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My cat's belly is swollen. Is it a false pregnancy from nursing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 8 months old

My cat has had 2 litters back to back as she escaped before I could get her spayed. I kept 1 from each litter and she is still feeding them (the eldest kitten is 7 months) Her belly has now started to swell again as if she is pregnant but I am sure she has not escaped again. Could this be a false pregnancy due to the kittens I have kept She is also washing them and tries to carry them in her mouth

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 22nd, 2020

Yes, this could be due to a false pregnancy. Storm should not still be feeding the seven month old kitten, that is way too old. You need to separate her completely from the kittens (as long as all are at least two months of age) so her milk can dry up. I'd take her into the vet to confirm she has a false pregnancy and to make a date to spay her. I hope this helps.

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