4 signs your cat is pregnant for the first time

Pregnant cats may meow a lot, especially in the later stages of pregnancy.

Generally speaking, pregnant cats are vocal cats! As some of you may know, animals CAN meow because they are in pain, but that is not the only reason. This is especially true for cats, who are never shy about letting you know what they want.

What makes pregnancy special when it comes to increasing the volume of meows? Let's take a look at this strange behavior of a pregnant cat!

Optimal age for mating

Puberty in cats occurs between 7 and 9 months of the animal's first year of life. The onset of this period is difficult to miss. The pet exhibits new behavioral traits:

Slowly walking on half-bent legs;
Long and persistent meow;
Constant demand for affection from owners;
Purring accompanied by rubbing against various objects.

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At the same time, the first estrus appears in females. How quickly this happens, and how regularly it will happen in the future, directly depends on a number of factors, primarily on the breed. This phenomenon is accompanied by increased sexual arousal. By this indicator you can learn about sexual maturity and readiness for reproduction.

With the onset of heat, the cat begins to lick itself frequently and urinates profusely.

You can recognize this by interruptions in appetite. During the period of heat, the cat becomes more affectionate; she rolls and wriggles on the floor for a long time. At any opportune moment, she tries to sneak out into the street . It happens that some individuals during this period show aggression that is unusual for them. It will go away on its own.

The frequency of estrus occurs approximately every three weeks throughout the year. Sexual activity is observed year-round, but heightened desire can be observed in the period from February to March.

However, you should not organize mating before the animal is one year old. Early fertilization threatens the deflection of the spine and the threat of difficult childbirth.

Other signs associated with cats

Pets are often associated with guests. It is believed that cold paws foretell the arrival of an unpleasant visitor. If the cat shits itself, it means a person will come into the house and offend the owners. The cat ran in and wrote - expect a visit from an ill-wisher. Washing too often means distant relatives from the outback will come. A cat on a window or windowsill means a close and long-awaited guest will arrive.

Many folk superstitions are associated with the road. If a cat crosses the road before a long journey, it means the path will be difficult. Hitting a cat with a car is a very bad omen. If you kill an animal, bury it and ask that no evil fate befall you. Pussy gave birth before the road - it’s better not to go anywhere. A dead kitty is found, and the traveler is in mortal danger. The missing cat returned before the trip, which means the journey will be easy, successful, and the one leaving will return home safely.

Sailors left many signs associated with their tailed friends. If your cat follows you before fishing, you can safely take him with you. The catch will be plentiful. If a dead cat gets caught in the net, you need to immediately swim to the shore, the ship will face misfortune. If a cat lifts its hind legs up and sneezes, there will be a storm at sea. To see a cat that accidentally got on a ship, unfortunately during the voyage. If she is huddled in a corner in a cabin, death awaits its resident, she ends up on her back or throws herself on her leg, the person at sea will get sick.

You can choose to trust or not in cat omens. But the tradition of guessing the future by the behavior of cats has taken root. Therefore, it seems to me that it is worth paying tribute to her and, just in case, listening to folk wisdom. After all, if a person is forewarned, he is forearmed. And picking up a stray kitten is far from a sign of superstition, but ordinary human mercy.

First signs

Determining whether a cat is pregnant in the early stages is not always easy. It happens that during gestation the animal may not stop estrus. This picture makes it clear that progesterone is being produced in insufficient quantities.

