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My stray cat looks pregnant. How can I tell and what should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female

I have had a stray well I think it's stray cat coming to mine for 3months now when she first came she was small and skinny now she's really big to the point I think she is pregnant how can I tell if she is preganant and what is best for me to do

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 18th, 2017

A suddenly big belly is definitely suspicious of pregnancy. I cannot tell from these pictures and usually I need to feel the kittens or see them with ultrasound to be sure. One thing you can check for is if the mammary glands are full. This happens in late pregnancy. If she looks like she has some growth in her tees, then that is a good sign that she's pregnant. My opinion is that she should be spayed to prevent/terminate pregnancy. This may sound harsh, but there is really big problem with feral cat overpopulation. Also, many of the kittens often die in the feral environment. In the end, it's your choice, but all the feral cats should be spayed/neutered at some time. Many rescue organizations and shelters will often help with costs in spaying/neutering feral cats, so it's a good idea to give them a call. I hope that helps and all goes well with Dotty.

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    She certainly has the shape of a pregnant cat! The way her belly is shaped looks very suspicious of pregnancy. You could have this confirmed with a scan at the vets and it could tell you how far on she is. Cats tend to be very self sufficient in labour so as long as you provide her with good nutrition and shelter she should get on with it by herself. If you do notice her struggling to deliver kittens you should seek veterinary help.

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