Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why does my cat still look pregnant after giving birth to kittens?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

My cat gave birth two six kittens (two did not make it) Sunday afternoon, she still looks pregnant; she acts normal but it looks like she didn't "clean" herself after the last kitten that came out. Why does she still look pregnant?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on May 15th, 2019

This is normal and no cause for concern. Ideally, she should be physically examined by your veterinarian to confirm no kittens remain to be delivered. It may take some time for Kitty to lose the pregnancy weight or for swelling associated with the pregnancy to resolve.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rosemary Barber, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 27th, 2017
Hi! Sorry to hear about the stillbirths!
This is a little odd! I wonder if she still has fluid in her uterus, or whether her body has just not resumed the original shape, because she wasn't able to nurse babies. I'm glad that she is acting fine otherwise though, that is the most important thing. If there were retained placentas, or still babies inside, I imagine that she would be very sick right now! So, you could always have her checked by your vet to be on the safe side, but I think as long as she is eating/drinking, and acting normally, I wouldn't be too worried. Best of luck with Bear!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Andrea
Veterinarian
Published on July 18th, 2018
Most likely this is normal. It takes time for everything to shrink back down. Even some discharge now is normal. Her belly will remain a bit bigger, probably forever, and she might keep some nipple enlargement.
If she is straining, passing a lot of blood, not eating or not taking care of the babies, then do go to ER.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on March 30th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I doubt that Mason is pregnant again, it is too soon. Female cats do go back in to heat quickly but usually around weaning of the kittens. Even if she mated more than once with more than one male the kittens should have been close to each other in gestation. Maybe 1 day apart not 7 days. Her belly could be big from parasites or fluid.

If you are truly concerned by the size of her belly have your Vet examine her and possibly take an X-ray to be sure.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My cat just had kittens, but her stomach is still big. What now?

Mimi's stomach might still look big from the uterus being enlarged - it can take a little while for it to look normal again. If Mimi seems to be pushing still, if she seems uncomfortable or if you can feel a kitten moving in her belly then there would be more concern. I'm wondering if emergency veterinary services might still be available - you may want to try contacting your local health department to see. Unfortunately there's nothing I could recommend trying at home if there is a kitten still inside.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat had kittens. Why is her belly still big and breathing fast?

The belly often remain larger than normal after delivery for several days, fast breathing is quite common especially when she is feeding her kittens. it's possible she still ha kittens in her but not very likely.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Cat just gave birth, but still feels pregnant. Is this normal?

Hello. As long as Panther is content caring for her newborn, then there is not too much to worry about. If she does not have any more in the next 2-3 hours, then I think it would be an excellent idea to have your vet take a look, but there does not seem to be anything to panic about just yet. Panther may just be taking her time with this, & that can be perfectly normal. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a lump 6 weeks after giving birth. Is it a kitten?

It is not likely to be a retained kitten if she had [a normal delivery](https://www.petcoach.co/article/queening-giving-birth-in-cats) and is behaving normally otherwise (no [vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/vomiting/), [diarrhea](https://www.petcoach.co/cat/condition/diarrhea/), [loss of appetite](https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-isnt-my-cat-eating), discharge, etc.). It may be a hernia, but your veterinarian will need to make the diagnosis after a physical exam. If it is a hernia, a repair may be done if you decide to have her spayed. [Spaying](https://www.petcoach.co/article/spaying-ovariohysterectomy-the-benefits-in-cats) would strongly be recommended if she is not breeding stock or a show cat. This would prevent accidental or unwanted litters in the future. Spaying also decreases the risk of mammary gland tumors (breast cancer) and eliminates the risk of a pyometra (uterine infection) later in life.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat had kittens yesterday, but still looks pregnant. Is this normal?

Cats are typically pretty predictable when it comes to delivering their babies, but when they decide to act outside the norm they become extremely unpredictable. Your average short haired house-cat will have a kitten every 10-60 minutes after the first one is delivered. However there are some cases where cats are known to intentionally stop giving birth (usually we aren't able to determine why with certainty), and will resume anywhere from a couple hours to upwards of 24-36 hours later. This tends to happens most often in animals that were interrupted physically during the birthing process. In cases where there is truly difficulty with delivery or failure to deliver all the young, veterinary intervention will be required. This is especially true if you feel Lily is not caring for the others babies, is acting unusual or sickly, or if she is actively straining but not producing any offspring. Hope this makes sense.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why does my cat look pregnant after being spayed a month ago?

If Baby Girl was spayed there is no way for her to get pregnant - the ovaries and uterus are removed in a spay surgery. I would recommend having her examined by your vet: it’s possible that she has a medical problem that has caused abdominal distention. It’s also possible that she has simply gained weight since the surgery - spayed cats have a slower metabolism and tend to be less active so they require fewer calories.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's belly is swollen, but no kittens are coming. What's wrong?

Generally a cat is not visibly pregnant until 5-6weeks and would have kittens within 3-4weeks. A vet should be able to feel kittens in the belly at this stage and if negative further investigation may be recommended especially if there is any changes in appetite or thirst or she is lethargic.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share