And yet, signs of a cat’s pregnancy in the first days:

Change in appetite . The animal can eat very little. Possibly because she may feel nauseous in the early stages. This is a normal manifestation of the current situation. Toxicosis, as a rule, passes quickly and not all animals suffer from it. But remember, cats usually do not experience morning sickness, and if the animal vomits frequently and is unwell, you need to find out the reason, it may lie in something completely different. Only a veterinarian can determine.
Drowsiness . Changes in hormonal levels cause lethargy and sleepiness of the pregnant pet. You can find out if a cat is pregnant by watching how she lies on her litter for a long time, especially since she used to be very mobile and active.
Suspension of estrus also helps determine that a cat is pregnant. If an animal goes into heat, this is a clear sign that the cat is sexually mature. But its suspension helps to find out that the cat is pregnant, and in the very early stages. At the same time, she stops asking to go for a walk and making characteristic uterine sounds. You can understand that your favorite is in position by the fact that interest in the opposite sex subsides, and she becomes much calmer.
The color of the nipples changes . You can tell if a cat is pregnant by taking a closer look at her nipples. After conception, your cat's nipples will become a more intense pink color. If this sign is especially pronounced, then it makes it clear that the cat is pregnant for the first time. Sometimes it happens that not all of her nipples change color, but only some of her nipples.

Cat behavior, problems and causes

Among the pets there are both silent and talkative ones. Some of them isolate themselves with their problem and lie quietly in a corner, while the owner puzzles over what could have happened. And others loudly report an uncomfortable state, however, this situation also drives people crazy.

The main thing is to know that a cat screams for a reason. It is important to detect it and help your pet cope with it. Even if it’s just a whim, you need to evaluate why she’s capricious and show maximum attention.

How to determine late pregnancy

It also happens that owners are not immediately able to find out whether a cat is pregnant at home. This applies to the first weeks of an interesting situation, when changes are not so obvious. And the signs of a cat’s pregnancy in the later stages will definitely tell you everything about her condition:

Increased appetite and weight changes. Even if before pregnancy your pet did not eat much, then, in preparation for motherhood, her appetite will increase significantly and much more food will be required at this time. When taking care of the health of future offspring, it is worth finding out how and what to feed the animal.

The belly is enlarged . Within a few weeks after the start of pregnancy, your pet’s belly will begin to rapidly increase. The kittens are actively growing inside, and soon it will be possible to identify them by touch. It should be remembered that this must be done with great care so as not to harm the babies or cause a miscarriage.

Swelling of the nipples . In the first trimester of pregnancy, the animal’s nipples reveal its position only by a change in color, but after 2-3 weeks an increase in size is noted. This is explained by the fact that the expectant mother will feed her offspring with milk and her body prepares for this in advance.

Change in behavior . The usual behavior of a pregnant pet may change from day to day. This is due to hormonal instability. It happens that a previously affectionate animal turns into an unsociable and aggressive one. Don't be angry with her now, as it will pass very quickly. So, she protects unborn babies from an imaginary enemy. But sometimes it happens the other way around: an unsociable pet suddenly begins to fawn on its owners and other inhabitants of the house.

Nesting . In the later stages, you can notice how a pregnant pet worries about a place for kittens. A suitable “nest” should be warm, cozy and protected from drafts. Thus, the expectant mother ensures safety and comfort for her babies. There are many stories of pets giving birth in their owner's bed. To avoid such a surprise, you can place several drawers around the house with blankets or towels at the bottom. The expectant mother herself will choose a suitable house for her children.

Already in the seventh week of pregnancy, by carefully holding your palm on your stomach, you can quite clearly determine the movements of the babies.

In recent weeks, the sight of a pregnant cat makes it clear that very soon she will become a mother.

Literally a day or two before giving birth, the pet begins to meow loudly. At the same time, a decrease in her body temperature may be observed, and milk gradually begins to ooze from the nipples. It's time to put it in the prepared box. If she doesn’t want to be there, she needs to be understood, there is no need to force her. The animal can independently determine where it is best to give birth.

If, however, at any time you doubt whether the cat is pregnant, only a veterinarian will tell you for sure after an examination.

Cat colors

Many folk signs and superstitions are associated with colored cats. These pets boast a variety of colors. Color is often associated with the influence of cats on a person and his fate. Signs may differ in different countries and among different peoples.

