Do Human Pregnancy Tests Work on Cats? All You Need To Know
If your feline returns home after meeting a tomcat, you might be thinking that she’s going to have a litter in the future. Moreover, pregnancy chances increase if your cat hasn’t been neutered and is going through a heat cycle. To confirm pregnancy in your feline, there are many ways to check. Also, it might be possible that you think about whether our pregnancy test kit work on cats or not. Do Human Pregnancy Tests Work on Cats?
No, a human pregnancy test is not recommended for determining feline pregnancy. Human pregnancy test kits are designed to detect a hCG hormone released during human pregnancy. Since this hormone isn’t released by cats, therefore, it is impossible to detect whether a cat is expecting using human pregnancy tests. Also, if somehow you detect your cats’ pregnancy it might not be accurate.
Now you might be thinking about how to confirm whether your cat is pregnant or not. Take a chill pill and read this article, to learn how to confirm your cat’s pregnancy. Also in this informative article, we’ve mentioned, whether urine pregnancy tests work on cats, whether is there any test for the confirmation of cats’ pregnancy, and much more!
Understanding Human Pregnancy Tests
Human pregnancy tests are designed to detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine. This hormone is produced by the placenta after implantation occurs in pregnant women. The tests work by reacting with hCG, which triggers a positive result if the hormone is present at a detectable level.
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Similarities Between Human and Cat Hormones
Both humans and cats produce pregnancy hormones, but they differ significantly. While humans produce hCG, cats generate a hormone called relaxin.
Despite the differences in hormone types, some human pregnancy tests might detect relaxin in a pregnant cat’s urine due to certain similarities between the hormones. However, the accuracy of such tests is questionable.
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How Can I Test My Cats’ Pregnancy at Home?
If you own a cat, you might be curious about whether there are methods for at-home pregnancy tests which might be performed to figure out whether your cat is pregnant. Luckily, there are some options to choose from, and each of them is reasonably priced.
The first choice is a cat-specific at-home pregnancy test kit that is available online or in certain pet shops. These kits typically work by detecting the hormone relaxin in the cat’s urine, which is produced during pregnancy.
The second choice is to utilize a human at-home pregnancy test. These tests function similarly to those made especially for cats, however, they might not be as precise. Although, they are often far less expensive than cat-specific testing. It’s crucial to follow the directions while performing a home pregnancy test to determine your cat’s pregnancy.
For the majority of tests, you’ll need to gather your cats’ urine samples in a container. Then after dipping the test strip in the urine 2 pink lines will show positive results, while 1 pink line will show negative results.
However. Veterinarians don’t advise performing the pregnancy test on cats at home because most of the time the results aren’t accurate which may cause problems for your cat as well as for you.
Also Read: Female Cat Behavior After Spaying: Expected Changes?
Do Pregnancy Tests Work on Cats? Will a Human Pregnancy Test Work on a Cat?
No, a human pregnancy test won’t give accurate results for cats because it is designed to detect the hCG hormone released after conception in humans.
While in cat pregnancy a relaxin hormone is released which can’t be detected by human pregnancy tests because of their species-specific composition and responsiveness.
It’s recommended to visit a veterinarian if you think your cat might be pregnant so they can do a physical check-up or suggest the right diagnostics for cat pregnancy screening.
Risks of Using Human Pregnancy Tests on Cats
Using human pregnancy tests on cats can lead to misleading results and potentially impact decision-making regarding cat care. Relying on inaccurate test outcomes might cause delays in seeking proper veterinary care during pregnancy, affecting the health and well-being of both the mother and her kittens.
Also Check Out: Understanding the Reasons Behind Why My Pregnant Cat Keeps Meowing?
Is There A Cat Pregnancy Test?
Yes, detecting the level of the hormone relaxin is an effective test. In conception, relaxin accumulates and eventually helps the cat’s uterus become more relaxed and facilitate delivery. Cats who are pregnant may have this hormone in their pee and bloodstream.
The emergence of tests that can find relaxin in pee has had mixed results. To accurately diagnose pregnancy, veterinarians perform a blood test. By performing this, results will be accessible to you quickly.
About 3 weeks after your cat’s conception, relaxin levels in the blood usually reach a measurable level. In conclusion, figuring out if a cat is expecting involves patience, talent, and just a bit of delicacy. Speak with your doctor for an improved customized strategy for your feline.
