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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.
The 5 Reasons Why Your Cat Is Extra Clingy When You Are Pregnant
1. Your Cat Can Sense Hormonal Changes
Cats’ incredible sense of smell is about 14 times stronger than ours, according to experts. Cats may be able to pick up on the hormonal changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy.1 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
One of the many transformations you’ll experience is a rise in body temperature. You might feel warm as toast more often, 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 resting more, your cat might think this is a new lap opportunity for them. Your kitty is 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. Cats are also known for detecting human emotions and responding accordingly.
During pregnancy, you might feel a mix of excitement, anxiety, and joy. Your cat could respond to these emotional changes by offering support and companionship. They might even mirror 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 detecting changes in their environment. As your pregnancy progresses, you might bring baby supplies home, rearrange furniture, or even spend more time in the nursery. Most felines don’t enjoy frequent changes in their territories. 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 to a new home, 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 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
Now that we’ve explored the reasons behind your cat’s clinginess during pregnancy, we’ll talk about how to help your feline adjust to their new role as a big brother or sister. Here are a few tips to make the transition as smooth as possible for your furry companion:
- Gradually introduce baby items: Instead of flooding your home with baby gear immediately, bring in new items gradually. Take it easy. This will give your cat time to sniff around and get used to the new additions.
- Establish boundaries: While it’s important to maintain a strong bond with your cat during pregnancy, it’s also crucial to set some boundaries. Be firm. For example, you might want to discourage your cat from sleeping in the baby’s crib or climbing on the changing table
- Play sounds of a baby: Before your little one arrives, play recordings of a baby’s cries and coos to acclimate your cat to the sounds they’ll soon be hearing regularly.
- Maintain routines: Cats thrive on routine, so try to keep your cat’s feeding, playtime, and grooming schedules as consistent as possible during pregnancy and after the baby arrives.
- Offer extra love and attention: While creating boundaries is essential, don’t forget to shower your cat with affection and attention. Regular playtime, cuddling, and grooming can reinforce your bond and keep your cat feeling secure during this change.
Conclusion
You’re going through a lot during your pregnancy, and your cat can sense the changes. 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 extra love, and rest assured that you’re in this together every step of the way.
Featured Image Credit: Sunsetoned, Pexels
