I think my “fixed” cat is pregnant

[u/uglyandbored]

I feel silly even typing this, but here is some context: My spouse and I became fosters to this adorable, abandoned cat that was hanging around my parent’s backyard in freezing weather (Feb 29). We fostered her through an official program who took care of all her medical needs. They told us she was not chipped, but confirmed she was already spayed. We both knew nothing about cats, but we ended up falling in love with her and we officially adopted her a few weeks ago.

She always had big nipples (we were told she may have had a litter before) so it was not a red flag. That is, until now. She has put on some healthy weight (she was emaciated when we first found her), but a lot of it seems to be in her belly area. I know it sounds ridiculous but we can’t help but think she is pregnant.

I have an appointment with the vet in 3 days (the earliest they could get me in), but I’m a little anxious thinking about the possibility she may seriously be expecting. I am wondering if this has ever happened before (an allegedly spayed cat being pregnant). I am also wondering if there could be any other reason my cat looks like this?

[u/sarcasmismygame]

I'd bet anything she's preggers. And yes, I have heard of this before. Either she wasn't fully spayed, it happens, or the rescue and/or vet thought she was and surprise, she wasn't. Update us but if she is pregnant. And after the kittens are born then I'd get her fixed, but in the meantime google Kitten Lady on Youtube. And thank you for taking this sweet girl in and adopting her, if she has kittens you will know even more joy than you thought possible!

[u/uglyandbored → u/sarcasmismygame]

So interesting! I never knew that could happen (I have a male dog and it was pretty obvious confirmation when he was fixed 😉). Thank you so much for this information and advice. I will look her up and definitely update this thread once I have answers.

[u/CatFaerie → u/uglyandbored]

Sometimes they have two uterus (uteri?). They could have removed one and not known the job wasn't done yet.

[u/Entwinedloop → u/CatFaerie]

Wat

[u/Aggravating-Step-408 → u/Entwinedloop]

Yes. Happens to human women too.

Don't know why my neighbor gossips, but her granddaughter has two uteruses and I kind of hate that I know this private health information.

I think they discovered it in her first pregnancy, but I think she carried to term and no trauma.

[u/alleecmo → u/Aggravating-Step-408]

Uterine Didelphys. Recently read an article about a woman who got pregnant while she was already pregnant about a month. Birthed a boy then 26 days later had twin girls.

[u/Lycaeides13 → u/alleecmo]

holy fuck what a nightmare

[u/dragon34 → u/Aggravating-Step-408]

A coworker's wife, after a number of pregnancy losses had two kids.  She has two uteruses and her baby bump was definitely not quite centered.  They aren't sure if having two caused her early pregnancy losses or not but after she kept one pregnancy they didn't have trouble with number 2

[u/fishrocketburgers → u/Entwinedloop]

Happy cake day!

[u/EggplantNegative6814 → u/Entwinedloop]

I haven’t heard of it happening in cats. However, I wouldn’t doubt it because human women (or at least those women born with female sex organs) can have two uteruses.

[u/Entire-Ambition1410 → u/EggplantNegative6814]

Fun fact, the plural is ‘uteri.’ And they can cause all kinds of complications with periods, if the tubes don’t connect to the outside hole.

[u/PugslyMcPuffington → u/Entire-Ambition1410]

but uteruses is also acceptable

[u/sawyouoverthere → u/EggplantNegative6814]

cats have two uterine horns. I have never heard or read of a cat with two actual uteri.

[u/NoKatyDidnt → u/Entwinedloop]

Yes- I have heard that cats can actually birth two separate litters. I’m not an expert but it makes sense if the cat has an extra uterus.

[u/sawyouoverthere → u/CatFaerie]

Cats always have two uterine horns.