Physical Changes
There are few noticeable changes during the first couple of weeks. For 4-5 weeks, it is very difficult to determine if a cat is pregnant. The animal gains a few extra pounds and the abdomen enlarges only after the fifth week. Enlargement of the abdomen depends on the size of the litter inside the womb. The nipples become pinkish and the surrounding hairs slightly recede. Visible enlargement of the mammary gland occurs after the seventh week. The mother generally starts producing milk two days after delivery.

Behavioral Changes
Many conspicuous behavioral changes are noticeable in your pet during the gestation period. In the last few weeks of the pregnancy, a cat might display various symptoms like restlessness and anxiety. The animal might also avoid socialization and seek solitude. The growing discomfort of an enlarged abdomen during the last three weeks, might also make her a bit violent, if teased or disturbed. She might also frequently soil the house during the last few weeks, as the growing uterus presses on the bladder or colon.

Tips for Owner
When you are sure that your feline has had a successful mating, it is your duty to keep a check on her overall health. Feed a well-balanced diet and lots of fluids to the expecting mother, so that she gives birth to strong and healthy kittens. A pregnant cat tends to get hungry easily. So provide her with large servings. Chart out a diet plan after consulting a veterinarian. Do not include any supplements unless advised by the vet, to avoid unnecessary overdose. Also provide her with a good ‘birthing box’ or ‘nest bed’ lined with old newspapers and sheets. Place it in a secluded and warm corner of the house, away from harsh lighting and noise.

Causes of Alopecia
Read about the various physical and psychological anomalies that lead to Alopecia in cats.

• Mites, fleas or other parasites may give rise to hair loss in areas like the inner thighs and abdominal areas.
• Certain allergic reactions from food, especially the intake of certain proteins generally leads to the problem.
• Inhaling allergens such as pollens, molds or house dust mites causes ‘Atopy’ (allergic inhalant dermatitis) and leads to hair loss.
• Fungal infections like ringworm cause circular patches of hair loss in the head, body and the ears.
• Malfunctions (either a deficit or a surplus) of the hair growth hormones lead to Endocrine Alopecia in cats.
• Psychogenic Alopecia is brought about by various psychological problems like anxiety, stress, fear or nervousness.

• Provide your kitty with a well-balanced and nutritious diet. Avoid giving her table-scraps or off-brand cat foods.
• If the condition is due to stress, provide her with a fun environment with a lot of scope for recreation.
• To prevent your cat from inhaling allergens, use an air purifier and vacuum carpets and rugs thoroughly.
• You can also try administering certain anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medication after proper medical counseling.
• The veterinarian may also put the animal in a three month experimental diet consisting of proteins and carbohydrates.
• Certain medicated soaps, ointments and lotions are also available to cure the disease. Consult your veterinarian.
• If hair loss is induced due to hormonal imbalance, your cat might also have to undergo certain hormone therapies

Symptoms

• Welts or bumps on the skin
• Severe scratching and irritation
• Skin rashes and inflammation
• Abnormal shedding
• Dry and flaky skin surface
• Smelly and matte coat
• Puffy face and eyes (in certain cases)
• Difficulty in breathing (in acute cases)

• Bathe your pet with ice cold water or make ice poultices and rub on the irritated areas. Let the water soak for about 10-15 min everyday.
• You can also add two cups of brewed green or black tea to his bath water. The tannins in the tea will provide relief from the itching sensation. ]
• Put some oatmeal flakes in a sock and run water through it. Place the wet sock on the sensitive areas to ease the discomfort.
• You may also administer some over-the-counter antihistamines to reduce the swellings or inflammations in the body.
• Oral or intravenous corticosteroids can also be administered, under medical supervision or with prior consultation with the veterinarian.
• The vet may also give epinephrine to the animal, if the disease is accompanied by breathing problems.