will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly

As a cat owner, you want to be able to provide the best care for your feline friend possible. JaneA is the webmaster and chief cat slave forPaws and Effect, an award-winning cat advice blog written by her cats, for cats and their people. My cats 2nd litter and she is very close not sure exactly but she has been laying in the same spot for 2days enlarged/swollen nips,(Mind you when she we noticed she was pregnant again her previous kitten was still nursing) she has weaned that one off. One way to check is to observe your cats behavior. But we once had a cat who would lay down next to your arm on the sofa (or in bed) and subtly insinuate itself very slowly, ninja-like, until she placed her upturned jelly-belly underneath your warm hand. An abdominal x-ray will show a clear presence of kittens and how many there are. If you notice your cat bedding down in unusual places, it could be a sign that shes expecting. Talk to your veterinarian about your cats changing dietary needs and make adjustments to her diet if needed to ensure she gets the calories and nutrients she needs. If you notice any of these signs, take your cat to the vet to confirm the pregnancy and get advice on how to care for her during this special time. Unfortunately, that same courtesy isn't often extended to protruding bellies. Thank you this information was of so much usehad a ct visiting our house n then in labourdid not know what was happening until the site helped me to help the birth of 3 lil lovable.kittens, How many years the Persian female can litter the kitten, My cat is getting fatter n end of nipples white. If shes at the late end of that range, youll probably notice some nesting behaviors, though this isnt true for every cat. If she allows you to pet her in this area, then she trusts you completely. At this point in her pregnancy, your cats nipples will be quite sensitive. A pregnant cat needs proper nutrition to be able to sustain a healthy pregnancy and to provide nutrients for her kittens before and after birth. I can grab and rub their bellies whenever I want and they have no qualms with it. The answer is unfortunately, no. It is generally not advisable to touch a pregnant cats belly as they may become agitated or uncomfortable. It might be a little bit gross for you, but the kittens will probably be fine. This is her 1st litter. They will be very small and barely noticeable, and will require a lot of attention and care from their mother. How much should Goldendoodle puppies eat? I believe she is around 5 weeks. Her kittens are moving around in her abdomen quite clearly. Your cats labour should go smoothly, but its useful to have help on hand to keep her calm and in case she runs into any complications. Cats. If your cat stretches out beside you on the couch or in your lap and wants a belly rub, it can also be because he is relaxing right along with you. Giving birth to kittens by a cat is considered to be a good Omen for the head of the house owning the cat as it is believed that evil spirits will never enter such house. 3. Pregnant cats require special care and attention. The kitten receives vital nutrients, antibodies, and oxygen through the mother's milk while she is pregnant. A veterinarian may be able to detect the kittens via ultrasound or abdominal palpitation between 3 and 4 weeks after fertilization. If mating occurs when the female cat is in heat, she can become pregnant. A cat's typical response when its belly is touched is to go into defensive mode - they swat or scratch and may even gently bite. He does however turn into a limp noodle when picked up and will let you do just about anything for holding and snuggling with him. The most common sign of pregnancy in cats is a change in behavior. She may also nest, which means shell start looking for a safe, comfortable place to have her kittens. Seeking extra attention - She will act more maternal, like pursuing more and seeking extra attention and fussing from you. While cats usually have an average of four kittens in each litter, this can range from one to 12 kittens. By week seven of pregnancy, the fetuses are about the size of a marble. She may also gain weight and her nipples will become more prominent. How can I tell if she is expecting another litter? Body temperature is also an indicator that labor is about to begin. Actually, I believe that all mammals are capable of loving. It's also quite likely that this cat has come to view the woman as her family, so she trusts that the house is a safe place. Dec 11, 2012 Thread Starter #4 C clearbells TCS Member Thread starter Kitten Joined Dec 11, 2012 Messages 3 Purraise 0 If you think your cat may be pregnant, there are a few things you can look for to be sure. Her nipples will become enlarged and pink or red. Whilst it's safe to stroke your pregnant cat, make sure that you avoid her tummy. Our boy Joey would have me rub his belly all day if possible. He shows his belly and Ill rub it even if he claws and bites me. Specifically, why do they expose their bellies to us. Is it OK for a cat to sleep on a heating pad? By the third week, you may be able to feel lumps in your cats abdomen as the kittens develop. The removal of hair around the nipples is usually seen between four and eight weeks, but it seems most common later in the pregnancy. Your pregnant cat needs special attention including a healthy and balance diet, a proper place to give birth, and ongoing veterinary care to keep her and her litter safe. My cat loves belly rubs but also when I hold her belly and