Calico cat

It is quite rare to find a three-colored or four-colored cat. She has a combination of white, black and red tones on her coat, and there may also be inclusions of gray shades. Sometimes the color even resembles embroidery patterns. It is believed that a pet with such flowers brings happiness to its owners. Each shade has its own meaning:

White is purity and innocence
Black – reliable protection from dark forces and evil demons
Red – attracts wealth and wards off illnesses

The Japanese believe that a cat with three colors is the most reliable talisman that brings prosperity and material wealth to the house. In Islam, tricolored pussycats are considered reliable protectors from fire. And the British are happy to bring even stray colorful cats into their homes, and believe that such animals will protect the home from all troubles.

White cat

Snow-white pets are able to absorb negative energy, relieve stress, prevent diseases and other troubles, and protect against the evil eye. When a white cat crosses the path of a woman or man, it is good luck. If she lambed at home and brought the same snow-white kittens, it means that luck will never leave them.

There is a belief that the white pussy can arrange the personal life of its owners. Unmarried girls must adopt 7 white female kittens, and boys must adopt 7 male kittens. If the newlyweds met a white animal at a wedding, it means their life will be happy and their marriage will be successful.

Black cat

Folk signs have endowed the black cat with many negative traits. It seems to me that such prejudices arose in the distant Middle Ages. After all, at night the black beauty hunts completely silently, and in the dark her eyes sparkle frighteningly. At the same time, there are also positive signs for animals with the following colors:

The black cat must be allowed into the house first so that he can “agree” with the brownie living there
During a thunderstorm, a black pet should be expelled from the room, it attracts lightning
Black pussy - reliable protection against thieves
The British believe that a black animal attracts lovers
Crossing the road is not good, and if you meet a person on the way to the cemetery, it means death
Sneezes near the bride at a wedding - fortunately
Hit a black cat with a car - expect serious trouble

In some countries, they believe that a black pet is reliable protection against the evil eye, evil spirits and other troubles. It's up to you to decide what you can believe and what you can't.

Positive signs are associated with ginger cats. Their fur shines like the sun, which cannot bring evil. So, here's what our ancestors believed:

When the owner is sick, a saffron milk cap perched next to him can bring him recovery
The ginger cat is a peacemaker, he can reduce quarrels between spouses
Ryzhik protects newlyweds from damage and envy of strangers
Rubbing against a person’s legs – takes away all the negative energy and bad mood
Golden wool attracts money and other wealth to the family

Many people experiencing financial difficulties are advised to take a ginger kitten or puppy into their home. After this, you can forget about your problems. In addition to the above-mentioned colors of cats, there are smoky, brindle, Siamese, and a two-color range is often found. They are not remembered so vividly, which is why the superstitions associated with them are little known.

Observation by a veterinarian

An experienced veterinarian can easily determine if an animal is pregnant. Taking into account all individual characteristics, she will give valuable recommendations for care during this difficult period, and also tell you how to prepare for childbirth.

The doctor is able to identify a small embryo in the belly of the expectant mother after 20 days.

The clinic may offer to do an ultrasound examination. This will make it possible to find out in the early stages of pregnancy how many babies there will be? In addition, you can additionally do fluorography. With its help, within a month and a half, the skeletons of embryos are clearly visible. X-ray examination will allow:

Find out exactly the number of babies in the litter;
Perform early diagnosis of possible complications

The advantage of this research is safety for the animal and future offspring.

Necessary materials for childbirth

Usually a cat can cope with childbirth on its own, but if this is the first birth, then of course it is better to help her with this. You should first prepare the necessary materials, such as:

sterile gloves;
napkins;
any antiseptic;
medical thread;
petrolatum;
oxytocin in ampoules and syringe;
sterile scissors with round ends.

Not all cats need our help, so you should use the materials we have prepared only when necessary.

“At that moment, when contractions have already begun, but they are very weak and last quite a long time, then you need to give the cat an injection of oxytocin.”

