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How do I know if my cat is pregnant? What are the signs and best food?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Himalayan | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 5 months old

She mated 3 weeks ago, today I think she might be pregnant, she’s eating more, seeks attention and petting more, but I’m not sure, someone said look at the nipples ( picture attached) but I’m not sure what to look for ; is she really ? If so, appreciate recommendation for good quality food, is royal canin mother and kitten good? What’s better?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 28th, 2018

A cat's nipples will turn very pink when she is pregnant. If she was with a male and her heat stopped, she is likely pregnant. You do not need to feed her extra until the 40th day of pregnancy. From the 40th day on the kittens will start growing exponentially and you can start feeding kitten food. Royal Canin mother and kitten is a very good food for this purpose. I suggest you have her pregnancy tested around the 43rd to 45 th day at your vet's.

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on August 29th, 2017

    Most cats will not want to mate once they are out of heat and actually pregnant, so it may be that your female is still in heat. Signs of pregnancy in cats can include weight gain, visible movement along the abdomen (kittens moving), increases in appetite, and in late pregnancy changes to the nipples/milk glands, nesting behavior, etc. Confirming any suspected pregnancy with your veterinarian is best to make sure there isn't an illness or pseudopregnancy instead. Typical pregnancies last around 65 days from the date of breeding. If Tiger is confirmed as pregnant, then feeding her her regular cat food until the second part of pregnancy (the final month or so) is fine. You should then switch to a kitten formulation to help provide extra nutrients for the rapidly growing kittens and milk production and to keep Tiger in a good body condition. If you suspect any issues during pregnancy, speaking with a local veterinarian and having her examined to make sure things are progressing well is best.

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