False Pregnancy in Cats
Key takeaways
False pregnancy is a common and normal part of the reproductive cycle of intact female cats.
- False pregnancy is characterized by hormonal and physiologic changes consistent with pregnancy, even though the cat is not pregnant
- Cats usually do not ovulate until they mate, and false pregnancy is caused by common, normal hormonal fluctuations
- Unsuccessful fertilization or spontaneous ovulation in an unbred cat can lead to a false pregnancy
- Mammary development and lactation may be symptoms, but most are asymptomatic
- False pregnancy is suspected anytime a cat takes longer than ten days to return to heat if unbred or if she fails to deliver kittens after being bred
- Blood work and abdominal imaging can confirm the diagnosis
- No treatment is needed as the condition resolves with time
- Prognosis is excellent, but may reoccur
Chat with our licensed vet techs in the app to learn more and have your questions answered.
A closer look: False Pregnancy in Cats
False pregnancy in cats is very common and considered a normal part of the feline estrus cycle. There is no breed or age predisposition and all intact female cats go through this at some point during their lives.
Most cats do not display symptoms of false pregnancy unless a secondary infection develops. Any cat displaying lethargy, a decrease in appetite, or vaginal discharge needs prompt veterinary attention.
Connect with a vet to get more information
Risk factors
Rare symptoms are:
- Nesting behavior
- Milk production
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
While lactation in falsely pregnant queens is extremely rare, mammary gland infections (mastitis) are possible with lactation. Infected mammary glands are warm, painful, and typically have dark, bloody discharge.
A uterine infection (pyometra) is another life threatening condition that can also develop during a false pregnancy.
Possible causes
False pregnancy is caused by fluctuations in reproductive hormones.
Cats are induced ovulators and normally only ovulate if mating occurs. Sometimes ovulation occurs spontaneously (without mating), and this may also lead to false pregnancy. The cause of spontaneous ovulation is unknown and is thought to occur occasionally in normal queens.
False pregnancy may also occur after ovulation if the oocytes (immature eggs) are not successfully fertilized following mating.
Occasionally cats undergoing a spay (ovariohysterectomy) while in heat may experience a false pregnancy. Mammary development may occur as a result of a sudden drop in progesterone levels that mimics the sudden drop in progesterone that accompanies birth. This condition resolves with time.
Main symptoms
Heat, or estrus, is the time during a cat’s reproductive cycle when they are most fertile and receptive to mating. Cats usually go back into heat (estrus) within 10 days of the signs of heat fading if they are not bred. False pregnancy delays the return to heat, extending that time period. Most cats experiencing a false pregnancy are otherwise asymptomatic.
Uncommon symptoms are:
- Development of mammary glands
- Failure to deliver kittens in the expected time frame after a known breeding because the cat is not actually pregnant
A delayed return to estrus can be easily missed, but typical symptoms of estrus include:
- Excessive vocalization
- Rolling around
- Excessive attention-seeking
- Raising the hindquarters
- Raising and twitching the tail
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnostics can be pursued if the queen fails to go back into heat after approximately ten days, but this is often not necessary as the condition resolves on its own. Diagnostics include blood work and abdominal radiographs or ultrasound.
Steps to Recovery
No treatment is typically needed, but spaying eliminates the condition.
Even though lactation during false pregnancy is rare, cold compresses and avoiding milk release can help shut down milk production and ease discomfort from engorgement.
False pregnancy lasts for 35-40 days. Prognosis for false pregnancy is excellent and does not impact future fertility.
Prevention
False pregnancy does not occur in cats that have been spayed.
False pregnancy is not contagious.
Is False Pregnancy in Cats common?
False pregnancy is common in cats but significant symptoms beyond a delayed return to heat are very uncommon.
Typical Treatment
False pregnancy resolves without intervention as progesterone levels naturally decline. Spaying prevents future episodes.
