You’re expecting a real baby, I mean a human baby. If you are a cat mom then you may notice that their behavior has started to change or maybe they have been acting a little weird before your test. If you find yourself saying I’m pregnant and my cat won’t leave me alone you may not be the only one!
Hightlight
A cat Might be attracted to a pregnant woman because a cat can detect a woman’s change earliest from her earliest pregnancy.
I’m Pregnant and My Cat Won’t Leave Me Alone, Why?
I’m pregnant and my cat follows me everywhere! If this sounds like you, you may not be alone. Many animal behaviorists have found our feline friends can actually detect you are pregnant before you! From hormone changes, higher body temperature, and of course your growing belly your furry companions may seek more love, and attention and take on a protective responsibility.
Cats and Pregnancy
Cats are one of the most popular pets to have at home. Alongside snuggles and playtime, your cat is very in tune to any changes that go on in the home. You may find that they display a change in behavior as soon as you recognize your pregnancy but how long have they been extra clingy? Have they demonstrated a more protective role around the home or are they enjoying the fact you are doing less physical jobs? Can a cat tell if you’re pregnant?
Read further as we dig deeper to find out what funny characteristics our feline friends may display when you’re expecting.
Are Cats Attracted To Pregnant Women?
You may find that your little fur ball is never far from your side and since you have found out you’re expecting they tend to follow you or snuggle more often. There are very real reasons why your furball is acting a little odd.
‣ Notice a Change in Behavior
Whether you have just found out or have a little bump beginning to grow your behavior changes. You tend to shy away from those more physically demanding tasks and take on the lighter chores around the house.
Don’t be fooled to think your lazy kitty cat isn’t paying attention in fact they are extremely aware of your change in behavior however slight.
‣ Feeling Hot
When you fall pregnant your body temperature increases due to added blood volume and well, you’re growing an actual human! As your body ticks away and your baby gets bigger so will you get hotter!
Cats are lovers of cuddles and warm spaces hence you find them basking in the sunlight on window sills. With your internal furnace turned up to max your cat will notice from miles away and love those extra snuggles on your lap. You may start to think ‘my cat is obsessed with me being pregnant and you have just provided them with the comfiest warmest napping Station in the house!
‣ Happy Hormones
It is no shock that with pregnancy comes hormonal changes. The surges of hCG, estrogen, and progesterone won’t only put your body into a tizz. Your cat has super scent thanks to the 200 million receptors in their tiny little noses. These hormones can make your natural scent shift. I’m not saying you will be a smelly mountain walking around but the surges in these pheromones can be detected by your furball. Their noses are sharp, so sharp that their sense of smell is around 40 times stronger than ours which is why you may be getting extra attention from your cat whilst pregnant.
As these hormones settle, your baby will be developing at a miraculous rate. Thanks to the folds and shape of cat ears they may be able to hear sounds on a magnified level. Some people actually believe they can hear your baby’s heartbeat. How magical is that! Your fur baby and real baby get to bond before their birth!
What Changes Do You Notice?
If you find that your male cat won’t leave a pregnant female alone whether it’s you or someone in your home you may detect changes in their behavior. Many owners have found that the change in behavior has actually made them take a test.
Does this mean that your cat could know about your pregnancy before you? Before you run to the drug store to buy a test let’s look at some common behavior traits they can display.
‣ Clingy Obsessed
If you are thinking i’m pregnant and my cat won’t leave me alone you could be dealing with a clingy cat then it could be the fact they are sensing a new life inside you. As mentioned their hearing is magnified so they could be listening in on all the goings on in your tummy.
Being pregnant also means that you don’t do as much around the home so if you are sitting on the sofa more often, this is a signal for cat cuddles. Your cat may swoop in for those extra snuggles that are clearly on offer! Alongside this, your temperature is higher so they may just like the warmth you are giving off!
Whilst you can lavish your cat with lots of attention, be careful not to overdo it otherwise it may backfire when your baby arrives and you don’t have as much time on your hands.
‣ Aggressive
This pulls us in so many directions, finding aggressive or poor behavior after finding out you are pregnant doesn’t mean your cat is resisting the changes going on but as you may be aware your life has spun in a different direction completely and it will continue to do so when the baby arrives.
Any bad behavior needs to be addressed immediately. Cats are sensitive creatures that love their daily habits, so one slight change and you could be facing a destructive kitty.
Make sure you are showing your cat the same love and affection they are your babies and any slight change can make their behavior spiral.
Remember behavior no matter whether it is good or bad gets attention and in your cat’s book, any attention is good right now.
‣ Vocal
Are you surrounded by a constant meow? As annoying as this may be it is your cat telling you he needs your attention. As mentioned the need for attention in this crazy period in their lives maybe even more so now.
Cats are sensitive to change and their need for more attention may only be noticed by them becoming more vocal.
‣ Protective
Having an overprotective cat doesn’t mean that they are protecting you or the baby but they could be fighting to protect your relationship and status within the house. Finding they are more clingy or acting out may be their way of saying “don’t forget about me, mom.”
As a mom myself I understand that your attention is going to be pulled in so many directions between chores, and caring for your baby, it is easy to overlook the usual routine you have with your cat.
During busy periods of your day take note of how your cat is around the house giving them a little love can help reassure them your relationship is still the same.
‣ Jealous
It is not uncommon for cats and other animals to display acts of jealousy toward you when pregnant.
Having an envious cat can come with a range of difficult behaviors as they are creatures of habit; anything happening out of the norm can be off putting for them.
Keeping to their routines can help show them they are just as important as your unborn baby and help form a bond when the baby is born.
Can I Be Normal Around My Cat When Pregnant?
Of course, you can be normal around your cat whilst pregnant. You could even sneak in a few extra cuddles whilst you put your feet up. Needless to say, there are many myths around having a cat whilst pregnant.
“I can’t let my cat lay on my tummy”
This is totally untrue, even though you may have a big cat they would never be heavy enough to do any harm to your baby. The extra heat you may wish to keep an eye on but generally, it is perfectly fine to keep your snuggles and lap time the same.
Ensuring that your cat is cared for throughout your pregnancy can solidify their need for attention and affection after all they are going through a life change too!
The only thing you need to be aware of is the stinky job of sorting the litter tray. Air borne parasites found in cat poop can have catastrophic effects on your unborn baby. Known as Toxoplasmosis, it is essential that you stay clear from this job.
Not a bad chore to pass to your partner!
Wrapping Up
There are lots of reasons you are thinking I’m pregnant and my cat won’t leave me alone.
As we have identified, cats can detect changes from the earliest point in your pregnancy. This can cause behavior changes from becoming obsessed to completely detached and aggressive.
No matter what way your cat is reacting you should ensure there are ways to help them adjust just like you would for a human sibling.
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