chest while she sleeps. That doesnt mean you should take it as an invitation for a cat belly rub. She was very poor when she showed up here and I thought I was finally fatting her up but guess what her babies are fatting her up. Youll have to wash or replace your blanket and carefully move the kittens after a while, but its unlikely that the newborns will fall off. If your cat is vomiting frequently, or if she appears to be in distress, please consult your veterinarian. She is friendly but very clearly wants to get out of her room. It sounds like your cat is close to giving birth, but its hard to say exactly how close. She been under since I woke up. So, if youre not pregnant and you take a cat pregnancy test, the test will come back negative. She is clingy. However, you can prepare a birthing area, such as a cardboard box or laundry basket lined with towels or blankets. I will keep it in my mind. "Mule" figure A lot of the extra space is taken up and the skin over the belly is therefore much tighter. Would you do it again? Around week 6, you may be able to feel the kittens moving inside her belly. You may notice them spending more and more time under the bed or in the back of the cupboard. Your email address will not be published. But creating hybrids of animals that are very genetically distinct from each other such as a dog and a cat are impossible, as is one species giving birth to an entirely different one. He comes and snuggles with me in bed almost every night so I'll rub his little spotted tummy. This can be done by taking a blood sample from the kitten and testing it for the presence of pregnancy hormones. Instead, bring your grams scale right next to the nest and weigh them there. For a cat, this is a golden birthing area. Hi, I thought my fur baby was pregnant because her belly is huge and she Is acting very strange this last month and a half But right now if she is in labour shes acting like shes in heat looking at me like shes confused do cats act like this when theyre going to go into labour.. Greatful for your help, Remember your cat's belly is the most vulnerable spot on her body. I very seriously doubt that your cat will harm the older kitten once the new ones arrive. Most people I know ask permission before touching someone's dog. Manage Settings If you must do so, make sure to approach them calmly and gently. So, I think this information is perfect for me to be a mother. How do I calculate how many calories my cat needs? She may also start to nest, or make a bed for herself in a quiet spot. My cat loves a good old belly rub! I think she is about 4 or 5 weeks pregnant. This myth is close to the truth but still untrue. Pregnant cats are generally very protective of their unborn kittens and will not allow anyone to touch their belly. Kittens are born with their amniotic sacs, which the mother cat will remove, and she will stimulate the new kitten to start breathing on its own by licking it. 2. Your cat might want to hide to give birth. Here are some tips on how to take care of a pregnant cat: 1. Cookie Notice By Weeks 4 & 5 each kitten is a small swelling in the womb. He lies next to my leg and if I try to remove my hand from his belly. As far as I know, hes been an outdoor cat for years, My sweet female black cat with beautiful green eyes is a very unique cat .. she when I went to adopt her from petco didnt think I was going to take her home cuz she at first started growling and trying to scratch and bite me ( which was odd cuz every animal I meet loves me ) but then she warmed up to me so I took her home .. and now she cant get enough of me .. she is not a independent cat at all .. always has to be near me and always lets me pet her belly and gives me her soft gentle paw to the face whenever I tell her I love her .. and she usually will listen to me .. she has a very quiet meow as well .. never met a cat quite like her .. only thing I dont like much is using me like a launching pad lol sometimes . My cat loves belly rubs and will roll over for them at least 10x a day and when hes done he gets up, he has let 7 people pet his tummy 3 of which he didnt know too well. That doesnt sound right at all. She has to at least start labor at some point right? Im just waiting to see when she will give birth. Is she in labor? on How To Tell If A Cat Is Pregnant: Labor Signs, Behavior And Timeline, I am completely satisfied, I found useful information and tips in this article, Article was somewhat helpful, but could be improved. My cat isnt like that. Cats bellies do "drop" before they give birth--could be a few hours or a few days. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, well receive a percentage of the proceeds. Her appetite has almost doubled in the past few weeks. 3. We work to make the world a better place for cats, and we're getting better for you. 1. Catster Magazine Subscription Maintenance, Thank you Top 5 Cat Behaviors Explained. . Have I gone in for the belly rub, even though I knew better? will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly. 1 answer Answered by Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS Veterinarian There is a lot of extra fluid in the abdomen due to the amniotic fluid, and that in combination with the kittens will put a lot of pressure on the abdominal wall. This may seem like a gruesome topic but in short, the answer is usually no mother cats (or more correctly queens as they are known), do not eat their kittens. It is generally advisable not to touch a pregnant cats belly as there is a risk of causing her to deliver prematurely. She is a professional member of the Cat Writers Association, and has been a speaker at the BlogPaws and Cat Writers Association conferences. vynixu mm2 script pastebin . Hi Kristan, thanks for commenting! