Cats can't speak, so they can't complain about morning sickness or feeling bloated. Unfortunately for you, that means utter confusion in determining whether or not your queen cat is expecting a litter. Surprisingly, female cats suffer from occasional morning sickness just like their human counterparts. Solidarity!
Morning Sickness
Towards the end of the first month a cat is pregnant, she may encounter uncomfortable morning sickness. The name of the game is vomiting -- and lots of it. The throwing up generally results from changes in hormones, as well as uterine stretching. Oftentimes, this throwing up is accompanied by your cat's total loss of appetite. If she simply walks away from her food bowl like it's the most repulsive thing on the planet, don't be shocked. For the most part, the morning sickness period only lasts for a couple of days.
Other Reasons
If your female cat is vomiting and you're not sure whether or not she is pregnant, don't make any assumptions. Our fluffy pals throw up for a lot of reasons, commonly fast and sudden dietary changes and eating food too rapidly. Throwing up can also be a symptom of a variety of other health ailments, including hairballs, diarrhea and heartworm disease. When you're unsure as to what is ailing your little one, time is of the essence. Get her checked out at the veterinarian immediately.
Appetite Issues
Morning sickness and frequent throwing up often trigger appetite problems in cats. However, pregnant cats, like all kitties, need to be eating healthily, regularly and properly, so if you notice that your queen has been ignoring her food for over 48 hours, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. When your cat is carrying kittens, it is up to you to monitor her health and safety.
Other Feline Pregnancy Symptoms
If your cat is vomiting a lot, she may be pregnant, but the only way to find out for certain is by going to the veterinarian for an examination. Look out for other key signs that your fluff ball may be expecting kittens, including swollen and larger nipples, unusually affectionate behavior and the abrupt termination of her heat cycles. Unspayed female cats go into heat every few weeks or so. If your cat suddenly stops going into estrus, pay attention. Pregnancy is a very likely cause.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.