Owner Concerned About Cat’s Behavior Makes Shocking Discovery

An owner who started filming her cat after becoming concerned with her feline’s unusual behavior was in for quite the surprise when she realized the meaning behind the meows.

TikTok user @beccajhowell noticed her cat hiding in a little nook, lying down on the cat bed. The meows were constant. The owner tried giving her a treat, which she took, but the meowing continued. It was like a warning to the owner that something was happening.

When the other cat came up to check, she freaked out. This feline needed her alone space. She continued to hide in the corner, and shortly after, the owner knew why.

The feline was in labor and gave birth in the May 18 TikTok video. Turns out this mama had two kittens that day—one boy and one girl. She kept them as close to her as possible, guarding them with her life.

The owner started a new TikTok account (lunakittyarlo_) for viewers to stay updated on how the kittens are doing.

Since their birth, the owner moved momma and her kittens to a more private spot. She cleared out a drawer and converted it into a comfy palace for them to relax. The momma cat has been giving them plenty of grooming baths and snuggles.

Newsweek reached out to @beccajhowell via TikTok for additional comment.

The TikTok clip has amassed more than 608,300 views, 39,800 likes and 199 comments, leaving viewers just as shocked when they realized the cat was going into labor.

“The way she cuddled her baby is the cutest thing I’ve seen,” said one viewer.

Another added: “Such a good mom.”

A third person pointed out: “I like how she lifted her leg to wash her baby.”

How to Tell If a Cat Is Pregnant?

Determining whether or not your cat is pregnant can be challenging, especially in the first two trimesters. And while pregnant cats are usually self-sufficient when giving birth, pet parents must look for signs their cat is pregnant to help make it safe and easier for the moms-to-be.

PetMD reported that the first notable sign of pregnancy in cats is “pinking up,” which is when the nipple changes, becoming pinker and more prominent. This usually occurs about 16 to 20 days into the pregnancy. Cats can also be friendlier and more docile than usual during the first two trimesters.

The abdomen and mammary areas will grow more obviously within the last 20 days of pregnancy. Owners might see cats increase the grooming of their bellies or under their tails. Cats will likely search for areas to “nest” and have the kittens.

Figuring out your cat is pregnant is one part of the equation and determining the due date can be just as tricky. Veterinarians might be able to feel fetuses at two and a half weeks into the pregnancy. By three or four weeks, they might be able to hear the kittens’ heartbeats, and around six weeks, kittens can be seen on an X-ray.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our “Pet of the Week” lineup.