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Your cat should not need any assistance giving birth, though it doesnt hurt to have an emergency vets phone number handy, just in case. However, kittens separated at this time are still at risk for developmental, social, and health issues. There are plenty of times I have done the full out belly rub, and every time I see him from a long day he comes right up and rolls right to his back. In the hours leading up to the birth, you may also see a vaginal discharge of blood or other fluid. Is walking low a sign of labor also? So your pet would meow when you touch her stomach. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. If the cat is not using the litter box, it is likely that she is pregnant. Isn't that cat belly just begging for a rub, pet or tickle? Some people feel that its safe to cuddle a cat while pregnant, while others advise against it. If you are unsure, it is best to ask your veterinarian before attempting to touch a pregnant cats belly. One way is to check the litter box. My partner and I have had three sets of cats between us, each set a pair of siblings. Only if he is in play mode does he attack. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Therefore, we tried to help ourselves through diet, sport, natural remedies and little gestures made out of love.More . Sign up to receive weekly email updates about what's new on The Healthy Journal! So, why do cats react this way when we try to touch their bellies? Pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in urine, which is only present in pregnant humans. Can a dog get worms from eating cat poop? Provide a nutritious diet: A pregnant cat needs a nutritious diet to support her and her developing kittens. If she hasnt given birth by the 10-week mark or if youre worried now, you may want to ask a veterinarian for advice and assistance. Shes gaining weight. 2. Once you know for sure, you can start making preparations for the arrival of her kittens! Which small dogs have the least health problems. Its now 1am and age is still on the table excessively licking and her eyes are big and black! Many pregnant cats experience morning sickness, just like pregnant women. Weight gain. Depending on the number of embryos, the female can gain up to 2 kilos in weight. I have a Bombay mix and Im the only person she will ever let rub her tummy. You may notice her licking them more often than usual. Im not a vet, but it sounds like your cat may have a chronic digestive issue like a food allergy, intolerance, or perhaps even IBD. Though her behavior may have been an early sign of labor, it also sounds like your cat may have been exhibiting nesting behaviors. My cats always comes to me ribbing her against me every time I lay on bed and insist of me to rub her belly while I rub her belly she falls asleep and when I remove my hand she wakes up searching for more cuddles. For example, their nipples may enlarge and redden (this is often called pinking up). Keep the nest in a warm place and line it with soft blankets or towels (that you wont mind throwing away). Your pregnant cats body will go through some changes as her pregnancy progresses. It has become our ritual. I always am prepared when he gets on his side and invites me to do a 5 minute belly rub followed by brushing. First of all, the belly is a very vulnerable place. By week five of pregnancy, the fetuses are about the size of a jellybean. The eldest female Long Hair only seldom, and shortly. If you notice any of these signs, take your cat to the vet to confirm the pregnancy and get advice on how to care for her during this special time. Actually begs for them! It depends on a number of individual factors, such as the size and temperament of the cat, the health of the pregnant woman, and the timing of the pregnancy. i hope you enjoy our tips. Purraise. My cat just recently started showing his belly, maybe the past month or so. 2 If a kitten remains in the birth canal without being pushed out for more than a minute or two, it's best to bring your cat right to the vet. The kittens mother will also let you know how comfortable she is with you handling her babies. Thank you SO much. This helped a lot my cat got pregnant by accident and we have never had a pregnant cat before so I need help thank you?????????????????????????????????? Im not sure whether she is lethargic from the uri or its normal for her. I just want to make sure she is going to be fine giving birth. What does a pregnant cat look like at 6 weeks. Get tips and exclusive deals. How do I know when my cats ready to give birth? I have set up a nice warm place for her, with a birthing box an room. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Any advise is appreciated. But even if I slightly touch her belly, and then stop, she will look up at me and roll over more for more pets on her belly. Enjoys in when in bed. Will she remove the hair from the remaining nipples as well and how far in advance of the babies being born do they usually do this? There could be a number of reasons why your female cat may be resistant to being touched on her stomach: she may be uncomfortable with the sensation, she may be feeling threatened or defensive, or she may simply not like being handled. and our The towels will become soiled quickly as the kittens defecate. She will also require more food and water than usual. One obvious answer is, dont. This educational content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. Here are the most probable reasons why your cat suddenly doesn't want to be touched: 1. It can vary depending on the individual kittens temperament and health. 