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Is my unspayed cat pregnant? She has pink nipples and a swollen belly.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 6.6 lbs

My cat had pink nipples when she came here a month ago. Also a couple weeks ago she suddenly had a swollen tummy. She is 19 months old and she is not neutered. The previous owner said she was in heat for the week she had her and the person she got the cat from said that they let her out in the garden. Could she be pregnant?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on January 14th, 2018

Yes, it is likely she is pregnant. The gestation time for cats is 58 days. Most cats have kittens without problems and nurse and raise them fine. Once she is done nursing you should have her spayed as she could get pregnant again right away. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Daisy.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Claudia Fioravanti
Veterinarian
Published on August 10th, 2019
Hi, if Missy has been allowed out and she has not been neutered there is a strong possibility she is. I would recommend you get her checked over to confirm and if possible get organised to make adjustments for the big event.. including money for unplanned circumstances..! Some pet insurances would cover c- sections for unplanned pregnancies for example. Be careful that after giving birth, if allowed out she might get pregnant again..so you should keep her indoors until she is well enough to be neutered. Hope this helps and that everything goes well.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on December 16th, 2018
Yes, this certainly sounds like she’s pregnant. Any female cat going outside will usually become pregnant since they go in and out of heat regularly until they get pregnant. The gestation period is 56 days. I recommend having her spayed once the kittens are weaned. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Cuddles.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 2nd, 2018
Hi. Thank you for using PetCoach. It is possible that your cat is pregnant. Pregnancy in cats lasts 64-66 days. She should be eating a high quality kitten food to help provide nutrients for their growth. Around day 45 your veterinarian can perform an xray to look for fetal skeletons and count the number of kittens. Here is more information on pregnancy in cats. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1738
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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