Also, when the cat is pregnant, a veterinarian can spot the indications as soon as between 21 and 30 days after implantation. Touching the abdomen for a physical examination or a belly ultrasound helps to confirm a cat’s pregnancy.
How Much is a Cat Pregnancy Test?
The cost of a cat pregnancy test can vary depending on the method used. While at-home pregnancy tests are available (On average, a basic feline pregnancy test kit can cost between $10 to $30.), they are not as accurate as a blood test to check for hormone relaxin. The blood test is considered the most reliable way to determine cat pregnancy and typically costs around $200 to $250.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that feline pregnancy tests are often available in kits with many tests because it might be essential to run the test several times to get reliable results. A few veterinarians may also provide testing for pregnancies; these services may have a distinct fee structure.
It is advised that you speak with a veterinarian before checking your feline for pregnancy. They can advise you on the best testing alternatives and give precise guidance and details at every stage of the procedure.
Do Cats Produce HCG When Pregnant?
No, the hCG hormone isn’t produced by pregnant cats. They rather released a hormone known as relaxin hormone which is unique to felines and isn’t similar to the human hormone.
In cats that are pregnant, the embryo’s placenta is producing fCG. It makes it easier to support pregnancy and the secretion of other gestation-related hormones, similar to how hCG does in people.
For precise testing and advice, it is essential to visit a veterinarian as soon as you think that your feline is expecting. To check pregnancy in felines, they’ll do a physical checkup, a sonogram, or another test.
Do Urine Pregnancy Tests Work on Animals?
Human tests for gestation using urine aren’t manufactured for animals. The reason is that these tests detect the hCG hormone released during a woman’s gestation and aren’t released by animals.
All animals have particular pregnancy hormones that are released during conception. For example, dogs released relaxin and felines release fCG.
Therefore, animal conception cannot be successfully detected or confirmed by human tests for pregnancy because animal hormones are different from hCG.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I test my cat’s pregnancy at home?
If you don’t have the right veterinary apparatus, it might be difficult to test for cat conception at your home. However, by using cat-specific pregnancy test kits and by observing your cat’s behavioral or physical changes, you may know whether she’s pregnant or not. But in most cases, these techniques aren’t accurate. So, it’s always advised to bring your cat to the vet for a proper blood examination to detect her pregnancy.
How can I confirm my cat is pregnant?
It is important to speak with the vet to determine to confirm your feline pregnancy. They’ve got the skills and equipment required to correctly determine cat pregnancy. The vet will analyze changes that occur in the belly, feel the uterus, and check the color and size of the nipples. Also, he can perform an ultrasound to confirm cat pregnancy safely and effectively. Lastly, by testing the amount of fCG hormone in cats’ urine and blood, you can also confirm whether she’s pregnant.
When is the best time to perform these at-home tests on my cat?
The best time to start observing behavioral changes and performing palpations is after your cat’s heat cycle. The changes in nipples and pinking may become noticeable in the second or third week after conception.
How accurate are the hormone test kits for cats?
Hormone test kits for cats can provide some indication of pregnancy, but their accuracy may vary. False negatives or positives are possible, so it’s best to consult a veterinarian for confirmation.
Can a veterinarian determine the number of kittens my cat is carrying?
Yes, a veterinarian can estimate the number of kittens through ultrasound imaging or X-rays, typically performed later in the pregnancy.
Final Verdict
Human tests for detecting pregnancy are neither reliable nor effective for detecting pregnancy in cats or other animals. Because these human tests detect hCG hormones, while cats produce fCG hormones and other animals produce other specific hormones that can’t be detected.
However, if you still take on the human test for pregnancy on your feline, it won’t yield reliable findings and could result in wrong results. It is advised that you speak with the vet if you think your cat is expecting. To correctly identify feline conception, they may perform an extensive checkup that includes a physical checkup, an ultrasound, and other necessary testing. To protect your feline’s wellness and physical health in this critical time, relying on expert veterinary advice is more essential than going for home-based testing procedures.
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Who is Isabella?
My name is Isabella, and I am a dedicated and knowledgeable cat enthusiast. With years of experience caring for cats and a deep love for felines, I made a mission to help other cat lovers navigate the challenges of cat ownership.
