If you still didn’t know, cats can detect pregnancy even in its early stages. And yes, cats do get clingy when you’re pregnant. One of the fascinating things about cats is their reaction when someone is pregnant. Cats have a keen sense that detects changes in a pregnant woman’s body, and their response is quite remarkable.
But what makes such pets clingy? How do they detect pregnancy?
If you’re as curious as I am, you have already searched for quite a while.
Lucky for you, I compiled all that I found to make it easier for you.
Let’s get into it!
Contents
How do cats act when the owner is pregnant?
The short and simple answer to this is that your pet tends to approach you more and rub their bodies around yours.
So yes, they do become clingy. But why is that?
A pregnant woman tends to have a warmer temperature
According to HealthLine, five factors make a body warmer during pregnancy.
- Hormonal changes
- Increase in blood volume
- Increase in heart rate
- Widening of blood vessels
- Extra heat from the body of the baby
Some of these factors already occur in the early stages of pregnancy. It’s also the reason why felines can sense pregnancy, even before the mom can.
They tend to approach pregnant women because their temperature elevates from regular.
Thus, for felines, a pregnant woman is none other than a comfortable place to stay.
They like warmth and like to stay somewhere warm, not only because they want.
More than anything, warm areas help them regulate their body temperature. Further, it also helps them to conserve their energy.
Thus, aloof cats that become more clingy towards their owner often indicate pregnancy.
You May Also Read – My cat does not recognize me
Other changes in the body that cats can sense
Aside from the body temperature, four other changes in a pregnant woman’s body may stir a cat. These things are:
Changes in the body chemistry
Even in the early stages of pregnancy, there’s already a change in body chemistry. Most of these changes concern the hormonal change.
Many new hormones are appearing in the body during pregnancy, and felines can sense it all.
Most of the time, these hormones also affect the scent of the body. Thus, with their keen sense of smell, they react to this as well.
Behavior changes
As the pregnancy period passes, behavior changes also take place. You may be eating more, or you may be getting tired quickly.
Thus, your pet may detect something wrong from the usual behaviors it sees from you if you are close to it.
Frequent mood swings
Mood swings come a long way, especially to pregnant women. Out of all the things, your mood probably affects your pet the most.
For this reason, your pet may react by either being gentler or by avoiding you frequently.
Change in posture and movement
In the late stages of pregnancy, it may be harder for you to move. Your back arches more, and your steps may be heavier.
Actions and movements that are unusual may force the cat to be skeptical about you.
Your feline friend’s clingy attitude comes from your body temperature. With a warm body, it may find your company a cozy and happy place to relax and knead.
Now, you may wonder if it’s alright to be near your pet when you’re pregnant.
Problem – My cat doesn’t want to come home
Can you be near a cat when pregnant?
Yes, you can be near a cat when you’re pregnant. At the same time, you can let your feline pet come to you and knead on you.
A cat kneads on you when you’re pregnant because it feels comfortable in your warmth.
On your side, having your cuddly kitty nearby can even be therapeutic and ease any pain or anxiety you’re having.
More than anything, it will give your feline friend the warmth and affection from you.
Still, you have to be careful, though. You can have your cat around but stay away from its litter as much as possible.
It’s because cat feces can carry a parasitic infection called toxoplasmosis. While this infection is treatable, let someone else deal with cat litter if possible.
Now, with this danger, does it mean you should get rid of your cat if you’re pregnant?
Anxiety and depression – can cats smell them? Learn more.
Should I get rid of my cat when pregnant?
Getting rid of your cat due to your pregnancy is unnecessary. While cat feces may harm your baby, it’s less likely to happen as long as you stay away from the litter.
If you don’t have anyone to clean it for you, wear gloves and a mask when you do. Afterward, wash your hand thoroughly and keep yourself disinfected at all times.
Aside from that, there are no other problems with your pregnancy and your pet.
You may even find bonding with your feline pet beneficial as you live life with a baby in your belly.
Cats are sweet and cuddly creatures, and they can be more affectionate to you when you’re pregnant.
Thus, there’s no need to get rid of it just because you are pregnant.
As long as you can take care of yourself and your pet, everything should be safe and okay.
In Summary
It’s quite fascinating to learn that cats get clingy to pregnant women. Despite the truth behind it, I bet we can all agree that it’s a sweet thing about felines.
Gentle and loving pets as they are, it’s no wonder why they can be quite fascinating to get as pets.
Thus, if it gets clingy on you, consider it as their affection towards you.
As a response, give it the affection by patting it back and cuddling with it as well.
Isn’t it amazing to learn this? Now, are you wondering if you can sleep with your cat during pregnancy? Then you might want to read our article about that.
Resources
HealthLine study about pregnancy heat
Image credits – Photos by Oleg Ivanov and Xavier Mouton Photographie on Unsplash
