Cats can sense pregnancy
Cats have a remarkably strong sense of smell and can detect even the slightest change in odors. This allows them to detect the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. According to Dr. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinary consultant, “Cats do seem to sense when their humans are pregnant, even in early stages.”1 A cat’s sense of smell is 14 times stronger than a human’s, so it makes sense they can pick up on the different hormones and pheromones released during pregnancy.
Around 4-6 weeks into a pregnancy, the progesterone levels rise rapidly. This hormonal change likely alters a pregnant woman’s natural scent. Cats may pick up on this shift and cling to their pregnant owner more often. A cat’s strong sense of smell allows them to detect even the slightest change in odor, letting them sense a pregnancy early on.
The baby’s movements fascinate cats
Cats are very observant and fascinated by movement. As the baby moves in the womb, a cat may stare trying to understand the source of the motion. According to Verywell Family, cats have a keen sense of hearing and can pick up on sounds from the womb as early as 16 weeks 1. A cat may stop and intently focus its gaze on the pregnant belly when it detects motion or sounds. While the cat does not comprehend that a human baby is moving inside, the sensation piques its natural curiosity.
Cats often react to stimuli that humans cannot detect. So subtle sensations from the womb likely catch the cat’s attention even if the pregnant woman does not notice. Cats stare at pregnant bellies because the movements and sounds are fascinating sensory input for these observant creatures.
Cats are protective of their territory
A pregnant belly represents a big change coming to a cat’s environment. As territorial creatures, cats like their surroundings to remain stable and predictable. When a cat notices signs that a major change is on the horizon, it may react by staring intently at the source of the impending change – your growing pregnant belly.
By staring at your belly, your cat is essentially trying to come to terms with the fact that a new member will soon be joining your family and disrupting the status quo. Some cats may even act out with behaviors like aggression or marking their territory in an attempt to exert control over their changing environment.
According to experts, as your pregnancy progresses, some cats may become more attentive and affectionate as a way of “welcoming” the incoming baby. However, other cats may withdraw or hide more. Be patient with your cat and give it time to adjust to the idea of a new family member. Provide plenty of affection and dedicated playtime so your cat feels comfortable and secure despite the changes on the horizon.[1]
Cats Like Warmth
One reason a cat may stare intently at a pregnant belly is that pregnant women tend to give off more body heat. According to sources like this article, pregnant women often feel hotter due to increased blood flow and hormones changes. The pregnant belly in particular can feel noticeably warmer, as noted in this Reddit thread.
Cats are drawn to warmth and will often curl up on or near heat sources. So a pregnant belly, which gives off extra warmth due its increased blood flow, is an appealing spot for a cat to rest. The cat staring intently at the belly may simply be enjoying the radiating warmth and coziness.
Cats show affection by staring
One of the reasons a cat may stare intently at you is simply to show affection. Cats stare at people they are bonded with as a way to communicate trust and love. According to Purina, cats make eye contact and stare at owners they feel closely connected to [1]. When staring affectionately, a cat may blink slowly, look at you through half-closed eyelids, or make “eye kisses.” Eye kisses occur when the cat stares intently with a soft gaze [2]. So if your cat is making long eye contact, know that it may just be their way of showing you some love.
Cats are curious creatures
Cats are innately curious animals. Their curiosity helps them adapt to new environments and situations. According to Basepaws, cats’ curiosity aids their ability to find ways to protect themselves. When a cat sees a pregnant owner’s belly growing and changing shape, this fascinates their curious nature.
As Conservation Cub Club explains, cats’ curious behavior often stems from past experiences, instinct, and sensing environmental changes. The changing shape of a pregnant belly presents a new situation that intrigues a cat’s natural curiosity.
Your scent changes when pregnant
A cat’s sense of smell is very acute. They notice the hormonal changes through scent. Cats have a Jacobson’s organ in the roof of their mouth that detects pheromones and other scents. This gives them a far superior sense of smell compared to humans.
When a woman becomes pregnant, her body chemistry changes in preparation for carrying a child. The hormonal fluctuations cause changes in her natural scent. Your cat may pick up on this shift in odor and become very interested in your scent. This is likely why cats stare intently at their pregnant owner’s belly. They are investigating the new smells.
Cats don’t understand human pregnancy
From a cat’s view, a growing pregnant belly may seem perplexing and concerning. Staring is your cat trying to understand the changes. Cats do not have the cognitive ability to comprehend the concept of human pregnancy and the stages involved[1]. Unlike their feline counterparts, they do not experience pregnancy themselves. Your growing belly and changing scent signals something unfamiliar happening, which can make some cats wary or unsettled[2].
While your cat may recognize that you are nurturing new life, they cannot connect the abstract idea to your physical changes. The intensity of your cat’s staring may simply reflect their bewilderment and attempts at discernment. With loving patience and reassurance, you can help your confused kitty adjust to your pregnancy changes.
Recommendations for cat owners
There are several tips cat owners can follow to help their cats adjust to a pregnancy:
- Keep routines consistent. Cats thrive on routine, so try to feed them, play with them, and clean their litter box at the usual times.
- Give your cat affection. Make sure to give your cat plenty of love and attention so they don’t feel neglected.
- Use calming plugins. Consider using calming plugins like Feliway to help relax your cat.
- Give your cat their own safe space. Provide a spot like a cat bed or cardboard box that is just for your cat.
- Try not to scold or punish. Your cat may act out during your pregnancy, but try not to react angrily.
- Consult your vet. Talk to your veterinarian if your cat is struggling to adjust.
Making some small adjustments can help your cat feel comfortable and accept the major changes happening in their home environment.
When to be concerned
While it’s normal for cats to show some changes in behavior during their owner’s pregnancy, certain signs could indicate your cat is stressed or anxious about the changes happening in their environment. Look out for the following signs of stress in cats and consult a vet if you have concerns:
- Inappropriate urination like peeing outside the litter box
- Aggression such as biting or hissing
- Over-grooming, excessive licking, or hair loss
- Changes in appetite or refusing food
- Hiding or avoiding contact
- Vocalizing more, including meowing, yowling or growling
According to abc.net.au, behaviors that indicate stress can be symptoms of underlying health issues like cystitis. It’s a good idea to have your vet check your cat if you notice significant changes in their behavior during pregnancy. With patience, understanding and gentle introductions, most cats can adapt to the new family member arriving.