Pregnancy in a Calico Cat

A calico cat gets into mischief.

Pregnancy in cats is a fairly common condition. In a study conducted by the University of Tennessee in 1996, cats within the United States had approximately 18 million litters of kittens, both planned and accidental. The information surrounding pregnancy in cats does not differ whether the cat is calico, tabby or solid colored.

Definition

The word "calico" refers to the coloring of a cat. Calicos are tri-colored cats with patches of red, black and white. Calico cats can be any breed or breed mix, but are usually female due to the genetic markers that carry the specific coloring.

Time Frame

A cat's pregnancy lasts approximately nine weeks. It is nearly impossible to tell whether a cat is pregnant until three weeks into the pregnancy.

Effects

A female cat will miss her next "heat" period. Her nipples will swell and turn bright pink. She will sleep more and eat more. Her stomach will swell and she will exhibit nesting behaviors in preparation for the birth of her kittens.

Misconceptions

Calico cats will not always give birth to calico kittens. The genetic markers for calico coloring are highly unpredictable. It is impossible to tell whether a calico cat will give birth to even one calico kitten.

Prevention

The only sure way to prevent pregnancy in a calico cat is to spay your cat. Spaying is a routine surgical procedure that removes the cat's ovaries and uterus, leaving the cat unable to bear a litter.

References

• "Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science;" "Birth and Death Rate Estimates of Cats and Dogs in US Households;" John C. New, William J. Kelch, Jennifer M. Hutchison, Mo D. Salman, Mike King, Janet M. Scarlett, Philip H. Kass; 2004
• "Cats are not Peas: A Calico History of Genetics;" Laura L. Gould; 2008
• "Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction, Third Edition;" Edward C. Feldman DVM DACVIM, Richard W. Nelson DVM; 2003