Pregnancy Diagnosis in Cats
Pregnancy diagnosis (cyesiognosis) in cats (queen cats) is done by physical and behavioural changes, abdominal palpation, ultrasonography, radiography, hormone testing, etc.
Pregnancy diagnosis in cats performed by:
- Physical and Behavioural Changes
- Abdominal Palpation
- Ultrasonography
- Radiography
- Hormone Testing
Physical and Behavioural Changes
During pregnancy, queen cats exhibit noticeable physical and behavioral changes. Physically, the abdomen gradually enlarges as the fetuses develop, and the nipples become pinker and more prominent around 15-18 days of gestation.
Increased appetite and weight gain are also common. Behavioural changes include increased affection, nesting behaviour, and sometimes increased vocalisation.
Abdominal Palpation
- Satisfactory time to perform: 16-26 days post breeding.
- Conceptuses are readily identifiable as individual turgid spherical swellings.
- Conceptuses can be palpated as early as 13 days post breeding, but can be confused with fecal mass.
- After 6 weeks-conceptus swelling increase markedly in size, elongate and merge, making palpation more difficult.
- Abdominal enlargement at this stage will be appreciable.
Ultrasonography
B-Mode Ultrasound Examination
- Enlarged uterus can be confirmed as early as first week of pregnancy.
- Gestational sacs can be identified from second week which is more reliable.
- Fetal viability can be assessed by cardiac activity detected from third week onwards.
Radiography
Radiography (X-ray) is a reliable method for diagnosing pregnancy in queen cats, particularly in the later stages. Fetal skeletons become visible around 42-45 days of gestation, allowing for confirmation of pregnancy and an estimate of the number of kittens.
Hormone Testing
Hormone testing based on by detection of the presence of relaxin, a hormone produced by the placenta. This test can accurately diagnose pregnancy as early as 20-25 days after mating in cats.
