Do cats feel their owners’ pregnancy and how exactly?
Did you know that our beloved felines are considered the most sensitive among pets. The opinion of many zoological scientists is confirmed by numerous studies of cats. They have well-developed feelings:
- vision;
- sense of smell;
- hearing;
- sensation of taste;
- touch;
- sense of balance;
- sense of temperature, time and place.
These amazing animals are endowed with nine senses. Therefore, it is absolutely clear that such an important event in the life of any woman as pregnancy does not go unnoticed by them even in the early stages.
It has always been believed that cats sense various changes in the human body, lie down on a sore spot, and take away the pain.
As with dogs, there is no scientific evidence that cats are sensitive to pregnancy, but these pets also often exhibit behavioral changes.
For example, a cat that has never come into your arms before may begin to come and lie on your stomach.
Pregnancy and a cat in the house are not always dangerous
Since ancient times, humans have been accompanied by pets. And quite often, when a purring beauty lives in the house, and her owner is preparing to become a mother, doctors and all acquaintances unanimously suggest getting rid of the pet during pregnancy. The main reason on which the doctor’s arguments are based is the risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. But pregnancy and a cat in the house are not only a risk of contracting a dangerous disease. After all, a fluffy pet gives incredible affection, warmth and only positive emotions. These are very sensitive animals and from the first days cats feel pregnancy and with their affectionate attitude they express their special care for their beloved owner.
Pregnancy and a cat in the house: pros and cons.
First of all, every pregnant woman should know that the danger of contracting a common cat disease, toxoplasmosis, really exists. This disease does not pose any threat to an adult, but for a pregnant woman, infection with such a disease will cause irreparable harm, which leads to the worst thing: developmental defects of the unborn child and even the death of the fetus. That is why a cat and the owner’s pregnancy is a problem that should be taken more than seriously, and in order to avoid infection, all preventive recommendations should be followed. If a woman cannot make up her mind and does not want to give away her pet, even temporarily, then the first thing that must be done is to contact a veterinarian to have the cat examined and vaccinated against toxoplasmosis. Almost all domestic cats that have access to the street have contracted this disease.
How a cat can sense its owner's pregnancy
Is it true that a cat can feel its owner’s pregnancy before others find out about it? This is unlikely, this cannot happen! - those who have neither a cat nor a dog will answer. But most owners of four-legged friends will answer this question in the affirmative. Although no scientific experiments have been conducted and there is no evidence that pets can smell a woman’s pregnancy, you can find hundreds of messages on forums confirming this fact.
There are mothers who claim that their cats sensed pregnancy even before they saw 2 stripes on the test.
Girls, I had a similar incident at home. There are three kindred spirits living in our house, my husband, me and Kitty (our cat). So, as soon as I became pregnant and didn’t know it yet, Kitty began to lie on my tummy and purr. At first I thought that she was just basking, but now I mean that she knew in advance that the baby was there and told me about it.
My lady cat is capricious, she does everything on her own, she caresses when she wants or asks for food. And here, as soon as I lie down on the sofa, he immediately runs, purrs and climbs on top of me. I explained to her that she can’t lie on her stomach, she now lies on her chest or shoulder and purrs, and even so loudly. I just can't be happier when she lies like that.
And my cat constantly lays on his stomach, before he lay down at his full length, he is healthy and stretched out on me from chest to knees))) but now he curls up on his stomach as soon as I lie down or sit down. And so neatly, it used to plop down like a piece of meat, but now it lays down so carefully and purrs like a tractor) although I thought only cats were sensitive to the health of their owners, but it seems that cats are no worse either))
No matter how affectionate a cat may be, pregnant women should make a serious decision whether to leave it in the house or give it to someone for a while, because it is very difficult to predict the behavior of an animal, and besides, many talk about the danger - toxoplasmosis.
I have two cats at home. I know about toxoplasmosis. But something else surprises me. My Siamese literally won't let me lie still. I have a short period of time - it’s the sixth week. But she doesn't get off me. As soon as I lie down, he flies towards me, climbs onto my stomach, and does this with great caution, lies down and begins to purr tenderly. My husband is no less surprised than I am. Maybe she feels something?
I have a cat who is terribly wayward, not particularly affectionate, and in general it was not always possible to pet him. As soon as I became pregnant, he went crazy, while I’m at home he doesn’t leave my side, he constantly sleeps near my stomach or between my legs, without him I can’t go to the bath or to the toilet, he starts meowing loudly.
