Pregnant cat belly dropped, then fluffed back up again / permanent personality changes after birth?

[Anniem319]

Hi, this is my first post. We were adopted by a stray who turned out to be pregnant. She was getting bigger and bigger and one day, she looked like she had given birth, she was so much smaller. Did some research and it seemed like her belly dropped, so we were all ready for birth to happen soon. That was maybe a week ago. Next day, she was round again, and now she's enormous. First time helping a pregnant queen, so I'm wondering what that is all about.

Also, I don't really see much movement, an occassional little pop here or there. She is so big though! Does that mean she still has a few weeks to go? Or do some pregnant cats just not show as much kitten movement.

Thanks!

 

[StefanZ]

Certainly a little odd! Before she dropped first time, how long have you felt kittens move?

 

[StefanZ]

Any way a guess is she wasnt dropped, but perhaps she got some muscle contractions... an extra muscle tonus. Early braxton hicks??

 

[Anniem319]

Certainly a little odd! Before she dropped first time, how long have you felt kittens move?

I haven't felt them move yet. I have seen movement, but only a little. First time was maybe a week ago, a little more? Saw it again a few days ago. I rub her belly all the time now, she loves it, but still don't feel anything. Trying to get some pix to add.

 

[StefanZ]

You usually feel the kittens move at least 2 weeks before delivery; and if you regularly rub her belly its perhaps sooner 3 weeks...
So my guess is again; she had some muscle contractions, making her looks less preg; but she has still at least one week left...

If you have access to a skilled vet knowleable in cat pregnancies; the safest bet is to let him check up, but I hope for the best here.

 

[Anniem319]

My cat is very late in her pregnancy. I noticed today that when she lies on her side, her front and back paws twitch a little. I've never seen her do that before and I've been watching her like a hawk these past 3 weeks.

She also spent a lot of time grooming me today! She's never even licked me before.

Could these be early labor signs?

Thanks!

I was going to go run some errands today bit if these are signs she's close, I won't leave the house.

 

[Sarthur2]

It’s difficult to say. Is her belly twitching, or just her paws?

Pregnant cats are very affectionate due to hormones. She is “mothering” you.

 

[StefanZ]

Has she dropped?

 

[StefanZ]

I think its some contractions. Question is if its the braxton hicks, or possibly prelabor starting...

 

[Anniem319]

Thanks everyone! It's actually probably more like trembling in front and back legs/paws, with an occasional twitch. No dropping that I can tell. Seems even MORE affectionate today, which I didn't think was possible! Maybe I'll just stay home to be on the safe side.

 

[StefanZ]

My guess its braxton hicks whom usually come a week before. Because you say she hasnt dropped.


How long had you felt kittens move?

 

[Anniem319]

My guess its braxton hicks whom usually come a week before. Because you say she hasnt dropped.


How long had you felt kittens move?

About 2 weeks now.

 

[StefanZ]

Ok. 2 weeks is usual, but if you use to feel out her belly, movements may be noticeable even 3 weeks before.

 

[Sarthur2]

She may be in early labor, or pre-labor as Stefan mentioned. If you begin to see big ripples and twitches down her sides, then it may be full labor.

 

[Anniem319]

I rarely see the kittens move. She is enormous now. Do you always see movement in late term, or does it quiet down if they don't have much room to move.

 

[StefanZ]

If they are many, it becomes tight. Also when they drop, they become squeezed and move even less...

 

[Anniem319]

Thanks!

Do all pregnant cats stop eating before labor? Mine has been snacking - tiny frequent meals. This morning she was ravenous. Ate an entire can at one time. She is VERY late in her pregnancy at this point, and I was really hoping for Valentine's babies! LOL

 

[Sarthur2]

Every cat is different. Mine ate right up to labor and was ravenous after. Some stop eating or eat lots of tiny meals.

 

[Anniem319]

Thank you for all your responses!

The wait is KILLING ME!!!!!!!!! LOL

Every cat is different. Mine ate right up to labor and was ravenous after. Some stop eating or eat lots of tiny meals.

 

[Anniem319]

This is my little mama. Her name is Shiloh. She was a stray that adopted me. All the things I thought were signs I was making progress with her turned out to be pregnancy symptoms! LOL. "Oh, she's gaining weight! Good, regular meals are helping her." "Oh, she getting really affectionate, she must be getting used to us." "Oh, she just wants to stay inside now, she must be liking indoor life." Oops!