How to Tell If....Updated!

A cat is pregnant or just in heat? My neighbor "adopted" a stray cat who is now whining loudly at all hours. She's lounging around with her nipples extremely exposed. Could she just be in heat or because her nipples are out, is she pregnant? I can't tell if her belly is bigger or not. I'm not really a cat person.

Updated: She was in heat, not pregnant. I saw her today. No big exposed nipples, no whining, no big belly... just my cute and affectionate little neighbor cat. Soon enough though I'm sure. Thanks for the feedback and the links!!!

Message edited 9/2/2009 3:55:47 AM.

Re: How to Tell If....

Sounds like it is in heat.
I am not sure that they whine all that much while pregnant.
We had a pregnant stray in our yard once and she never really made any noises.

I would guess it's in heat, but again, I'm no expert.

Re: How to Tell If....

My cat had one heat and snuck out of the house. She got pregnant and I found out when we took her to her spay appointment. They wanted to abort the kittens but I would not allow it. The swollen nipples sound like she is pregnant but the whining like she is in heat.

Here are two articles I found online:

Pregnant Cat

In Heat Cat

Message edited 8/28/2009 8:19:03 PM.

Re: How to Tell If....

It's hard to tell right away, but cats arent pregnant very long only (about 2 months) so if you notice her tummy getting round and hard feeling or her nipples becoming enlarged then she's def preggers. If you take her to a vet an xray wont show anything till day 45 or so and then you'll already be able to notice it physically. Cats have a cyclic ovulatory system they can get pregnant even while there pregnant so some kittens can have different fathers. Its crazy but true , thats why there are always so many stray kittens. Its not like dogs who can only get pregnant every 6 months they are able to anytime.