There are a lot of similar messages. But cats do not always react positively to their owner’s pregnancy. It happens that fluffies become aggressive, do not want to be handled and even hide from the owner.
And how they changed my cat! He used to purr, always meet me, spin around under my feet! And with the onset of pregnancy, he began to scare me ((My husband goes to work in the morning and the cat goes under the sofa, comes home from work in the evening and comes out... So my cat, on the contrary, avoids me ((
How does a cat manage to sense its owner's pregnancy? It turns out that cats carefully watch us, pick up changes in human behavior, mood, and perfectly understand body language.
The owner began to move more carefully, showed less activity and devoted less time to the fluffy beauty - a clear sign of impending changes. Here the cat is cuddling.
Whether or not to believe that a cat can feel its owner’s pregnancy is a purely personal matter. Everyone draws their own conclusions. For example, after reading messages on forums and talking with pregnant women whose cats prefer to spend their free time on their owner’s belly, I believed that they could feel pregnancy.
Let's consider how, with the help of its feelings, a cat is able to learn about a significant event in the life of every girl.
We invite you to read: What tastes do cats not feel?
Smell is one of the most important means of obtaining information from a pet about the surrounding world. Home furnishings, people, everything is subject to careful study. Furry pets are especially sensitive to new smells of people, especially their owners. A woman carrying a fetus changes her hormonal levels, her body emits new aromas that are involuntarily detected by the cat.
The entire cat family has excellent vision at dusk and at night. Cats are even credited with distinguishing colors. Everyone knows how much pets love to watch TV. Late pregnancy significantly changes a woman’s figure, which does not go unnoticed by the pet.
The owners know that where there is no dog, the cat is the best guard. The slightest rustle causes a tense reaction. The cat always felt and understood your intonation and your mood well. When a woman is expecting a baby, she involuntarily changes her gait, moving smoothly and more slowly. Her character and behavior changes.
Upon returning from the maternity hospital
The appearance of a baby in the house is stressful for any animal.
This is due to the fact that life changes, smells and sounds unfamiliar to the cat arise. You can reduce this stress to a minimum in simple ways: • Periodically apply baby cream or lotion to the skin so that the animal has the opportunity to get used to this smell. • Don't let your cat sleep on your lap, but train her to rest quietly at your feet instead. • Do not allow the animal to enter the nursery before arriving from the hospital. • If the child will sleep with the parents, the bed must be purchased in advance so that the cat gets used to the new furniture. • When the baby begins to crawl, it is better to remove the cat's bowls away and feed the pet on time. At first, the animal may behave inappropriately. To prevent this from happening, you need to give the cat the opportunity to sniff the baby, but not lick it. It is necessary to pet your pet upon returning from the hospital. You should not constantly drive the animal away from you, because... this will increase his jealousy. It’s better to let the cat watch your actions, and when the baby grows up, she will get along well with him.
Sensation of temperature
Cats love warm, comfortable places in winter. They lie in a draft, cool, if it is a hot and stuffy summer. Your pet can feel the change in your body temperature during pregnancy, bask on your lap, or rub against your stomach.
Careful observation of changes in the behavior of your pet allows you to answer the question in the affirmative: do cats feel pregnancy? Ironically, they know this before the parents and the baby’s father. And the wonderful mystery of the birth of a new life is not a secret to them.
Can cats sense a woman's pregnancy?
Cats, like dogs, have lived next to us for many centuries. These outwardly cute, proud and self-sufficient animals are endowed with special abilities - they clearly react to changes occurring in the external environment, and are excellent hunters and observers. The pet evaluates changes in a person’s mood, understands that he is ill or is experiencing emotional problems. Can cats sense their owner's pregnancy? Most owners of furry “roommates” answer this question only in the affirmative.
Why do cats react to pregnancy? To get an answer, you need to consider several criteria:
- changes in a woman’s physical condition during pregnancy;
- instability of mood and changed emotionality, anxiety of the expectant mother;
- actions related to the purchase of children's things and arrangement of the apartment.
A cat can feel its owner's pregnancy early, in the first months, weeks, even days after conception. Such insight is understandable, because special processes occur in a woman’s body, which are expressed by noticeable physiological changes:
- hormonal changes occur with signs of toxicosis - nausea, vomiting, reactions from the digestive system and intestines;
- body temperature rises slightly;
- the frequency of urination changes, the urine acquires a different smell;
- vaginal discharge becomes profuse.
Pets can't help but notice these bright signs. It is at such times that they become restless, try to accompany their owner, lie down next to her, and like to climb onto her stomach. They purr intensely and perform a “massage” with their paws.
