Examine the Cat

• A pregnant cat would have to be female. First check your cat to determine its sex.
  
  When the cat's pregnancy reaches about three weeks, her nipples will become larger and turn bright pink (a process called "pinking"). Some cats may not begin their pinking process until four weeks along, so if you don't see anything at three weeks, recheck at that time.
  
  The cat's stomach will become enlarged. The difference between a fat cat and a pregnant cat is that a pregnant cat will only be fat in the stomach region. A fat cat has more generalized fat on her legs and neck. Look at the cat from the side. A pregnant cat will resemble a burro: slightly swaybacked, with a large, bloated belly.
  
  Feel the cat's belly gently to check for swelling and lumps about the size of small apricots. Your cat may love the attention; a pregnant cat becomes generally more affectionate and loving during her pregnancy as pregnancy hormones flush her system.
  
  

Vet Check and Progession of Pregnancy

• If your female cat has been allowed outside, is not fixed, has gotten swollen and is very affectionate, chances are she is pregnant. You may notice an appetite change as she becomes hungrier, especially after the fourth week.
  
  A veterinary visit to confirm the pregnancy is helpful. The vet can perform an ultrasound to determine pregnancy any time after 22 days into the pregnancy. Some vets will recommend spaying the cat and "removing" the pregnancy (to help control the unwanted pet population).
  
  If the cat remains pregnant, the gestation is fairly short, about 65 days. An easy way to remember is, "nine months for humans, nine weeks for cats." Your vet will be able to give a fairly accurate idea of how far along your cat is, and when you can look forward to the approximate birth day.
  
  

Preparing for Birth

• Around two or three days before giving birth, you'll notice your cat's mammary glands have increased in size. If you squeeze the nipples slightly, milk will dot the nipple. The cat may experience a drop in her temperature to about 99 degrees, and she may show little interest in food or stop eating entirely.
  
  The nesting process begins as she searches for the best place to give birth. She may start prowling into small spaces like cabinets, dresser drawers or boxes. She may begin panting, licking her backside, following the family members around and meowing. You might notice contractions or a vaginal discharge.
  
  Setting up a few boxes lined with newspapers for the cat to nest in may work, but if a closet door is open, expect a new litter of kittens on your pile of laundry.