Cat - Pregnancy Testing
Is it possible to have a blood test to tell whether my cat is pregnant?
Unfortunately, at the moment, there are no reliable blood tests that will detect pregnancy in the cat.
How can I tell if my cat is pregnant?
There are three basic techniques:
- Abdominal palpation. (feeling the belly) This is a useful technique but even with experience can be inaccurate. The earliest time to palpate is between 20 and 30 days of pregnancy. After about the 45th day foetal heads can usually be palpated (felt). At around one month most cats usually 'pink up' (i.e. develop reddened teats). The results of palpation are often more dependent upon the state of relaxation of the queen than the experience of the person carrying it out!
- Radiography (x-ray). This is a valuable technique for determining a rough number of foetuses and the state of foetal development. Uterine enlargement can be seen from about 17 days onwards. However, it is only when foetal skeletons are visible that pregnancy can be reliably confirmed. In the final two weeks of pregnancy the whole foetal skeleton can be seen. Counting skulls is the usual method of estimating the number of kittens.
Ultrasound scan. This is a very reliable method. Foetuses can often be detected as early as 3 weeks. By 28-30 days heart beats are visible. Negative results are time consuming since careful checking is necessary. A negative feline pregnancy result by ultrasound scan can be unreliable until after 4-5 weeks.
Will a scan determine the number of kittens my cat is likely to produce?
With cats ultrasonography is not very accurate in this respect as errors can occur. Radiography (x rays) is more accurate, particularly during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy.
We will be happy to discuss these options with you.
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Jun 24, 2008.
