You’ve been pregnant for a few months now, and the house is buzzing with anticipation. But, aside from that, you’re concerned about why your pet feline has suddenly become too clingy.
You may see your cat attempting to be around you and following you around the house on a regular basis. When they have a chance, they might even sleep on your belly. Such a shift in their behavior may leave you perplexed as to why they’ve become so attached to your stomach.
So, why does your cat lay on your stomach when you’re pregnant?
The reason why your cat tends to lay on your stomach when you’re pregnant is that your cat detects a distinct difference in your scent and presence. She also prefers to sleep on your tummy because your body temperature becomes higher, which is what cats prefer.
This article will talk about, why your cat becomes attracted to your pregnant belly.
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Can My Cat Sit On My Pregnant Belly?
Yes, your cat can sit on your pregnant belly.
Cat parents are concerned that if the cat sits on a pregnant woman’s belly, she will be too heavy, causing discomfort, birth problems, or miscarriage.
However, this is improbable, and even if your pet cat is a giant breed like the Maine Coon, a normal-sized cat is unlikely to be hefty enough to harm the infant.
Another source of concern among cat owners is that a cat’s body heat could endanger the unborn child. However, because a cat’s body temperature is insufficient to raise a human’s body temperature, this is also implausible.
Can A Cat Lay On Your Stomach While Pregnant?
Yes, a cat can lay on your stomach while you are pregnant.
Cats are sensitive creatures, which is why they prefer to lay on your tummy while you are nurturing a lovely life inside of you.
Cats have a keen sense of smell and are aware of even the tiniest changes in their surroundings.
They realize you’re bringing a new life into the world and bonding with it.
Because of the pregnancy hormones, there is a change in your fragrance that the cat can detect when you are pregnant.
When you’re pregnant, your average body temperature rises as well. The cat enjoys lying on your stomach and cuddling with you because of your warm tummy.
In general, it’s safe to allow most cats to lay on your stomach while you’re pregnant.
You should have no troubles as long as the cat isn’t too hefty and you’re comfortable. Large cats can be uncomfortable if they are allowed to rest on your stomach for an extended period of time, and cats that are agitated or aggressive should be handled with caution. After dealing with a cat, pregnant women should wash their hands.
Also, check out can i sleep with my cat while pregnant
While you’re pregnant, your cat may want to lie on your stomach or be close to you for a variety of reasons. One is simply that a pregnant person is going to be less active; if you’re more likely to spend more time in one location than if you’re racing around as normal, you provide a more appealing snuggle buddy.
Your cat may also want to spend time with you because your body temperature is higher during pregnancy.
When people are anticipating, they tend to run a little hotter than usual, which some cats enjoy. You might discover that your cat enjoys curling up with a nice, warm human heating pad.
Cats are also extremely sensitive to physical changes in humans. The hormonal changes triggered by pregnancy are both evident and fascinating to a cat.
Why does this known human suddenly have such a seductively different appearance and smell? Naturally, as the family’s feline supervisor, it is your cat’s responsibility to inspect the new bump and ensure that everything is in order.
Your cat may be able to sense and hear your baby’s heartbeat, and some cats appear to love feeling the baby kick.
You might also like to know about Do Cats Know When Baby Is Coming
Why Is My Cat Obsessed With My Pregnant Belly?
Your cat is obsessed with your pregnant belly because your temperature rises when you are pregnant which cats prefer, making you their human heat pad.
Cats are often reclusive and distant creatures, but when you become pregnant, they will suddenly begin stroking and purring against you. What is the reason for this?
Hormonal changes in expectant mothers cause them to produce more progesterone, estrogen, and HCG hormones.
These variations in hormonal levels can alter your regular scent, which cats can detect thanks to their superhero sense of smell.
Your cat will become attached to you during pregnancy since she’ll be curious as to why you’re smelling so different.
Second, your cat is looking for warmth. Cats have a greater body temperature than humans and prefer to cuddle with them.
Because pregnant women have a higher body temperature, cats will like cuddling with them.
Body language is detectable by cats. Changes in your mobility and the continuous napping that comes with pregnancy may make you appear vulnerable, prompting your feline companion to defend you.
Changes in your emotions can also be detected by cats. She will want to snuggle close to your pregnant abdomen if she detects you are angry or unhappy.
The most obvious reason your cat prefers to sleep on your pregnant belly is that you’re less active and maybe napping all the time. Because you’re constantly there, you’re a better snuggling buddy than if you’re racing around all day.
Also, check out about I’m pregnant and my cat follows me everywhere
Cat Purring On Pregnant Belly
Cat purring on a pregnant belly is generally safe as long as you are comfortable.
Cats are frequently incredibly solicitous of pregnant women, seeking to sit with them, lie on them, and purr on their bellies.
The household pet is frequently observed snuggling against the expectant mother, purring to the unborn child, and nuzzling or massaging her abdomen with loving paws.
Cats behave in a number of ways when presented with major life upheavals. The only thing you can expect is for your cat to react to everything that’s going on in some way, but it’s difficult to say how.
When their owner is pregnant, some cats turn into stage 5 clingers. Your solitary cat may begin to behave like a shadow, following you from room to room and requiring direct access to your personal area, and purring constantly when laying on your belly.
Also, check out is it safe to breathe in cat litter when pregnant
Can My Cat Hurt My Pregnant Belly?
No, it is highly unlikely that your cat could hurt your pregnant belly. However, cat owners have several concerns: –
1. Weight Of The Cat
The first concern expectant mothers have about allowing a cat to lie on their stomach is that she may be too heavy, causing discomfort, miscarriage, or even birth defects.
