As a licensed veterinarian practicing in Texas for over a decade, I’ve guided countless cat owners through feline pregnancies—some planned, many unexpected. The behavior of a pregnant cat can be subtle at first, then surprisingly dramatic as delivery approaches. I’ve found that understanding these shifts early makes the entire experience calmer for both the cat and her owner.
Pregnancy in cats lasts roughly nine weeks, but behavior changes don’t follow a strict calendar. They unfold gradually, often in ways that owners initially misinterpret.
Early Behavioral Changes: Subtle but Noticeable
In the first few weeks, most cats don’t “look” pregnant. What changes first is attitude.
Some become unusually affectionate. I remember a young indoor shorthair whose owner brought her in because she’d started following him from room to room, crying softly if he closed a door. He was worried she was in pain. She wasn’t—she was about three weeks pregnant and suddenly seeking reassurance.
On the other hand, I’ve also seen cats become more withdrawn. A typically social cat may begin sleeping in closets or under beds. This isn’t moodiness. It’s instinct. Hormonal shifts—especially rising progesterone—can make a cat more sensitive to noise, activity, and other pets.
A mild decrease in appetite can occur early on, sometimes accompanied by vomiting. Owners sometimes assume it’s a hairball or a dietary intolerance. If the cat is otherwise bright and active, and especially if she’s intact and has been outdoors, pregnancy should be on the list of possibilities.
Appetite and Weight: The Middle Weeks
By the fourth or fifth week, appetite usually increases noticeably. In my experience, this is where many owners overcorrect.
A client last spring began doubling her cat’s food portions the moment pregnancy was confirmed. Within weeks, the cat had gained excessive weight—not just from kittens but from extra fat. Overfeeding during pregnancy can complicate delivery and make postpartum recovery harder.
A pregnant cat does need more calories, but the increase should be gradual and purposeful. I often recommend transitioning to a high-quality kitten formula during pregnancy because it provides higher protein and calorie density without simply increasing portion size dramatically.
Behaviorally, this is often a calm period. The cat may nap more, groom frequently, and show tolerance changes toward other animals. A previously bonded feline housemate might suddenly receive a hiss. This isn’t aggression; it’s protective instinct beginning to surface.
Nesting Behavior: The Final Two Weeks
The most recognizable behavior of a pregnant cat appears in the last one to two weeks: nesting.
This phase fascinates me every time I see it. Even confident, bold cats revert to deeply instinctive patterns. They begin scouting quiet, dark, enclosed areas. Closets, laundry baskets, the back of kitchen cabinets—nothing is off limits.
I once had a client whose cat repeatedly dragged socks into a bathtub. She had ignored the beautifully prepared nesting box with soft towels in a spare bedroom. Instead, she chose a cold porcelain tub. We eventually realized the bathroom door muffled household noise better than any other room in the house. Once we placed her nesting materials in that bathroom corner, she settled immediately.
Pregnant cats don’t choose nesting sites based on comfort alone. They prioritize safety, seclusion, and low disturbance. Owners often make the mistake of moving the nest repeatedly because they dislike the chosen location. That usually backfires. Stress during late pregnancy can delay labor or cause the mother to relocate the kittens after birth.
Changes in Affection and Vocalization
As labor approaches, behavior may shift again.
Some cats become intensely clingy, pacing and vocalizing as if anxious. Others prefer total solitude. I’ve sat with a nervous first-time mother who refused to settle unless her owner sat quietly nearby. In contrast, another cat I monitored insisted on hiding behind stored boxes and would growl softly if disturbed.
Restlessness is common in the final 24 hours. You might notice:
- Repeated trips to the nesting area
- Scratching or rearranging bedding
- Decreased appetite
- Increased grooming of the abdomen and genital area
A drop in rectal temperature often precedes labor, but I rarely advise owners to monitor temperature unless medically indicated. Behavior is usually a more reliable, less stressful indicator.
Protective Instincts After Birth
Once kittens arrive, behavior changes immediately.
Even the sweetest cat may become fiercely protective. I’ve seen gentle family pets swat trusted owners who tried to handle newborns too soon. This isn’t personality—it’s biology. The maternal brain is flooded with hormones that prioritize offspring survival above all else.
In the first week postpartum, minimal interference is best. I advise owners to observe quietly, ensure the kittens are nursing, and handle them sparingly at first.
Common Mistakes I See
Over the years, I’ve noticed a few recurring patterns:
Owners assume behavioral withdrawal means illness when it’s a normal pregnancy.
They overfeed out of kindness.
They disrupt carefully chosen nesting spots.
They invite too many visitors near the due date, increasing stress.
Pregnant cats thrive in predictability. Quiet rooms, steady routines, limited changes—that’s what supports healthy behavior.
When Behavior Signals Trouble
Not every behavioral change is normal.
Lethargy paired with refusal to eat, foul-smelling discharge, straining without producing kittens for extended periods, or obvious distress should prompt immediate veterinary attention. I’ve treated emergency cases where owners waited too long, assuming “this is just how labor looks.” True labor in cats is usually efficient and quiet.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it often is.
Understanding the behavior of a pregnant cat isn’t about memorizing timelines. It’s about recognizing instinct at work. In my experience, the calmer and more respectful the environment, the smoother the pregnancy and birth. Cats have been giving birth successfully for centuries without intervention. Our role is simply to support them without getting in their way.
