Isn’t it fascinating how our feline friends seem to have a sixth sense? They can pick up on changes we humans might not notice ourselves!
I still remember when my wife found out she was pregnant.
We were so worried about our cat Cleo and how she might adjust to a new baby in the house and wondered if she might become jealous.
But it turns out cats can sense when their owners are pregnant, and we think Cleo was no exception!
Here’s what our cat did when we realized that she sensed my wife was pregnant.
1. They Become More Clingy
If your cat is typically independent, you may notice that they become more clingy when you’re pregnant.
They may follow you around the house or want to always be near you.
This behavior is due to the hormonal changes in your body, which your cat can sense.
Our cat Cleo was like this with my wife.
She was always trying to stay close and follow her around the house, even when she went to take showers.
2. Sleeping on Your Belly
Cats love warm, cozy spots, and a pregnant belly is the perfect place for a nap!
Many pregnant women report their cats using their bumps as a pillow, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.
When Cleo did this to us, we wondered if she was hearing our baby’s heartbeat. We’re still waiting for her to tell us if she did.
3. Pawing Your Belly
Some cats become more affectionate when their owners are pregnant and may even gently paw at their bellies. This is sort of like kneading dough!
It’s their way of showing their love and affection for the growing baby.
Though it was scary at first, my wife loved it when Cleo did this and thought it was the sweetest way for her to show us that she knew something special was going on.
It’s almost as if she was trying to connect with the tiny life growing inside.
4. Bringing You Gifts
Cats often bring gifts to their loved ones, usually in the form of a toy or small prey.
If your cat starts showering you with presents, they might be acknowledging your special state and wanting to take care of you.
I will say my wife and Cleo were really close when she was pregnant, but I can’t remember for certain if she was bringing gifts to her.
5. Ignoring You
On the flip side, some cats may seem distant during your pregnancy.
This behavior can be their way of dealing with the impending change and may be temporary.
To give you some peace of mind, yes, we were scared when we brought our newborn baby to our home for the first time, but after Cleo saw him, there was never a problem.
6. Purring More Often
Cats purr when they feel content, but it can also be soothing.
Your cat may purr more often when you’re pregnant, offering comfort to both you and themselves.
7. Increased Vocalization
Cats may become chattier, meowing more frequently as they try to communicate their awareness of your pregnancy.
They may also be seeking attention or expressing their excitement about the new addition to the family.
8. Change in Eating Habits
Like humans, cats can react to stress by changing their eating habits.
During your pregnancy, your cat may eat more or less than usual, depending on how they’re coping with the change.
9. Change in Tone of Voice
You may notice that your cat’s tone of voice changes when you’re pregnant. They may become quieter or more vocal, depending on their personality.
This change in tone can be a sign that they’re adjusting to the change and may need extra attention or reassurance.
10. Scratching and Marking Territory
Cats sometimes have to assert their dominance, which leads to behaviors like scratching furniture or urinating outside the litter box.
This behavior usually happens when they sense new things or people in the house, including a new baby.
To help your cat cope with territorial issues, give them extra attention and positive reinforcement when they behave well.
The whole point is to make them feel as loved, relaxed, and a part of the home as possible around you, which will help them trust you more and let their guard down.
Is it safe to keep a cat while you’re pregnant?
Yes, you can keep your cat while you’re pregnant.
When it comes to pregnancies and having a cat, the concern for harm arises from a potential infection called toxoplasmosis, found in outdoor cats who hunt.
Just make sure you’re taking the right precautions if they’re an outdoorsy kind of cat.
And remember, pregnancy is a great time to delegate those less-than-desirable tasks – like litter box cleaning – to someone else.
It’s one of the perks of being pregnant!
And if you ask me, even if your cat is only indoors, you probably shouldn’t be cleaning a litter box unless you wear a mask while you do it.
I was always cautious about my wife doing any litter box cleaning while she was pregnant, even though our cat was only indoors.
Can cats sense pregnancy and how do cats sense pregnancy?
Cats have incredibly heightened senses. While I was not able to find any study or scientific proof that cats can sense pregnancy, many feline owners swear by it, and I can see why.
Some cats do become more affectionate or protective when their owners are pregnant.
It’s possible that cats pick up on hormonal changes or even alterations in body temperature.
So, while I couldn’t find any definitive proof, we can never underestimate the power of a purr!
How soon can cats sense pregnancy and can cats hear babies in the womb?
It’s believed cats can sense pregnancy as early as a few weeks in.
As for hearing babies in the womb? While there’s no concrete evidence, your cat might react to the new sounds.
But hey, don’t be surprised if Mr. Whiskers just yawns and goes back to his nap – cats will be cats!
What do male cats do when they sense you are pregnant?
When male cats sense you’re expecting a mini-human, they might turn into your personal bodyguard.
Many pregnant cat owners report an increase in affection from their furry companions.
Don’t be surprised if your male cat suddenly becomes your cuddle buddy, monitoring your every move.
What do female cats do when they sense you are pregnant?
When female cats sense you’re pregnant, it’s like they’re joining the expecting mothers club too!
They might become more affectionate, following you around like your own fluffy shadow.
Or, they might start bringing you “gifts” (mouse toys).
It’s their way of saying, “Hey, I’ve got your back, human. We’re in this baby thing together!”
As you prepare to welcome a new member into your family, remember that this is a big change for your cat too.
Make sure you give them plenty of attention and reassurance.
And always consult with your doctor about any precautions you should take while pregnant and living with a cat, just to be on the safe side.
Isn’t it wonderful how our pets can share our life experiences?
Here’s to a happy, healthy journey toward parenthood – for you and your furry friend!