Accepted Answer

Hello, Liz, and thanks for your question.

A cat's pregnancy lasts on average, 63 days or about 9 weeks. At about 3 weeks along, her teats would begin to look a little bigger, a deeper pink in color, and there might be some hair loss around them.

There is a condition called 'false pregnancy', where a female cat may exhibit symptoms similar to a real pregnancy, and you can read more about this, here:

http://www.cat-pregnancy-report.com/cat-pregnancy-signs.html

http://www.cat-pregnancy-report.com/false-pregnancy-in-cats.html

It's possible that she's putting on weight because she's no longer a stray and is eating well, since she's been with you, however, it would be a good idea to have her seen by the vet to determine whether or not she's pregnant and/or if there are any underlying medical problems. Unspayed cats can develop a serious uterine infection called pyometra, and pus/fluid accumulating in the uterus can cause a pregnant appearance.

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/pyometra.html

Another serious condition called FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) can also cause fluid build up in the abdominal cavity, but she would most likely be acting ill, so if she seems fine, that's good.

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/fip.html

Since Gran Canaria has a big problem with stray cats, she was in close contact with many others before you took her in, and many communicable feline diseases are out there. When you have her evaluated by the vet, if she's not pregnant, she should be tested for all feline diseases, and if she's negative, she will be vaccinated and protected.

I hope all will be well with your furry girl!

Cher

Edited by Jessesmom on 6/30/2009 at 6:06 PM

Expert:	Jessesmom
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Answered:	6/30/2009

Feline Specialist Health/Behavior

Feline Healthcare and Behavior Specialist 40+ years Experience