Typically, you can begin to tell if a Ragdoll cat is pregnant about 30 days after mating. At this point, it's advisable to take your cat to the vet for an ultrasound. This will help determine if there are viable kittens and confirm a successful pregnancy.
Around 30 days post-mating, it becomes reasonably evident whether your Ragdoll is pregnant. A veterinary ultrasound is the most reliable way to confirm this. As time progresses, you might observe physical changes such as an increased abdominal girth, enlarged mammary glands, and pinkening of the nipples. However, these signs can also occur in cases of pseudopregnancy (false pregnancy). The only way to definitively confirm pregnancy and the viability of the kittens is through an ultrasound to check for fetal heartbeats. Early diagnosis of pregnancy is important to ensure proper care for your Ragdoll cat.
How Long is a Ragdoll Cat's Pregnancy?
Ragdoll cats generally have a gestation period of about 63 to 68 days. However, individual variations can cause the actual duration to fluctuate by one or two days. Approximately 21 days after conception, you should bring your cat to the vet for an ultrasound to assess the fetal heartbeats and viability. Around the 60-day mark, as your cat approaches labor, an X-ray can help determine the position of the kittens. During this time you'll also want to prepare a warm, comfortable, and safe nesting place for the mother cat.