Can a Cat Get Pregnant Even If It’s Not in Heat?

A cat’s pregnancy can be a mystery, but there are some signs to look for. If you notice your feline friend acting more motherly and seeking extra attention, it might be pregnant. It’s also possible that your feline friend is in anestrus. To find out if your cat is in anestrus, read on to discover the signs and symptoms of ovulation. If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian.

Estrus

While the occurrence of estrus is seasonal, a woman’s cat will usually go into heat every spring and fall. Cats that have not been spayed will go into heat cyclically. During this time, a queen cat will become vocal, urinate frequently, and adopt a breeding posture. She may also yowl during this time, signaling her discomfort. However, if you’d like to make your cat pregnant even though she’s not in heat, you’ll need to understand a little bit about how to recognize an estrus.

Interestrus

A cat can become pregnant at an early age, often as early as four months of age. Cats may also have litters as early as six months of age. The question of whether or not your cat is in heat may be an enduring one, as there are many misconceptions about the process. While cats do not require spaying, they can become pregnant accidentally. Cats can be pregnant for a variety of reasons, including having a litter out of season, and accidentally becoming pregnant.

Proestrus

A female cat goes through a cycle of proestrus and anestrus, which lasts anywhere from 12 to 21 days. The cycle length varies from breed to breed and even within the same breed. A female cat that has not yet reached her heat may be more susceptible to an anestrus cycle, which occurs prior to the time when the female is receptive to mating. It will generally show the following behaviors: It will become more affectionate, vocal, roll on the floor, and raise her rear legs and quarters when brushed. All of these changes can be confusing and frustrating for a cat owner.

Anestrus

Cats have a three-month period of reproductive rest during which they cannot conceive. This period is known as anestrus. Older female cats do not have heat cycles and remain permanently in anestrus. It is therefore possible for your female cat to become pregnant while not in heat. The process of conceiving depends on the timing of the period of ovulation. Once the cat has fallen pregnant, she will give birth to a kitten within 90 days of ovulation.

Fecundity

The reproductive cycle of a cat is controlled by the brain and ovary and is characterized by three stages. These phases vary according to breed and behavior. When in heat, the cat’s ovary produces a hormone known as follicle stimulating hormone, which causes the eggs to mature. Once the eggs are fertilized, they implant in the uterus and release the pregnancy hormone progesterone. When no eggs implant, the cat goes into a quiescent phase, during which they do not show any sexual behavior.

Signs of pregnancy

While a pregnant cat may be hard to spot, there are certain signs that you should watch for. Cats are considered unsprayed females until they reach about three weeks of pregnancy. Their nipples become larger and darker than normal, indicating that they are pregnant. A pregnant cat may even start producing milk after giving birth. Vomiting is not a definite sign of pregnancy, but your cat may be suffering from some other health issues.