The unborn baby is actively developing, while the woman’s belly is growing, inside of which a heartbeat can be heard and the activity of the fetus is felt. At the same time, the pregnant woman’s gait and movements become cautious and measured, her breathing quickens, and shortness of breath appears. Cats feel these metamorphoses. Animals have a developed natural curiosity; the pet watches what is happening with interest and accompanies the woman. Lie down next to him, listen, purr loudly and start rubbing his stomach - the favorite actions of most furry apartment dwellers.
Some cats negatively perceive the new state of their owner and regularly confirm their disagreement with her new situation with their actions - they show aggression, attack and hiss. Experts are inclined to explain this behavior by the animal’s fear of being expelled from its home, not being fed, as something incomprehensible is happening in the life of its owner.
Cats sense their owner's pregnancy for another reason. The period of waiting for a baby is a special psychological state accompanied by signs:
- increased emotionality;
- mood swings;
- frequent occurrence of anxiety;
- excessive vulnerability, tearfulness;
- a tendency to hysterics, sometimes to rage, and “loud” showdowns with others;
- a woman begins to think and feel in a new way.
A noticeable change in the owner’s usual behavior for the pet does not remain ignored on his part; he is able to feel that something wrong is happening. For some time the cat remains an outside observer, then carefully moves on to active actions. He begins to accompany his “ward” everywhere, gets under her feet, rubs against them.
Most cats correct emotional changes in a pregnant owner by lying on her stomach or next to it, calming the woman down with rhythmic, loud purring. Sound therapy is accompanied by repetitive movements - the cat rubs its muzzle against a part of the pregnant woman’s body, which is one of the methods of cat “psychotherapy”.
Firstly, if you have animals, they need to be checked by a veterinarian for parasites and given all the necessary vaccinations.
Next, for prevention, you need to regularly give them anti-worm medications.
If you feed your pet meat, it should not be raw or undercooked to again avoid infection with parasites.
You should use gloves to wash your animal's litter box. It’s even better to have a family member take on these responsibilities during your pregnancy.
Of course, you should always wash your hands after handling an animal.
You should not pet or touch animals outdoors.
How to avoid infections during pregnancy?
There is a high probability of becoming infected with something from a person, and not from an animal.
After all, communication takes place with a huge number of people, and there is usually only one cat at home. Some expectant mothers, having heard about toxoplasmosis, rush to get rid of their pet by any means possible, without delving into the essence of the problem. According to statistics, approximately 1% of pregnant women become infected with this infection, and only in every fifth the disease passes to the fetus. To avoid being included in these statistics, one simply needs to undergo a study and determine whether their body is able to resist the disease.
Cats only spread the infection through their feces. Women just need to be more careful and protect themselves from working in the garden, and clean the animal’s toilet only with gloves and every day. It’s better to assign this responsibility to someone else.
It is necessary to pay attention to the animal’s diet so that it does not eat cheese, meat, or rodents. Your cat needs to be vaccinated. It wouldn't hurt to give her deworming medicine and treat her for fleas.
Can pets benefit their pregnant owner?
Animals can definitely benefit the expectant mother.
The purring of a cat, her sleeping in your arms and the opportunity to pet your pet can have a strong calming effect and lift your spirits, which is often necessary for expectant mothers.
Both cats and dogs have a very positive effect on the nervous system of the expectant mother. Of course, provided that she loves her pets.
In addition, for example, you need to walk your dog. And for the expectant mother, walks in the fresh air and physical activity are very important.
Cats are born hunters, and this cannot be taken away from them. They chase rolling toys, laser fire, sparrows and mice. Having brought another bird from the street to your door, he shares the spoils with you and thanks you for your boundless love. Don't forget to praise the furry animal for showing such incredible generosity. He needs this so much. Otherwise, the cat may be offended, and you will be left without “gifts” in the future.
Buying a dowry for a baby, repairs
Cats sense a woman's pregnancy by her everyday behavior. Preparing for the birth of a child from the first days of his expectation involves actions that are noticeable to the cat. New things are bought and brought into the house - baby clothes, a crib, a stroller, cosmetics for the baby. All items are disinfected, washed, laundered and dried.
Cats experience particular anxiety when future parents begin renovations. The usual atmosphere in the house collapses, pungent odors, new objects, and prohibitions appear. Based on these signs, the animal feels that something new is expected, becomes observant, and pays increased attention to the owner.
A cat behaves in a special way next to a pregnant girl. This statement is true - the animals really feel the new state of the mistress.
