How Can I Tell If a Stray Cat is Pregnant?

You can tell a stray cat is pregnant by recognizing the most obvious physical indicators: a swollen belly and enlarged mammary glands and nipples. A telltale behavior is that pregnant cats start nesting towards the end of their pregnancies to find a safe, quiet place to give birth. If possible, the best way to verify if a stray cat is pregnant is to take her to a veterinarian, because some cats do exhibit signs of false pregnancy and/or other medical conditions that can cause a swollen belly.

Cats have very quick pregnancies (only nine weeks), so physical changes in cats are visible very quickly. When a cat is 15 to 18 days into pregnancy, their nipples become more pronounced, enlarged, and darker in color. This is called “pinking up.” About halfway through her pregnancy, the mother’s belly appears more rounded and hangs lower when she stands.

Signs a cat is pregnant

During their pregnancy, cats undergo a range of physical and behavioral changes as they prepare to give birth. You may not notice any signs of pregnancy in your cat until the second or third week. If you’re wondering what a pregnant cat looks like, here are some signs to look for throughout a feline pregnancy:

• Enlarged and reddening nipples

• Swollen mammary glands that eventually begin lactating

• Vomiting, as a rare occurrence in pregnant cats

• A decreased appetite for the first half of the pregnancy, followed by a notable increase in appetite

• A swollen abdomen beginning around the fifth week

• An average weight gain of two to four pounds during the pregnancy

• Increased attention-seeking and affectionate behavior toward pet parents

• Increased sleeping

• Nesting and increased grooming behaviors, which begin a few weeks before giving birth

• Restlessness, especially towards the end of pregnancy 

• Seeking places to hide, with impending labor

Because many health conditions share some of these signs, be sure to confirm the pregnancy with a veterinarian. At this time, your vet can also perform a wellness check on your feline friend and provide important preventative healthcare to keep her and her unborn kittens healthy. 

Signs to look for in a stray cat during cat pregnancy

Because pregnant cats experience an increase in appetite, you may notice this if you’re feeding them. A pregnant stray cat may come around more often, eat larger meals, or eat more frequently than usual. You may notice that she seems to be gaining weight and getting larger as well. She may become more affectionate towards humans over the course of her pregnancy too.

As she nears the end of her pregnancy, a mother cat will often begin nesting behaviors, typically in the last few weeks before giving birth. She will search for a quiet, safe place to deliver and care for her newborn kittens. The stray cat may start staying closer to your home, or set up a cozy hiding space nearby, recognizing it as a safe and secure spot to settle down during this important time.

Taking in a pregnant stray cat

If the stray cat is friendly and comfortable with you, you may choose to take her in. However, if she is frightened or wary of people, it’s best not to attempt to take her in right away. Instead, focus on providing food, water, and a safe shelter from a distance until she becomes more at ease. 

When you do bring a stray cat into your home, be sure to isolate her from other pets and meet her immediate needs, such as food, water, and warmth. If possible, take the mother to a veterinarian for a wellness check and to verify her pregnancy. The vet can also check for a microchip and provide helpful guidance for the kittens’ delivery.

When the kittens are old enough, they should also receive their recommended vaccinations and get spayed or neutered, and you can begin looking for new homes for them. Connecting with a local rescue group can offer valuable advice, support, and resources to ensure both the mother cat and her kittens receive the care they need. Once the kittens are weaned, the mother cat should also be spayed to prevent future pregnancies and to protect her against certain reproductive health problems.

Rehoming a stray cat and her new kittens

You’ve done a wonderful thing by opening your home to a pregnant stray cat. If you only plan to take care of the mother and her kittens temporarily, you might consider helping them find safe and happy permanent homes once they are healthy and weaned. Creating a Rehome profile can be a great way to find your momma cat and her babies a loving forever family. Check out these great tips for how to find a permanent home for stray cats.

References

“Feeding the Pregnant Cat.” Vca_corporate, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-the-pregnant-cat.

“Feline Pregnancy and Kitten Birth.” Vin.com, 2023, veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=254051&id=4952101. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

Holst, Bodil Ström. “Feline Breeding and Pregnancy Management: What Is Normal and When to Intervene.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, vol. 24, no. 3, 25 Feb. 2022, pp. 221–231, https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612x221079708.

Johnson, Aime K. “Normal Feline Reproduction: The Queen.” Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, vol. 24, no. 3, 25 Feb. 2022, pp. 204–211, https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612x221079706.

Root Kustritz, Margaret V. “Clinical Management of Pregnancy in Cats.” Theriogenology, vol. 66, no. 1, July 2006, pp. 145–150, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.03.018.