behave differently than male cats, which may confuse you. Behaviors are the most notable estrus signs, says Veterinary Centers of America. It is likely that your cat will develop a strong affection for you as a result.
Suppose you’re asking if your cat’s pregnant or just fat; remember how they behaved before gaining weight. Did she try to get more of your awareness than usual by rubbing against you or random household objects? The back of a cat in heat will arch when it’s petted or stroked along the spine. In addition to their vocalizations, cats in heat may become extremely vocal.
Eating Habits: As a cat goes through the stages of her life, her nutritional needs may change. You might find that your cat asks for more portions if she is pregnant because of her increased calorie intake.
A cat’s pregnancy may last for 58 to 70 days, and research shows that a good-health, well-fed queen will gain weight steadily throughout the entire time. So, it’s vital to examine if your cat is currently pregnant, since if you change how many calories your cat eats, you could end up with a cat that is either too full or not full enough.
Overeating could lead to your cat gaining weight, but did you know that your cat might be pregnant if its body changes? In both overweight and obese women, pregnancy can be difficult or unsuccessful. This is why you should monitor your cat’s weight during pregnancy, and a veterinarian can provide all the assistance you need to produce healthy kittens.
Physical Changes: If your cat is pregnant, you’ll notice a few telltale signs immediately. Rapid weight gain may be the first observable alteration in your body. Pregnant women, according to studies, “typically consume 50 percent more food than they did before pregnancy.” Since she feeds many cats, that’s to be understood.
Pregnant cats also develop a distinctive body shape as their bellies expand; this form is commonly called a “burro shape” after the protruding belly of a donkey, which is how the term originated. At first, you may not see much difference, but in a few weeks, you will. Look at this cat mom; she’s surely got the “burro” physique!
Their stomach will enlarge, but their limbs and neck will be mostly unaffected by the extra weight. The cat’s stomach expands greatly, giving it a somewhat swayback appearance from the side.
Last but not least, you may see that your cat’s nipples have grown, but this might indicate that she is in heat and not pregnant. Your cat’s nipples may develop hot pink and peek through the fur as early as the third week of pregnancy; however, this may vary depending on the duration of your cat’s pregnancy. There’s another name for this transition: “pinking up.”
Nesting Behaviors: Nesting is a behavioral shift that may occur if your cat is pregnant, but it has nothing to do with the cat’s physical looks. Dr. Rachel Barrack, a veterinarian, notes that this implies your cat “may find a peaceful location and start collecting blankets for a birthing environment.”
As a result, “most acquire an extraordinarily charming and loving demeanor and seek more care and attention,” Central Texas Veterinary Hospital stated. However, some may exhibit out-of-character irritability. During the last week, your cat may go since certain felines want absolute solitude.
Once you’ve confirmed that your cat is pregnant, you should bring her indoors and keep her there until the kittens are born. Locate a warm, secure, and private space in your home. Put your cat and her kittens in a spacious box with plenty of room to roam and provide her with food, drink, and a litterbox.
Morning Sickness: Typically, cats do not experience this type of pregnancy, but it can occur at any point during their pregnancy, and it is necessary to pay attention to it as soon as possible. The fact that your cat is vomiting and avoiding their food may lead you to believe that she is not pregnant. If your cat seems to be acting this way for a long time, you might need to go to the vet.
Another possibility is that your cat is having an ectopic pregnancy, where an egg cell develops outside the uterine cavity properly. Psychological and physical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, urinary difficulties, fatigue, and sadness. Pay close attention and be watchful of these alterations in your cat to prevent problems!
Changes in Behavior: Besides the obvious physical changes that can make you question, “Is my cat pregnant or simply fat?” there may also be obvious shifts in your cat’s behavior if she is expecting.
It is natural for cats to differ, and some may even remain the same during pregnancy. Veterinarian Krista Williams also says, “The cat’s attitude doesn’t change much; however, some cats become much more lovable, and several become much more forceful.”
