At what stage does a pregnant cat's belly grow? - briefly
The abdomen of a pregnant cat typically starts to noticeably expand around day 18-20 of gestation, which is approximately two weeks after conception. By this stage, the kittens have developed sufficiently for their presence to be visible externally.
At what stage does a pregnant cat's belly grow? - in detail
A pregnant cat's belly typically starts to grow and become noticeable around day 18 of her pregnancy, which is approximately two weeks after conception. This growth is due to the developing fetuses and the increase in uterine size. Initially, the belly may appear slightly rounded or swollen, but it will continue to expand steadily as the pregnancy progresses.
By day 35, the cat's abdomen will be significantly larger and more pronounced. At this stage, you might also notice a change in her behavior, such as increased appetite, nesting instincts, and a desire for more attention. The belly growth is most evident during the last two weeks of pregnancy, particularly from day 50 onwards.
It's essential to monitor your cat's weight gain throughout the pregnancy to ensure she is not losing or gaining too much weight. A healthy weight gain for a pregnant cat is about 10-20% of her pre-pregnancy body weight by the time of delivery. However, this can vary depending on the number of kittens and the individual cat's metabolism.
In summary, a pregnant cat's belly starts to grow noticeably around day 18 of pregnancy and continues to expand steadily until the kittens are born. Proper care and monitoring during this period are crucial for both the mother cat and her developing kittens.