"Cats and dogs likely perceive hormonal changes that occur with pregnancy due to their amazing sense of smell," says Dr Mornement. "Their acute sense of hearing also means they probably hear the baby's heartbeat in the later stages of pregnancy."
A cat's sense of smell isn't the only impressive thing about these tiny creatures. Because they also have an acute sense of hearing, as your pregnancy progresses, they may also be able to start hearing your baby's heartbeat. Therefore, you may notice them watching more closely during the later stages of pregnancy.
She's Clingy
Pregnant women find that their cats suddenly become very affectionate and cuddly. This is because they can detect hormonal changes and the drops in temperature that result from an increase in metabolism.
Yes, a baby in the womb can hear a cat purr. Sound travels through the mother's abdominal wall to reach the baby in the uterus. This means that the baby can hear loud sounds, such as a cat's purr, outside of the womb.
As the big day nears, your cat will become more affectionate and clingy. Young cats are often specifically anxious, especially during their first pregnancy. Don't leave them alone too much.
The body temperature of cats is generally higher than humans, so these pets especially enjoy cuddling with warm people. Since the temperature of your body may be slightly higher during pregnancy, your cat may like to snuggle up with you more when you're expecting.
Protective behavior: Some cats become more protective of their pregnant owners, often by staying close to them or even growling or hissing at strangers. Attention to your belly: As your belly grows, your cat may start to show more interest in it. They may sniff or paw at your belly, or even rest their head on it.
Trying to get your cat's attention? Ditch the catnip and try baby talk instead. Yes, you read that right: A recent study revealed that getting your pet's attention is as simple as speaking with a high-pitched tone and extended vowels, just like how you'd communicate with a human baby.
It is completely possible that your dog can hear an unborn baby's heartbeat in the womb. They may also be able to hear your baby cry in the womb, which can start at about 28 weeks. No matter what they are hearing, it is unavoidable that dogs know that there is something going on in the body of a pregnant woman.
They're far more likely to pay attention to us when we use this “caregiver speech,” research has shown. Now, scientists have found the same is true for cats, though only when their owner is talking. The work adds evidence that cats—like dogs—may bond with us in some of the same ways infants do.
Your pets probably don't understand that in nine months a new baby will be joining your family, but dogs and cats do detect differences in your mood, posture, behavior, and body chemistry that clue them in to the enormous changes you're going through.
Like many animals, cats are territorial. That means, when they feel someone or something has invaded their territory, they may act aggressively. They may hiss at the "intruder" or even try to attack them. It could be another cat, a new baby in the household, or a guest they haven't met before.
If one of your critters does jump on your stomach after the first trimester, it may be a good idea to call and make an appointment with your OB-GYN to make sure everything is OK, especially if you experience vaginal bleeding, an amniotic fluid leak, contractions, or a decrease in fetal movement.
It's one of the main ways they communicate. Your cat may rub her face on you to deposit pheromones and oils, showing comfort and marking ownership. And because your smell is familiar, it's comforting and secure. By sleeping on you, she might be marking you as belonging to her.
"Your pets probably don't understand that in nine months a new baby will be joining your family, but dogs and cats do detect differences in your mood, posture, behavior, and body chemistry that clue them in to the enormous changes you're going through," she said.
Some cats will be totally unperturbed by an infant's crying, whereas others may become stressed. No one knows exactly why, but one theory is that a crying infant sounds like a baby animal or kitten in distress, which may be why your cat is disturbed by the noise.
Baby's breath is a popular addition to bouquets of cut flowers and also a commonly found weed in many yards. It is moderately toxic to cats and can cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
So it seems like cats really do love you and other people — they just like to pretend they don't to establish their dominance of the household. They love the brand new family member as much as you do, and want to be close to them and snuggle — just be sure to keep an eye on them.
Cats play an important role in the spread of toxoplasmosis. They become infected by eating infected rodents, birds, or other small animals. The parasite is then passed in the cat's feces. Kittens and cats can shed millions of parasites in their feces for as long as 3 weeks after infection.
Why Is My Cat Avoiding Me Now That I'm Pregnant? Some cats turn into little lovebugs when a human companion is pregnant, while others rebel by becoming aloof or attaching themselves to someone else. If you're getting the cold shoulder from your cat, it could be a sign that she is stressed by the changes in her routine.
Most cats adapt to a new baby; they recognize that gentleness is required with this little human and react to him or her very differently than to older humans. It is important to oversee interactions and to reinforce calm and gentle behaviors by rewarding your cat with treats and quiet praise.
Absolutely! Petting your cat will not result in becoming infected. As a matter of fact, while Toxoplasmosis is a danger to an unborn baby, the chances of actually being infected are very low.
Your Heartbeat Is Soothing To Them
Much like human babies, one of the reasons that kittens love to sleep near their mothers is because they can hear and feel her heartbeat and this soothes them. Even as adults, cats can still find your heartbeat reminiscent of the comfort and safety of lying close to their mother.