Ultrasound Insights: Pregnant Cat At 9 Weeks

Pregnancy in cats, or the queen, as they are fondly called, is a fascinating yet delicate period. It is shorter than in humans, lasting approximately nine weeks or 63-65 days, with slight variations depending on breed and health. The early signs of pregnancy are subtle and may not be noticeable until around two to three weeks after conception. During this period, it is crucial to ensure the cat's comfort and provide proper care, including a nutritious diet, a quiet environment, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian.

Ultrasound and X-ray examinations

Ultrasound Examinations:

Ultrasound is a commonly used diagnostic imaging tool by veterinarians to assess a cat's health and pregnancy status. It uses sound waves to visualise the internal organs, tissues, and dynamic processes in the body. For pregnant cats, an ultrasound can confirm pregnancy, evaluate fetal development, and estimate the number of kittens in the litter.

In the case of a 9-week pregnant cat, an ultrasound examination can provide valuable information about the pregnancy's progress. At this stage, the fetuses are well-developed, and the mother cat may be showing more pronounced signs of pregnancy, such as weight gain and increased rest. An ultrasound can help visualise the fetuses, assess their growth, and detect any potential issues. It can also help in estimating the number of kittens, although it may not provide an exact count.

X-ray Examinations:

X-rays, or radiographs, are another essential tool in veterinary diagnostic imaging. They are typically the first line of imaging due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to diagnose various conditions. X-rays can be used to visualise skeletal structures, large body cavities, and foreign objects. In the case of pregnant cats, X-rays become more effective after about 45 days of gestation.

For a 9-week pregnant cat, X-rays can be highly beneficial. They can help count the number of fetuses, assess their development, and identify their position in the uterus. Additionally, X-rays are useful in ensuring that all kittens have been delivered after birth. They can also detect any potential complications or issues with the pregnancy, such as abnormal skeletal development or the presence of foreign objects.

In summary, both ultrasound and X-ray examinations play crucial roles in diagnosing and monitoring a cat's health and pregnancy. They provide complementary information, with ultrasound offering real-time visualisation of internal organs and tissues, while X-rays excel at detecting skeletal and structural abnormalities. Together, they help veterinarians make accurate diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans for pregnant cats.

Litter size and weight gain

Pregnant cats typically start gaining weight after the first few weeks of pregnancy. By the fifth week, the queen's abdomen should be noticeably swollen. This growth will continue until she gives birth.

The average number of kittens in a litter is four to six, but litters can range from one to 12 kittens. The mother cat's age is one of the most significant factors influencing litter size. Younger cats tend to have smaller litters, while older cats have larger ones. The breed of the cat is also a factor: Orientals, Burmese, Abyssinian, Persian, and Siamese cats typically have larger litters.

The mother cat's health is another important consideration. A cat in good health is more likely to have larger litters than a cat with underlying medical issues, such as feline leukemia (FeLV). Well-nourished cats are also more likely to have larger litters, while malnourished cats may have smaller litters or struggle to get and stay pregnant.

Veterinarians can estimate litter size through abdominal palpation, ultrasound, X-rays, or hormone testing. Palpation and ultrasound are the most effective methods in the early stages of pregnancy, while X-rays are more useful after 45 days of gestation. Ultrasound is considered the safest and most accurate method for determining litter size.

Diet and nutrition

A pregnant cat's diet and nutrition are extremely important to ensure the health of the mother and her kittens. Good nutrition is essential for healthy kittens and mothers, so it's important to feed your pet a high-quality diet formulated for pregnant or nursing cats.

During the first four weeks of pregnancy, a cat's nutritional needs don't change much. However, from the fifth week onwards, her nutritional needs may double or triple. Your veterinarian may recommend a special diet and/or vitamins for your cat. It's important to provide these increased amounts of food in several small meals each day, rather than feeding it all at once. This is because, as the pregnancy progresses, the kittens will take up more space in the abdomen, leaving less room for the stomach to expand.

From the midpoint of the pregnancy, it's a good idea to switch your cat to a high-quality wet kitten food. Kitten food contains higher percentages of nutrients and vitamins than adult cat food and will provide the queen with more of the protein and calories she needs. You can also mix protein into your cat's normal food during the early and middle stages of pregnancy. Do this by boiling small pieces of chicken, beef, fish, or egg and adding them to your cat's dry or wet food.

It's also important to make sure your cat has constant access to food. As the pregnancy progresses, she will eat smaller meals, but these will become more frequent. Always ensure that fresh water is available, as pregnancy increases your cat's fluid needs.

Supplements

You should not give your cat calcium supplements or any other type of supplement unless advised by your vet.

Deworming

Your cat will need to be dewormed while pregnant to prevent her from passing worms to her kittens. Always speak to your vet for advice before choosing a wormer, as not all treatments are licensed for use during pregnancy.

Pregnancy confirmation

Abdominal palpation involves a veterinarian carefully examining the cat's abdomen by touching and feeling for the presence of developing fetuses. This method is typically effective after approximately three to four weeks of pregnancy, although it may not provide an exact count of the number of kittens.

Ultrasound examinations can also be used to confirm pregnancy, typically after about three to four weeks of gestation. Ultrasound can detect fetal heartbeats and may provide a more accurate estimate of the number of kittens.

X-rays are usually performed after 45 days of pregnancy, as the skeletons of the kittens become visible at this stage. X-rays are useful for counting the number of fetuses, assessing their development, and ensuring that all kittens have been delivered after birth.

Hormone testing, such as blood tests, can detect the presence of pregnancy-specific hormones like relaxin. These tests can be performed as early as 20 to 30 days into the pregnancy but may not always be conclusive.

Additionally, changes in the physical appearance and behaviour of the cat can provide early indications of pregnancy. These signs may include weight gain, abdominal swelling, changes in nipple colour and size ("pinking up"), increased appetite, nesting behaviour, and increased sleep. However, these symptoms can also be associated with other medical conditions, so it is essential to consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.

Nesting behaviour

A pregnant cat's nesting behaviour is driven by the same hormones that affect human mothers-to-be. Nesting is your cat's way of creating a safe, comfortable place to give birth and raise her kittens. Cats will usually start exhibiting nesting behaviour in the final weeks of their pregnancy, around one to two weeks before giving birth.

If you want to encourage nesting behaviour in your pregnant cat, you can provide her with a soft, comfortable bed or blanket. Place it in a warm, draft-free spot, perhaps near a heat source or a sunny window. You can also give her toys and other materials to play with while she nests.

It's important to note that nesting behaviour can sometimes indicate an underlying issue. For example, if your cat starts nesting more frequently than usual, it may be a sign of stress, anxiety, or illness. If you notice any unusual behaviour or symptoms, it's best to consult your veterinarian.

• Use a cardboard box or a drawer and line it with old towels, blankets, or clothes.
• Choose a quiet, warm, and draft-free location.
• Place the nesting spot somewhere your cat can easily access a high place to get some time away from the kittens.
• Keep food and water bowls and a litter tray close by.

Frequently asked questions