Can Cats Sense Pregnancy? Exploring How Feline Friends React to Antenatal Changes

Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative journey, filled with anticipation, joy, and sometimes, a bit of anxiety. As your body undergoes significant changes during this period, many expectant mothers wonder how these changes might affect the world around them, particularly their beloved pets. Cats, in particular, are known for their sensitivity and keen senses. But can cats sense pregnancy? And if so, how might they react to this change in their owner’s life? This article explores the intriguing connection between cats and pregnancy, delving into the science behind feline behaviour and how antenatal care can ensure both mother and pet remain happy and healthy throughout the pregnancy.

Can Cats Sense Pregnancy?

The idea that cats can sense pregnancy is more than just an old wives’ tale. Cats are incredibly perceptive animals with heightened senses, and they are attuned to even the slightest changes in their environment. When it comes to pregnancy, a cat’s heightened senses of smell, hearing, and awareness of behavioural shifts can help them detect subtle changes in their owner’s body and routine.

1. Sense of Smell

Cats have an extraordinary sense of smell, with approximately 200 million odour-sensitive cells in their noses, compared to the 5 million humans have. During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes a range of hormonal changes that can affect her scent. These hormonal fluctuations, particularly the rise in progesterone, oestrogen, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), may lead to subtle changes in body odour that a cat can pick up on. While these scent changes are too faint for humans to notice, cats have the ability to detect even the slightest shifts. Cats may also be sensitive to the pheromones produced by a pregnant woman’s body, which change as pregnancy progresses. Some studies have suggested that cats are capable of detecting hormonal changes in humans, which may explain why some cats become more affectionate, protective, or curious when their owner is pregnant.

2. Behavioural Changes

Cats are creatures of habit, and they tend to notice changes in their owner’s behaviour and routine, which often happen during pregnancy. Increased tiredness, changes in movement, or even mood shifts can all signal to a cat that something is different. As your pregnancy progresses, you may become less active, rest more frequently, or change your sleeping patterns. Your cat, in turn, may react to these changes by becoming more affectionate, protective, or sometimes more distant, depending on its personality. Some cats may even detect stress or anxiety in their pregnant owner, prompting them to offer comfort by sitting close or purring, as studies have shown that a cat’s purring can have a calming effect on humans.

3. Body Temperature and Physical Changes

During pregnancy, a woman’s body temperature often rises slightly due to increased blood flow and metabolic changes. Cats are known to seek out warmth, which may explain why a pregnant woman’s lap or belly becomes a favourite resting spot for her cat. Additionally, as your body changes and your belly grows, your cat may become curious about these physical differences and want to investigate by sniffing or resting near you. Cats are also sensitive to touch, and they may notice changes in the way their owner moves, sits, or walks. Your growing baby bump, for example, may change the way you sit on the sofa or bed, and your cat may react to this by adjusting its behaviour accordingly.

How Do Cats React to Pregnancy?

While it’s clear that cats can sense pregnancy through a combination of scent, behavioural changes, and body temperature, how they react varies from cat to cat. Some cats become more affectionate, while others may act out or become more distant. Let’s explore the common reactions cats may have during their owner’s pregnancy:

1. Increased Affection and Attachment

Many pregnant women report that their cats become more affectionate during pregnancy. A cat that was previously independent may start following its owner around, sitting close by, or curling up on their lap more frequently. This change in behaviour is likely due to the cat’s recognition of the changes in their owner’s scent, body temperature, and behaviour. Cats may also sense the emotional vulnerability or anxiety of their pregnant owner, prompting them to offer comfort by staying close. This increased attachment can be a wonderful source of comfort for expectant mothers, especially during moments of stress or fatigue. However, it’s important to maintain a balance between affection and boundaries to ensure the comfort of both the mother and the cat.

2. Protective Behaviour

In some cases, cats may exhibit protective behaviours during their owner’s pregnancy. This could involve the cat becoming more vigilant, keeping a close eye on their owner, or even guarding the area where the mother-to-be rests. While cats are not traditionally known as protective animals, their strong bond with their owner may lead them to display behaviours that mimic protectiveness. For example, some cats may become more alert or territorial, particularly around strangers or other pets, as they sense the impending arrival of a new family member. If a cat perceives its owner as vulnerable, it may act as a “guardian,” staying close to ensure its owner’s safety and wellbeing.

3. Distant or Anxious Behaviour

Not all cats respond to pregnancy with affection. Some cats may become anxious or distant as they sense changes in their environment. A pregnant owner’s changing scent, body language, and behaviour may confuse or unsettle some cats, leading them to seek solitude or avoid interaction. Anxiety in cats can also be triggered by changes in their routine or environment, such as new furniture for the baby’s nursery, increased visitors (such as during antenatal appointments or visits from family), or the anticipation of a major change like a baby. If a cat becomes anxious, it’s important to provide it with a safe and quiet space to retreat to, where it can feel secure.

4. Destructive Behaviour

In rare cases, a cat may react to pregnancy by displaying destructive behaviours, such as scratching furniture, urinating outside the litter box, or becoming more aggressive. These behaviours are usually a sign of stress or anxiety caused by the changes in the household. If your cat begins to exhibit destructive behaviour during your pregnancy, it’s important to consult with a vet or animal behaviourist to determine the best course of action.

Caring for Your Cat During Pregnancy

As your cat adapts to the changes associated with your pregnancy, it’s important to continue providing the care and attention it needs. Regular routines, feeding schedules, and playtime can help reduce your cat’s stress and ensure that it feels secure during this transitional period. Additionally, maintaining proper hygiene is essential, especially when handling cat litter, as pregnant women are advised to avoid direct contact with litter boxes due to the risk of toxoplasmosis.

1. Toxoplasmosis and Pregnancy

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can be transmitted through cat faeces, particularly from outdoor cats that hunt small animals. Pregnant women are often warned about the risks of toxoplasmosis, as it can cause complications for the unborn baby. However, with proper precautions, the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis from a domestic cat is very low. To reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis, pregnant women should:

• Avoid cleaning the litter box, or wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly if cleaning is necessary.
• Ensure the litter box is cleaned daily, as the parasite does not become infectious until 1-5 days after it is shed in faeces.
• Keep cats indoors to reduce the likelihood of them hunting and contracting the parasite.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw meat, soil, or gardening, as these can also be sources of infection.

2. Providing a Safe Space for Your Cat

During pregnancy, your home environment may change as you prepare for the baby’s arrival. Setting up a nursery, purchasing new furniture, and hosting antenatal checkups or appointments may create unfamiliar surroundings for your cat. To help your cat feel more secure, ensure that it has a quiet, comfortable space to retreat to when it needs peace. This can be a separate room or a cosy corner with its bed and toys.

Preparing for Life After Baby Arrives

As your pregnancy progresses, it’s important to prepare your cat for the arrival of your new baby. Cats thrive on routine, so introducing gradual changes can help them adjust. Consider setting up the baby’s room early, so your cat has time to explore the new space and become familiar with the changes. Additionally, playing recorded sounds of a baby crying can help your cat acclimatise to the new noises it will soon encounter. Once the baby arrives, ensure that your cat still receives attention and affection, as this can help reduce feelings of jealousy or displacement. Establishing boundaries early on, such as keeping the baby’s crib off-limits, will help create a safe and harmonious environment for both your baby and your cat. While it’s clear that cats can sense pregnancy through a combination of their heightened senses and awareness of behavioural changes, how they react varies from one feline to another. Some cats become affectionate and protective, while others may experience anxiety or stress. By providing your cat with stability, attention, and proper care, you can ensure that both you and your pet remain comfortable throughout the pregnancy.