Owners of breeding and show-class Burmese cats often have questions about mating. The process requires responsibility and preparation for pregnancy, birth, and caring for Burmese kittens.

Early Signs of Pregnancy

The first signs of pregnancy appear at least a week after mating. If the cat starts seeking a male 10-15 days after mating, it means the mating was unsuccessful.

Initial Stage

If pregnancy has occurred, the main sign is morning sickness.

Signs include:

• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting in the early morning

Morning sickness lasts up to two weeks and ends by the third week. During this time, the cat may also exhibit sleepiness and apathy, spending most of the time resting and inactive.

Mid-Pregnancy

From the fourth week, the pregnant Burmese cat starts to gain weight rapidly and eat well. Nausea subsides, and there may be changes in food preferences. For example, a cat that previously only ate premium food may now “beg” for table scraps. This results in weight gain and an enlarging belly.

It is important not to harm the future mother by actively palpating her abdomen. Only a specialist should do this safely.

Other signs include increased activity and cheerfulness. Physically, the mammary glands become more prominent. Behavioral changes may occur: a previously affectionate cat may show aggression or become even more loving.

Final Stage

The first two stages of pregnancy may go unnoticed by an inexperienced owner. However, from the seventh week, pregnancy becomes obvious.

The Burmese cat becomes calm, rarely leaves her spot, shows less interest in the owner, and is less responsive. You may notice:

• A large belly with visible movements inside
• The ability to feel the kittens through the abdominal wall
• Milk appearing a couple of days before birth

The cat instinctively searches for a place to give birth, often choosing her bed or a hidden spot like the owner’s bed or a closet. Signs that the day of birth is near include heavy breathing and loud meowing.

Veterinary Confirmation

The signs mentioned above can help you guess if your Burmese cat is pregnant. However, a veterinarian can confirm pregnancy with certainty. The vet can accurately determine the gestation period, estimate the number of kittens, and assess their condition.

Pregnancy in Burmese cats doesn’t always go smoothly. Veterinary supervision is crucial to ensure the health and safety of the mother and her offspring.