Even larger breeds like the British Shorthair or the Maine Coon aren’t heavy enough to harm a baby.
However, the part about being uncomfortable is correct. You’ll already be feeling enough pressure in your pelvis as your belly grows, so you don’t want to add to it.
Even though the growing fetus is protected by a pool of fluid, it’s probably best not to let anyone or anything put more pressure on the uterus.
2. Body Heat
Another source of concern among cat owners is that a cat’s body heat could endanger the baby inside the womb.
This is also highly unlikely because a cat’s body temperature is insufficient to raise a human’s body temperature.
While fevers can be dangerous during pregnancy, a cat’s body temperature isn’t high enough to cause a significant rise in a human’s body temperature.
3. Risk Of Infection
Cat allergies are another health concern for pregnant cat owners. It is not uncommon for pregnant women to become temporarily allergic to cats as a result of hormonal changes, whereas those with pre-existing allergies are more severe.
To protect yourself, consult your doctor about the appropriate allergy medication and avoid allowing your cat to sleep near you, especially at night.
Toxoplasmosis is the most serious concern when it comes to pregnancy and cats. Cats, it turns out, expel a parasite in their feces that can harm a fetus.
If an expectant mother becomes infected with this parasite, she may experience a miscarriage or stillbirth, or she may give birth to a baby with serious eye infections, brain damage, or other birth defects.
As you can see, this is not a risk associated with allowing your cat to lie on your pregnant belly, but rather with handling her litter.
By staying away from your cat’s litter tray, you can avoid becoming infected with Toxoplasmosis. If that is not possible, you must wear gloves when changing the litter box and thoroughly wash your hands afterward with soap and water.
Make a habit of doing so on a daily basis, as the virus takes 1-5 days to sporulate and become infectious.
However, it is important to note that toxoplasmosis can be transmitted through contaminated meat, which means eating infected raw/undercooked meat.
Because the parasite is transmitted orally, even handling the meat and failing to thoroughly wash your hands could expose you to the parasite.
There are several other infections that cats can transmit to humans; therefore, if your cat has a communicable infection, handle her with caution. After playing with the cat, thoroughly wash your hands and avoid putting your face near hers.
While it’s generally acceptable to allow your cat to sleep on your baby bump, keep in mind that animals are unpredictable.
Cats with long claws, for example, should not sit on their belly. Scratches and bites should be treated seriously because they can become infected or allow pathogens into the body. Also, as previously stated, keep an eye out for aggressive or nervous cats.
It’s interesting to read about why is my cat suddenly sleeping on top of me
Why Does My Cat Knead My Pregnant Belly?
Your cat may knead your pregnant belly as it is a technique of relaxation.
Cats aren’t exactly known for their culinary prowess. So, what are they doing when they start rubbing their little paws into your pregnant belly, pushing and pulling as if they were making your grandmother’s buttermilk biscuits? It turns out that it’s one way for them to express their affection.
Kneading is a natural behavior for cats that involves repeatedly pushing their paws and stretching their claws into a person, pillow, blanket, or another cat.
They begin doing it as kittens, kneading their mothers’ stomachs in the hopes of obtaining extra milk.
While most older cats have graduated from mother’s milk to Fancy Feast, some cats continue to knead because it reminds them of being safe, warm, and well-fed, and they use it as a relaxation technique.
When cats knead, they frequently close their eyes and begin to purr, which most veterinarians believe is a sign of kitty cat contentment.
If they continue rubbing and purring, the cat may enter a meditative state. Some little furballs have even been known to begin drooling once they begin kneading. Your cat may be kneading your pregnant belly in an attempt to keep you relaxed.
Interesting Read: Pregnant Cat Drooling: Reasons & Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
How to help your cat adjust to pregnancy?
Some cats become more protective and affectionate toward their pregnant owner. During your pregnancy, try to keep giving your cat love and attention. If they are ignored, their behavior may become aggressive. Cats will sometimes act out by urinating in inappropriate places, such as the laundry basket or your bed. When you show your cat a lot of love while pregnant, they will know that your relationship hasn’t changed. Sticking to the same daily routine with your cat can help you avoid behavioral issues as your pregnancy progresses. Even after your baby arrives, it’s critical to keep your cat on the same play and feeding schedule.
Why does my cat lay on my stomach when I’m on my period?
During a menstrual period, women’s bodies endure a temperature spike similar to that of pregnancy. Your cat may also be drawn to you by the fragrance of your menstruation. Your cat will be sniffing around and inspecting your lower body. Because cats have such an acute sense of smell, this is completely normal. Experts haven’t found anything wrong with your cat’s behavior thus far. Unless the cat is attempting to claw or bite you, allowing him to snuggle with you will help you build a stronger attachment.
Is it possible for my cat to hear my baby’s heartbeat?
Cats have an enhanced sense of hearing, so they can easily detect the heartbeat of the baby in your womb. Felines can do this from a long distance. Cats can hear sounds that humans are unable to hear. Aside from your baby’s heartbeat, your cat can also hear sounds inside your body that humans cannot hear.
Final Words
Cats are extremely affectionate and caring towards pregnant women. Their behavior around you during your pregnancy is amazing.
Throughout your pregnancy, the cat will keep you happy and lighthearted. You will undoubtedly remember the bond you formed with your cat during this time for the rest of your life.
If you have any unanswered questions, ask us in the comments section.
