Is my cat pregnant or in heat? Swollen nipples, licking, crying.
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Birman | Female | unspayed | 10 months and 8 days old | 3 lbs
I’m not sure whether my cat is pregnant or on heat. She’s an indoor cat but goes out occasionally(mostly in morning) for about 20 to 30 minuets. She never goes far. Lately her nipples are swollen and pink. And she licks her private area alot and cries to go out all the time(mostly in the morning). As there’s no veterinary clinic in Maldives there’s no way I can confirm whether she’s pregnant or on heat.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 5th, 2018
HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Her belly and mammary glands do not look distended enough to be pregnant unless she is early pregnant (2-4 weeks). I think she might be in heat. I would try to keep her inside as it doesn't take cats very long to get the deed done! Cats are pregnant for 60 days, so if her belly and mammary glands continue to get larger then she is likely pregnant and you'd have kittens 4-6 weeks from now. Good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 16th, 2018
I would recommend taking Nala to see another vet asap. Her belly is very large and distended and if she is not pregnant then there must be something wrong that is accounting for her size. Any vet should be able to tell you if she is pregnant easily at this stage either by fee or ultrasound. If she is not pregnant then I worry she could have an abdominal mass or fluid build up. Furthermore the areas arou d her nipples look incredibly inflamed and tolerated in places. You need the vet to assess this and see if it is bad infection or something more sinister she will likely need antinflamnatories and antibiotics to treat her nipples. I would suggest ringing another vet and explaining you need them to be able to diagnose pregnancy for you, and also address other issues.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 25th, 2019
There is no way for us to tell if she is pregnant through pictures. You could try laying your hands on her belly for a few minutes and see if you feel kittens. Other things that cause a distended abdomen include uterine infection, liver failure, tumors, etc. Enlarged nipples could be caused by current or previous pregnancy. many flea medications are safe for pregnant cats, but you should read the label on the back of the packaging to see if the specific one you find is ok or not.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 8th, 2017
Thank you for posting pictures! She does have a fairly large abdomen but the nipples do not look like she’s pregnant. Typically cats are pregnant from 58-65 days and when closer to 60 days start to show signs of nipple development. There can be other causes of distended abdomens, however, like fluid in the belly or uterus, or growth of other organs. I would recommend taking her to a vet for an exam and possible X-rays. If she’s pregnant for over 45 days they will be able to see skeletons in her uterus. Just like with people, pregnant pets should see doctors to make sure they are healthly enough to deliver naturally. Good luck and kisses to Skye!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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