My cat escaped while in heat, and has stopped meowing. Is she pregnant?

Question: My cat escaped while in heat, and has stopped meowing. Is she pregnant?

Answer: The Rest of your Question: My feline friend has just gone into heat. Well just the other day she escaped outside (she stays indoors). Before she got out she was meowing constantly which I know is expected but when she came back....there was no more meowing. Does this mean that she mated and has a high probability of being pregnant or does it occur that felines meow constantly and then just stop? My parents and I are curious so I just thought I would ask.

Yes, it is extremely likely that your kitty is pregnant, following her escape. Unspayed females, once they reach breeding age, will go into heat (or estrus, as it is also called) regularly - as often as every two weeks, until they are either spayed or mate and become pregnant. The loud meowing (also known as "calling") is intended to attract male cats. Since she has stopped calling, I would assume her biological needs have been fulfilled and she has mated.

For more information on mating in cats, read "The Mating Game." And now that your cat is most likely pregnant, there are some important decisions you and your parents need to address. You can find more information on pregnancy and birth in my article, "So Your Cat is Pregnant."

Hope this helps answer your questions!