Cat pregnancy?

Question
Hello,
I'm not sure if this question relates to what your genre of help is, but I'll try. My cat, Abby, is who I suspect is pregnant. I'm not sure how old she is, or anything. But a while ago, she started going in heat. Constant meowing, and she was always in mating position. Then for a week or so she stopped, then started again. We kept the door shut, but a couple of times she got out. She was no longer in heat, and hasn't been going into heat for some time now. My mom started thinking Abby was pregnant, and so did I. She's gotten a little bigger, and is heavier when you pick her up. Her belly also feels firmer then what it used to be. Abby's considered a mean cat when you play with her, but now she's mostly loving. Although sometimes she does try to strike. I've done a little research, and looked at her nipples to see if they were pink?..and I wasn't sure. She didn't like it when I tried to look. Also, when I pet her belly a while ago, I couldn't feel anything, and now I feel bumps (nipples). Some of the signs for pregnancy Abby's always had, like eating lots of food. But she may be eating more. I see her quite frequently go to her eating bowl. Abby follows me around everywhere, but she's always done that too. I've also tried feeling for kittens, but Abby doesn't let me. We can't take her to a vet to see if she's pregnant, because that costs too much money. What's your opinion on whether she's pregnant or not? I appreciate anything you can tell me. Thanks!

Answer
Hi Kelsey,

If your cat was in heat and got out and then wasn't right afterwards, she most likely is pregnant. A cat gestation period is from 62-68 days. At about 30 days into the pregnancy her nipples will begin to swell. Try counting back and see if this is so. She will be getting bigger in the belly also at this point. You might want to switch her over to a different diet now to help her with her extra nutritional needs. I recommend switching her to a kitten food. It gives her more of what she needs.
Here's a good link for more info about pregnant cats and labor. http://www.2ndchance.info/pregnantcatcare.htm
It has a lot of good info for you if this is your first litter. Good luck with mom. Write back and let me know how things go.

Ciao, Karen