40. We found a homeless cat not very old and we think she is having kittens .how will I know if she is having babies and what should I do ? My cats are the same sometimes when I pet her she will roll over for me to rub her belly.but when she is done she lets me know by pushing my hand away. How much should I brush my long haired cat? A pregnant belly isn't license for family, friends and random strangers to go around touching you and here are 10 reasons why. As is the case with most instances, wash your hands regularly before and after eating or touching something else. Any donation helps us keep writing! She's so funny. Last Friday she came inside and I would not let her back out. You may be tempted to touch her belly to feel for signs of life, but you should avoid doing this too much as you could risk hurting the new mum or her babies 4. Like dogs, cats have been known to roll over and expose their stomachs to the people they know. At this point, your cats body will begin producing the hormone progesterone, which will help to maintain the pregnancy. 9,568 views May 4, 2020 180 Dislike Meowing TV 134K subscribers Cool. Two of them will climb into my lap and beg for belly rubs regularly, and the other three will curl up beside me and allow belly rubs. Kia may be pregnant, as the hormonal changes that happen with pregnancy can make them act like they are in heat. I appreciate that it was in laymans terms I can understand. 3. She has horrible diarrhea but has this whole pregnant time. Her appetite will be increased, and she may become more active and playful. will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly. These may include the neck, behind the ears, their chin's underside, part of the neck and the base of the tail. She will also sever the umbilical cord by chewing on it approximately one inch from the kittens body. Hes also often skittish of me, yet exposes his belly to me often. Litter size can vary from one breed to another from 1 to 12 kittens. The answer is, it depends. For additional info, check out this cute infographic from our friends at kobipets.com. She's nesting. Cats also roll over for tummy rubs when they are relaxed. This gives the womb an appearance often described as a 'string of pearls'. Do cats like to be touched when pregnant? However, there are some general clues that might help you determine when your cat is ready to give birth. No, you cant get your cat to pee on the stick. ; ; You know what this is: it's those kittens moving around inside. Also, Id confirm that your cat is eating enough and getting adequate nutrition to support both her and the kittens. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cats.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I would keep a close eye on her, looking for other signs that shes close to labor, like milk around the nipples, a reduction in appetite, and a slightly lowered body temperature. Feline pregnancy (known as the gestation period) is generally 63 to 65 days long about nine weeks but it is not unusual for kittens to be born after only 58 days or as late as 70 days of gestation. I am sure I can do this with my cat. If your cat is pregnant, you have some planning to do. What was the outcome for you? Signs a cat is pregnant includes loss of appetite, weight gain, and possibly little lumps you can feel which are the kittens developing in her stomach. I have 7 years of experience working with pets. How do I encourage her to nest in the nesting box??? Their bones are beginning to harden, and their skin is starting to form. The answers vary. Read more here. By this time, you probably know whether or not your cat was in labor! The cat gestation period (cat pregnancy length) is about 63-65 days on average, or about two months. Why does my cat want me to touch her belly? If you need more guidance and community during labor and beyond, I highly recommend The Cat Sites Pregnant Cats and Kitten Care forum. The swelling will also be more apparent in her pink nipples. I have a quintet that I rescued when a stray gave birth on my porch (yes, I caught the stray and got her spayed! Hell walk into the room, look me in the eye & fall over on his back, maintaining eye contact, An older stray tomcat has visited my porch here in a small city. During the third to fourth week of pregnancy, your cats belly will begin to swell. God Bless You n Yours and all creatures great n small !! He now also has a heated shelter on the porch. Yes they do. The rescued boy took awhile, as he'd been badly abused by someone I wish I knew, just for a short time. Extra protein and energy keep your cat strong throughout pregnancy. As prey, cats know that their belly is one of their most vulnerable areas - exposing it gives potential predators access to their vital organs. More About How To Tell If Your Cat Is Pregnant Will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly? Or, you may notice that they are quite restless and have a hard time settling in any one place. Is she okay? Provide her with fresh, clean water at all times. Actually have soo many questions. Larger litters are seen more frequently in pedigree breeds such as Oriental, Siamese and Burmese. So, what should you do if you really feel you must try for a cat belly rub? My adopted 5-yr-old skittish Maine Coon mix absolutes loves for