Are you pregnant and have noticed that your feline friend is acting extra clingy lately? Well, it turns out that your soon-to-be bundle of joy might just have something to do with it! Pregnant women have reported that their cats become more affectionate, protective, and sometimes even a bit possessive during pregnancy. So, why does your cat suddenly want to snuggle up and follow you around like a little shadow?
Well, we’re about to dive into five fascinating reasons that’ll help you make sense of your kitty’s behavior changes.
1. Your Cat Can Sense Hormonal Changes
Cats’ incredible sense of smell is about 14 times stronger than ours, according to experts. Healthline suggests that cats may be able to pick up on the hormonal changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy.1 If that’s right, then your furry friends can literally sniff out your pregnancy. Pregnancy brings a whirlwind of hormonal changes, and your cat’s heightened sense of smell could be detecting those shifts. This might make them feel more protective or curious about what’s going on with their favorite human.
2. Changes in Your Body Temperature
Pregnancy is a game-changer for your body, and one of the many transformations you’ll experience is a rise in body temperature. You might find yourself feeling warm as toast more often, and it’s all thanks to your little bun in the oven. During pregnancy, your basal body temperature—aka your body temperature at rest—can be elevated by as much as a degree or more. So, it’s no wonder your cat might be taking notice of this change and cozying up to you.
Cats have a well-known love affair with warmth, whether it’s soaking up rays from a sunbeam or nestling in a comfy blanket. So, it’s hardly a shocker that they’d be drawn to your increasingly toasty body.
3. Alterations in Your Behavior
You might not realize it, but your behavior during pregnancy could be changing in subtle ways. Maybe you’re spending more time at home or resting on the couch. You might even be talking to your baby bump or humming sweet lullabies. These little shifts in your routine can pique your cat’s curiosity. If you’re on the couch more because you’re not feeling well or you’re resting more, your cat might think this is a new lap opportunity for them.
Your kitty is simply taking advantage of the extra bonding time with their favorite human.
4. Emotional State
Pregnancy can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and your cat might be picking up on those emotions. Cats are known to be sensitive creatures, and they can sometimes sense when their humans are feeling stressed, happy, or sad. You and your partner may even argue more during this time. Big changes are afoot! Cats are also known for their ability to detect human emotions and respond accordingly.
During pregnancy, you might be feeling a mix of excitement, anxiety, and joy. Your cat could be responding to these emotional changes by offering their support and companionship. They might even be mirroring your emotions, trying to help you navigate the ups and downs of this incredible journey.
5. Anticipating Change
Cats are creatures of habit, and they’re good at picking up on changes in their environment. As your pregnancy progresses, you might be bringing home baby items, rearranging furniture, or even spending more time in the nursery. Most felines don’t enjoy frequent changes in their territories. All of these changes signal to your cat that something big is on the horizon, and they might be trying to figure out their place in this new dynamic.
If you’ve ever moved house, you know how upsetting it can be to your kitty. In the same way, your cat might be responding to the changes in your home as you prepare the nursery and other spaces. Clinginess on your cat’s part might be an attempt to seek your reassurance about the future. It is natural for your cat to want guidance and comfort from you as they navigate all these adjustments.
How to Ready Your Cat for a New Family Member
At the end of all of these snuggles comes the big day—your baby is coming home with you. Now that we’ve explored the reasons behind your cat’s clinginess during pregnancy let’s talk about how to help your feline friend adjust to their new role as a big brother or sister. There’s no reason why this can’t go well for you all. Here are a few tips to make the transition as smooth as possible for your furry companion:
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there’s a whole lot going on behind the scenes when it comes to your cat’s clinginess during pregnancy. You are going through a lot—and they know it. From hormonal changes to shifts in your behavior, your feline friend is simply trying to make sense of all the shifts happening in their world. Everything is about to change: and they are picking up on the vibes.
By understanding the reasons behind their behavior and helping them adjust to their new role as a big brother or sister, you’ll be well on your way to creating a harmonious home for your growing family. Give them some extra love, and rest assured that you’re in this together, every step of the way.
Featured Image Credit: Sunsetoned, Pexels