Cat pregnancy lasts for approximately nine weeks. Often an owner remains unaware of her cat's expectancy until the feline is close to delivery. A female cat can become pregnant by the age of four months and she can be impregnated during her first mating. Un-spayed outdoor cats are extremely likely to conceive when they come into heat. A responsible owner should have female cats spayed or, if they are to be bred, closely monitored while in season to avoid unwanted litters.
Nipples
One of the first noticeable signs of an expectant kitty is changes in her nipples. They will become pinker in color and grow noticeably larger by the time she is three weeks into her gestation. If you suspect your cat has mated in the past few weeks the first area you should check is the nipples.
Morning Sickness
Cats often experience vomiting in their pregnancies just as human women often experience morning sickness. A feline will often go off her food at this time as well. This vomiting and appetite changes are signs that the cat is in the third week of expectancy. The third week is when a queen (pregnant cat) experiences hormonal changes. She will recover her appetite in a few days and will begin eating normally (perhaps with increased appetite) and will no longer vomit.
Weight Gain
Queens generally begin gaining weight in their fourth week of pregnancy. This is the symptom many owners first notice though many assume the cat is just becoming fat. If you suspect pregnancy due to this sign you may take the cat to a veterinarian who can palpate her abdomen to feel for kittens. Never try to prod your feline's abdomen yourself as you could press too hard and rupture the placenta of the kittens.
Late Changes
Late in the pregnancy there will be signs of impending birth. Queens will often experience behavioral changes, becoming either elusive or clingy to their owners. The cat's nipples will enlarge even more as her body readies itself for milk production. The queen will often start nesting behavior as her delivery time nears. She is likely to seek out a secluded, quiet and dark place to give birth. Her temperature will drop to approximately 99 degrees Fahrenheit right before birth. A few days before delivery she may refuse food. When the queen enters labor she may pant, meow incessantly, vomit and lick her vaginal area.