me to rub his belly for usually 20 min or longersometimes 2x or more daily. The more you know about cat pregnancy, the better you can predict when your cat will give birth so you can be fully prepared for the big day. Here are five signs to look for: 1. So some background first. Hi Jodie, its always hard to say. Cat Pregnancy Test HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY CAT IS PREGNANT will she go in heat while she is pregnant ANSWER: Weight gain, rounding of the abdomen, increase in prominence of nipples, and no, she will not go into heat. But nothing. Also, get in touch with the vet if more than two hours go by without the next kitten birth. She's less active. My cat specifically loves belly rubs. And is still excessively grooming! As soon as we walk up to him, he rolls onto his back and will let me and anyone else in the family rub his belly as long as we want. However, there are a few other symptoms that can appear a few weeks earlier, around 2-3 weeks after conception. Hi, I have a Bengal. She will gain weight, her nipples will become more prominent, and she may even exhibit some nesting behavior. Answer (1 of 7): Each cat has a different personality, and each pregnancy is different. Hiding. If your cats stomach looks like its swollen or distended, its possible that shes pregnant. Cats are typically pregnant for about 60 days, and it might be a good idea to keep Kia inside and away from male cats until you are sure. Im a first time pregnant cat mom and im EXTREMELY nervous! This is a common question that we get asked a lot here at the clinic. The third stage is when the cats belly is very large and round, and the fourth stage is when the cats belly is so large that it hangs down. Sure, there are some cats who love belly rubs, but theyre few and far between. The mortality rate, which is the ratio of kittens that die at or immediately after birth, is between 15% and 30%. Becoming vocal, even yowling at times. Your vet will want to run tests on your cat to ensure she doesnt have a viral or bacterial infection that could affect the rest of the litter. Your email address will not be published. After a few weeks she brought me her current litter which are around 11 weeks old now. There could even be as many fathers as there are kittens! I read that its a sign of complete trust so I dont question it. View complete answer on northernilcatclinic.com, View complete answer on nationalgeographic.com, View complete answer on guildcrestcathospital.ca. Following fertilization, a pregnant female cat will go through a 4-week period of early-stage pregnancy. 4. A pregnant cats belly will feel bloated and firm due to the added weight from the developing kittens. Hi Baker, generally, if 48 hours pass after the cat loses the mucus plug and she still hasnt given birth to any kittens, you should head to an emergency vet. If you notice any of these changes, or if your cat just seems different to you, take her to the vet for a check-up. In the second week, cats develop pink nipples that are swollen and sensitive to the touch. Like pregnant women, pregnant cats can also experience morning sickness. The second stage is when the cats belly is noticeably larger and more round. If she is a picky eater, do not hesitate to try feeding her canned tuna, chicken or salmon. The first change youll notice is that theyll become larger and more pronounced. You love your cat and want to make sure shes healthy and happy. Never did it before. This is colostrum, and its the first milk that your kitten will drink. For more information, please see our My cat is 65 days pregnant today. Will a pregnant cat let you touch her belly? What Is A Common Serious Health Problem In Cats? Increasing food intake. All cat pairs were constantly touched ALL OVER so we can pick them up, grab them from their bellies, cut their nails, give them baths every-so-often, etc. If your cat has had stillborn kittens, take them to the vet. If you do have to pick your cat up, make sure to "scoop" her up from her bottom, rather than touch her stomach. At week five or six, she probably doesnt have her mind on nesting yet, so it may be a couple of weeks before she starts telling you where she might want to have her kittens. He cracks me up so much. This process happens around 2-3 weeks after conception and may be the first sign you notice when a cat is pregnant. "Pregnant or not I just don't want people coming up to me to feel or touch me." Fraser explained that this was the only time during this pregnancy that someone touched her stomach, which. She has nested. Those tests are calibrated to humans, and you need a species-specific test for your cat, Vahrenwald says. If youre wondering how your 3-week pregnant cats nipples will look, the answer is: theyll be larger and more pronounced than they were before she became pregnant. It has taken us a while to get to this level of trust. Since nesting begins about a week before birth, this behavior confirms that your cat is due very soon and, if she hasnt given birth yet, will probably do so within the next several days. Any time I do approach Thomas or Taras bellies, Im constantly aware of subtle signs of discomfort, like a twitching tail tip or a glance toward my hand, and I stop as soon as I see it. Hi, I am fostering a pregnant cat, I have no idea how far along she is. Whilst it's safe to stroke your pregnant cat, make sure that you avoid her tummy. The recommendation regarding cats during pregnancy is due to toxoplasmosis, a parasite that can cause serious infections in humans and deformities in the developing fetus.