What to do after childbirth

After babies are born, it is necessary to ensure the necessary temperature in their home so that they do not freeze. Normal temperature is twenty-nine degrees, no less.

Also monitor the animal’s diet. Your cat should eat a balanced diet. When the cat is feeding her kittens, she needs to be given a little more food than usual. If it is dry food, then buy a special one for nursing cats.

Remember that even an experienced veterinarian cannot always determine the exact date of birth. Therefore, it is imperative to know how a cat behaves before giving birth, and, if necessary, be sure to help her with this. Don’t forget to always be with her in the last days and not leave her alone at home. Someone, but must be next to her.

Of course, in most cases, cats themselves can give birth to healthy and beautiful kittens without any problems, but being with them is simply necessary. Treat the birth of your beloved cat with full responsibility. Do not neglect her health, the cat is also a living creature, and she really relies on you. She has no one else relatives besides you.

COMPLICATIONS DURING CHILDREN

The above describes a normal birth without complications. But this doesn't always happen. In case of complications, you must be fully prepared. Let's list the most frequently encountered problems.

"Dead" kittens

If the kitten shows no signs of life, resuscitation is necessary. You need to gently squeeze it between your palms and shake it like a thermometer, then pull out the mucus from your nose. This is also done if the kitten was born alive.

After this, if the first method does not help, you need to cover the kitten’s nose and mouth with your lips and blow lightly to stimulate breathing. There is no need to breathe heavily, because... you could tear your kitten's lungs. To avoid swallowing mucus, you can do this through a handkerchief. After artificial respiration, pinch the kitten's ribs with your thumb and forefinger at the level of the heart and press not hard, but very quickly (the kitten's heart beats at a frequency of 150 beats per minute) to start the heart. Alternate artificial respiration and massage every 15 seconds until the kitten begins to breathe confidently. The cat's nose and tongue should turn pink.

If these measures do not help within 5 minutes, bring a cotton swab with ammonia to the kitten. If this doesn’t help, there’s nothing to lose: first dip the kitten in very warm water and then in cold water. This shock therapy should stimulate the heartbeat.

No matter how bad the kitten looks, do not consider it dead until you have spent 10 minutes trying to revive it in every possible way. The video below demonstrates basic techniques for resuscitating a kitten.

The cat cannot give birth to her first kitten

If, 7 hours after your water breaks, the kittens do not appear or you see that the kitten is stuck in the birth canal, you need to call a veterinarian, because The cat needs professional help. You can handle it yourself only if a sufficiently large part of the kitten has already come out - and you pick it up by the skin with your fingers and pull it out, as described above. In other cases, call a doctor.

The placenta did not come out

A placenta stuck inside a cat will certainly lead to inflammation and intoxication. If help is not provided in time, the animal may die. Here, too, you cannot help yourself and you need to call a veterinarian to your home, who will take action.

Prolonged labor

If labor does not begin, although the first phase seems to have already begun, think that maybe something frightened your cat and she delayed her birth, sensing danger. In this case, you need to create a favorable environment and let the cat calm down, encouraging it.

If you see that the woman in labor is suffering, the pushing is strong, but the kittens are not coming out, perhaps the problem is different: the fetus is too large. In this case, the cat may not give birth on its own - this requires the help of a veterinarian. If the birth is delayed and you don’t see the first kitten, you will most likely have to go to the clinic, because... You will need an x-ray.

Summarize. The following situations definitely require calling a veterinarian:

When a cat has strong contractions, and the kittens do not appear for more than 2-3 hours.
When the kitten is in the birth canal for 10 minutes, but does not appear outside.
When bleeding occurs and does not stop for more than 10 minutes.
When a cat develops sudden weakness with a temperature above 40°C or below 36.1°C.
When the birth is over, and the cat is rushing around and worrying, or she is tired and completely weak that she cannot even accept the food brought to her.