If you haven’t seen any other changes in your cat’s behavior, you should probably pay attention to the size of her stomach and how she seems to be feeling. A purring cat and an aggressive one may be suffering from disease or discomfort and are trying to hide their agony from their owner.
Signs That Your Cat Is Overweight
As a cat owner, keeping a close eye on your feline friend’s weight is important to ensure their health and well-being. Here are some signs that your cat may be overweight:
Difficulty in feeling their ribs: When you gently run your fingers along your cat’s sides, you should be able to handle their ribs with a slight layer of fat. If you can’t feel the ribs easily, it may indicate your cat has excess weight.
Lack of a defined waistline: A healthy cat should have a visible waistline when viewed from above. If your cat’s body appears round or oval-shaped without a noticeable waistline, it could be a sign of excess weight.
Difficulty in grooming: Cats are known for their grooming habits, but an overweight cat may struggle to reach certain areas of their body, resulting in a lack of grooming or unkempt fur.
Low energy levels: Obesity can lead to reduced energy levels in cats. If your cat seems less active, spends more time sleeping, or is reluctant to engage in play, it could be due to excess weight.
Labored breathing or panting: Extra weight can strain a cat’s respiratory system, leading to difficulty breathing or panting, especially after minimal physical activity.
Joint problems: Excess weight places added stress on a cat’s joints, potentially leading to joint pain or difficulty in mobility. If your cat has trouble jumping or climbing, it could be a sign of obesity.
Increased appetite: While not always the case, some overweight cats may exhibit an increased appetite. They may constantly beg for food or show signs of food obsession.
If you notice any of these signs in your cat, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian. They can guide a proper diet, exercise routine, and weight management strategies to help your cat achieve a healthy weight and improve overall well-being.
FAQ
How can I tell if my cat is pregnant or just fat?
As seen below, pregnant cats have a belly that is swollen a little more than halfway between the neck and the tail. As seen from the side, pregnant cats will seem slightly hunched over, with a round, protruding stomach. When a cat is overweight, it shows in every part of her body.
What do female cats’ nipples look like when pregnant?
Before mating, a cat’s nipples are completely concealed by their hair due to their flatness and their relatively pale color. Nevertheless, a pregnant cat’s nipples will be noticeably pinker than they were previously.
Can a cat look pregnant but not be?
Pseudopregnancy, or false pregnancy, happens whenever a cat is driven to ovulate but does not get pregnant. Mammary development and lactation are possibilities. Alterations in cat behavior are also common.
Where do you feel when a cat is pregnant?
Cat fetuses may first be felt by caressing the belly lightly between days 17 and 25 of pregnancy. Naturally, your cat’s body language will tell you whether they want you to scratch their belly.
Is a cat pregnant for 64 days?
A cat’s average gestation period, or pregnancy duration, is 64 days. The average duration is between 9 and 10 weeks or 62 to 67 days. After the first three weeks, you may start seeing a few telltale pregnancy signs. As the swelling progresses, the cat’s normally white nipples will become a vibrant shade of pink.
What does a pregnant cat look like early?
Pregnancy in cats usually manifests itself via the usual changes in food, behavior, and body condition. Cat pregnancy should be confirmed as quickly as possible so that appropriate care can be taken.
How many months is a cat pregnant?
Approximately nine weeks, or 63–65 days, is the average duration of a cat pregnancy. The norm, however, does include certain exceptions. Cats, like people, have the potential to have preterm or late births.
Final Thoughts
Treats are a common expression of affection, but abundance may lead to chaos. The type of uncertainty that makes you question whether or not your plump cat is pregnant. Take your cat to the vet to clear your mind of all the possible scenarios.
It’s possible to attempt to find out if your cat’s symptoms are due to excess fat or the arrival of new kittens by keeping a close eye on them. Is your cat’s round tummy a source of consternation? Tell us whether your cat ended up becoming pregnant or overweight.
