I'm almost 5 months pregnant, and you might think I'm crazy but I swear my cat knows. She's not really a lap cat but if she's feeling affectionate she will walk round me and over my lap, stopping for a good tread which she normally aims at my belly. Since I've been pregnant, she will still walk over my lap purring and rubbing, but instead of trying to tread my belly she just rubs her head against it, and occasionally gently rests a paw. This isn't just because I've changed shape, as she was doing it before my bump really grew.

Has anyone else's cat behaved differently during their pregnancy, or am I making this up???

I'm not sure that there is any research into this phenomenon, but I know lots (and lots) of people who have commented on a change in behaviour from their animals (usually cats and dogs, but occasionally horses too) both during pregnancy and during ovulation and menstruation.

Lots of people have commented about animals treating them and their tum more gently and quite a few women have noticed their animals being more protective of their pregnant humans too.

I'm 14 weeks and my cat soooo knows. He normally pads on my belly - you know digging his claws into me to make me comfy. Now he just lays on me and purrs away and seems to love me more.

I know that dolphins can sense the second heartbeat... I wonder if its a similar thing in domestic pets?

Why is it your not allowed to swim with dolphins when your pregnant?

I know that dolphins can sense the second heartbeat... I wonder if its a similar thing in domestic pets?

Cats probably can hear another heartbeat as they have such sensitive hearing, and at different frequencies. They're also very sensitive to changing smells and alterations to their environment so I don't doubt they'd know something was different!

Why is it your not allowed to swim with dolphins when your pregnant?

The second heartbeat scares them and they won't come near you. Its not that you're "not allowed", its just a bit pointless!

Glad I'm not bonkers, how amazing is that? I knew those kitty cats were clever, but this beats everything. It's not just the fact that she knows I'm pregnant, but the fact that she knows to be gentle with my bump and affectionate too. I might be a bit (very) hormonal and permanently soppy about my cat, but this whole thing makes me feel a bit emotional!

There's another SF user who might well make herself known - her cat knew before she did!

my mums cat did that to me, he kept patting my stomach with his paws and kept coming for a cuddle, i was only 2 days late and he must have known before i did !!! cats are more intelligent than we think!

i reckon mine knew...

in early pregnancy they were always wanting to sleep with me, be close to me, but now im huge they seem to be giving me more space. bless!!:love:

My cats havent really noticed this time but Blimey does my dog know. Bailey Bumble, who is normally not one for lots of cuddles, won't leave my side and sleeps at my feet every night. Petie Puddle, I would love to say knows but I think he is just following his big brother, he doesnt quite have the sense to know where he is, let alone if his Momma is preggers x

my cat has never been a "cuddling" cat but 2 weeks before i found out i was pregnant she was all over me like a rash and has been ever since! now that little biffalo is around she's even more of a fuss pot, comes running whenever he cries, rubs her head against his feet, its lovely.

My two cat's know! They knew before I told my parents. Constantly around me. Rubbing heads on me. And my huge bump only allows one of the lil fattys to lay there, they fight! I think its amazing :D So you aint making this up lol! Its true. x

There's another SF user who might well make herself known - her cat knew before she did!

ahem :blush: I didn't figure it out (for various reasons) til i was about 7 weeks, my littlest, and most aloof cat, knew well before i did, she suddenly started cuddling closer to me than ever instead of being at the end of the bed :)

If only i'd taken notice eh ;)

Hehehe, I wondered how long it would take :)
I knew you had posted it on here somewhere before and thought it would be especially relevent to the OP.
Hope things are going well btw :)

hehe :) I've been away for the week :)

Things are going well now that i have an industrial strength support belt... :D

my dog knew before i did she was acting strange and she tried attacking my brother he usually ruffs my hair up to annoy me and she was laid on me then she just snarled and growlled at him she has never done that and has never since and baby has been here for 14 months now and loves her pooch to bits.