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Why is my cat in heat if she's already 20 days pregnant? Is she okay?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat is 20 days pregnant and she is also in heat now. Why is this happening?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Desrosiers

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on March 8th, 2015

If you are sure your cat has been bred successfully and a pregnancy is confirmed, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for care. While some discharge may be normal during pregnancy, bleeding or other discharge from the vaginal region that is discolored may indicate an infection or other complication to pregnancy which should be addressed by your vet.
As cats are induced ovulators, it may also be that she was not bred successfully during her previous heat and come back into heat. Cats will continued to cycle in and out of heat while "in season" and so she may be ready to be bred again. However, it is still a good idea to schedule a veterinary appointment to make sure there are not any problems or health issues that are preventing a successful breeding. If the mating was accidental or unwanted, consider having her spayed after the litter is delivered or weaned.
Vote Icon33Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 25th, 2018

    When the days become shorter as you head into winter, cats may not go into heat as often. They tend to cycle more often during times when the days are longer, such as spring and summer. Cats are seasonal breeders, and this may be why she hasn't gone into heat again. Best of luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 5th, 2019

    While Appy may still look like she's in heat it is possible she has already ovulated and is pregnant after mating several times. It would be best to confirm the pregnancy with your vet once she is far enough along. If she continues to show signs of heat, has strange discharge, or shows any signs of illness, then seeking veterinary care sooner is best to make sure there isn't another cause such as an infection causing her symptoms.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
My pregnant cat is in heat. Can she mate? Will it hurt her pregnancy?
Female cats can mate multiple times during a heat cycle with more than one male. They are also induced ovulators meaning that their body ovulates after mating occurs. Mating should not affect any previous fertilized eggs. No hope this helps answer your questions. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
New Pet
Why is my 6-month-old kitten in heat again so soon after her last?
Yes, it is possible that she is back in heat. Cats are induced ovulators and will often stay in heat until they are bred. I suggest you get her spayed as soon as possible. She can have the surgery while she is in heat. Here is a link to an article on this: ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/female-cats-may-seem-to-always-be-in-heat/ )
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My cat showed pregnancy signs, now in heat. Is she still pregnant?
Have her physically examined y a veterinarian. An abdominal ultrasound should be able to confirm a pregnancy. At this stage, if she is pregnant, her nipples should be enlarged and darker and she should be putting on weight. It is possible for her to still be active.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My cat had kittens. What are signs she's in heat again so soon?
Cats are often going into heat within 2 weeks after weaning the kittens. The discharge is called lochia and can last several weeks after the kittens are born. I recommend spaying these cats right around the time the kittens are weaned, or within that 2 week period after, to insure they do not get bred again. Then you won't have to worry about Shadow having another litter.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My cat had a stillborn. Why is she in heat and should I worry?
Cats can go back into heat quickly after giving birth, especially if her kitten was stillborn. I cannot say if Katniss has any more kittens without seeing her in person, I'd have her checked out by a vet to be safe.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my cat bleeding after mating? Is she pregnant or in heat?
If Asteria was having contractions, you would see her straining and likely breathing hard. In addition, if she were pregnant, she would not allow your male cat to mate with her. It could be that she is in heat, and that is why the male cat is mating with her. It is not normal for a cat to bleed after mating, however, and even though she doesn't seem to be in any pain, I would have Asteria seen by a vet right away. The vet can diagnose what is causing her symptoms so she can treated.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My cat is lifting her butt, rolling, and meowing. Is she in heat?
Sounds like she is in heat. I suggest you have her spayed as soon as possible to prevent unwanted pregnancy. A cat will basically stay in heat until they are bred by a male; she will get pregnant. Here are some articles for you to refer to. ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/faqs-on-reproduction-heats-pregnancy-in-cats/ ) ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/female-cats-may-seem-to-always-be-in-heat/ ) ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/spaying-ovariohysterectomy-the-benefits-in-cats/ )
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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