Why is my cat showing pregnancy signs but has no kittens?

Question

What could cause a apparently healthy breeding queen to go through a full "false pregnancy" -- with all the signs of being pregnant (enlarged pink nipples, modest weight gain and actual dripping of milk from the mammaries on day 63) -- but no kittens! Also, we rebred the female but she is not settling. Any advice? Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Female | unspayed | 4 years and 6 months old | 11.7 lbs

Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH · Accepted Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. This is a great question! False pregnancies in cats are very rare, although they can happen. False pregnancy symptoms can be nearly identical to actual pregnancy symptoms, so it can be hard to tell if she truly is pregnant just my physical appearance alone. If another week goes by and Linnie doesn't produce any kittens, I would see you local veterinarian. They may preform an ultrasound and run some blood work to rule out other more serious conditions (like a uterine infection) and/or confirm either a pregnancy or false pregnancy. The 60 day gestation is simply an estimate and can be shorter or longer depending on when exactly she was bred. If it is a false pregnancy, the exact cause may be hard to determine, however, false pregnancies can be related to a hormone imbalance she has along with being mated with an infertile male. After mating with an infertile male, she will ovulate and produce hormones required for pregnancy without actually conceiving. If false pregnancies reoccur, your veterinarian and you may decide to place her on hormonal therapy or have her spayed. Best of luck with Linnie!

Why is my cat showing pregnancy signs but has no kittens?

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