No aggression
Cats aged 1 to 5 years are more loyal to children.
They are no longer so active and receptive, and at the same time, they are not yet irritable from old age. It is imperative to take into account the pet’s character before bringing a child into the house. It is necessary to observe the cat how it reacts when it hears loud sounds. You need to pat her ears and tail, look straight into her eyes and move her paws one by one. The animal must behave calmly. If this makes him angry or enraged, it is better to give the cat to friends to protect the baby.
Usually cats perceive children as their own and do not get angry at the child’s pranks. It’s good if the animal is smooth-haired, there is an opinion that fluffy breeds can cause allergies in the baby, or, on the contrary, strengthen the immune system, since the child’s body begins to produce antibodies to the wool.
Is it true that dogs sense their owner's pregnancy?
There is no scientific evidence that dogs sense their owner's pregnancy. But these pets are definitely aware that changes are happening to the woman, and they react to this quite differently.
There are a huge number of cases where a dog’s behavior changed along with the onset of a woman’s pregnancy.
Some dogs begin to intensely protect their pregnant owner: they growl at anyone who approaches her or tries to touch her belly, or, on the contrary, they move away from the woman.
In many ways, the animal’s reaction depends on the owner; if she begins to constantly drive the dog away from her, then the pet may feel unnecessary and offended.
Cats can express their love through playing with their owner. At a young age, kittens play for so long that they never seem to get tired. They can scratch, bite and get real pleasure from it. The family member who receives more attention is usually the animal’s favorite.
Sometimes this cat habit seems ridiculous to us. Why did the cat raise its tail again and poke its butt in the owner’s face? The answer is simple. This is how she shows you her trust and affection, and also greets you. Know that she will not perform this ritual with the “first person she meets.” You are among the chosen ones. This habit also takes its roots from cat childhood, when kittens thus greeted their mother returning from the hunt.
How dangerous is toxoplasmosis during pregnancy?
Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy is a parasitic disease that affects people and animals. Since the disease is parasitic, the main “host” of this disease is cats, since it is the stomach of this animal that is “adapted” to the development of toxoplasma. In most cases, toxoplasmosis is not dangerous to humans.
Toxoplasmosis is transmitted through the mouth. Together with food, pathogens enter the digestive tract. Toxoplasma is found not only in the feces of infected cats, but also in meat (most often pork, lamb, venison), and on the street (in dust and dirt). For non-pregnant women, the disease is practically asymptomatic. Sometimes the lymph nodes become inflamed (cervical and occipital most often), the temperature rises, slight malaise and fatigue appear, as well as a headache - all this is normal for the course of the disease. Cases of severe disease in humans are extremely rare.
Is it true that dogs sense their owner's pregnancy?
Is it true that cats and dogs sense their owner’s pregnancy? Most pet owners can confidently say “yes!” And although there is no scientific evidence to support this theory, many women claim that their pet sensed pregnancy before they themselves knew or suspected it.
Research suggests that some dogs, for example, can smell cancer, so it is possible that they can also smell the changes in a woman's body that occur during pregnancy.
We all know that animals have a much sharper sense of smell than humans. Animals can remember a person by his smell.
While carrying a baby, the expectant mother undergoes many changes in her body. Also, against the background of hormonal changes, a woman’s scent may also change, but only her pet will be able to smell it.
In addition, the animal may notice changes in your behavior. For example, you will start going to bed earlier, stop going to work, your gait may change, new habits will appear, etc.
The pet will also notice external changes over time.
The cat lies on my stomach: does he feel the pregnancy?
From time immemorial, pets have accompanied humans, experiencing with them the sorrows and joys of life, including pregnancy. The owner of the purr was most likely wondering: “The cat is lying on my stomach. Does he know about the baby? »
Of course, it has not been officially proven that people with mustaches feel or even have any idea about a person’s pregnancy. However, there are many examples that speak and confirm this fact. Cats, however, like dogs, can detect the slightest changes in the behavior, mood, and hormonal levels of the owner. They are excellent at reading and understanding body language.
Careful movements and decreased activity by a woman can give the pet a sign that something is happening. Changes in the usual way of life (for example, less attention is paid to a mustachioed pet) is also a clear sign of impending change.
He sleeps on your lap
It's no secret that cats sleep a lot. Scientists have calculated that they can spend up to 16 hours sleeping every day. At the same time, they feel the most vulnerable and defenseless, so they choose only the safest place to relax. Well, if the cat lay down on your lap and fell asleep sweetly, this means that she feels completely safe next to her owner.
