Feline Fun: Understanding Pregnancy Length in The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs
So, you’ve decided to expand your Sim family with some adorable kittens! One of the most exciting parts of the Cats & Dogs expansion for The Sims 4 is the ability to breed your furry friends. A key question on every virtual pet parent’s mind is: How long is a cat pregnant for in The Sims 4? The gestation period for cats in The Sims 4 is a quick two Sim days. This is considerably shorter than a human Sim pregnancy (three Sim days) and drastically shorter than real-life cat pregnancies, which last around 63-65 days.
The Speedy Pregnancy of Sim Felines
Unlike real-life felines that have a gestation period of about nine weeks, Sim cats experience a condensed version of pregnancy. In just two Sim days, your feline friend will go from mating to motherhood. You won’t need to take her to the vet; once the two days are up, the birthing process will begin immediately on your home lot.
During these two Sim days, you won’t see any dramatic physical changes in your cat’s appearance. Keep an eye out for the “pregnant” moodlet, which will confirm that the mating was successful. Be sure to keep her happy and healthy by providing plenty of food, attention, and affection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Pregnancy in The Sims 4
Here are some commonly asked questions about cat pregnancies in The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs, designed to guide you through the process:
How many kittens can a cat have in Sims 4?
A cat can have between one and three kittens per litter in The Sims 4. This limit is in place to balance gameplay and prevents your Sim household from becoming overwhelmed with too many pets at once.
How do I get my cat pregnant in Sims 4?
First, ensure that the female cat you wish to breed is a part of your household. Then, use a Sim to interact with the cat and select the “Encourage to Mate With…” option, targeting a male cat (either a household member or a stray). Continue encouraging the cats to mate until the female becomes pregnant, indicated by the pregnancy moodlet.
Where do cats give birth in Sims 4?
Cats will give birth exclusively on your home lot. Ensure your pregnant cat is on the home lot as her due date approaches.
My cat isn’t giving birth. What should I do?
The most common reason for a cat not giving birth when expected is that they’re not on the home lot. Make sure your cat is at home when the two Sim days have passed.
How do I know if my cat is pregnant in Sims 4?
After successfully mating your cat, wait approximately one Sim day. Keep encouraging them to mate during this time. If successful, the female cat will receive a “pregnant” moodlet.
Can I control how many kittens my cat has?
Unfortunately, no. The number of kittens is randomly generated between one and three.
What happens if my household is full when my cat gives birth?
In The Sims 4, a household can only have a maximum of eight members, including Sims and pets. If your household is full, you won’t be able to breed your animals. You’ll need to move out a Sim or wait for a pet to pass away before breeding.
Do kittens age up on their own in Sims 4?
Yes, kittens age up on their own. The lifespan of your pets is determined by the gameplay lifespan setting you have selected (Short, Normal, or Long). Pets have three life stages: kitten/puppy, adult, and elder.
Can I speed up my cat’s pregnancy?
Unfortunately, there are no cheats or in-game methods to speed up a pet’s pregnancy like there are for Sims.
Can cats mate on their own in Sims 4?
No, breeding requires your direct command. You must use a Sim to encourage the cats to mate.
Can elderly cats get pregnant in Sims 4?
No, Elder pets cannot get pregnant.
Can I prevent my cat from getting pregnant?
Yes, you can prevent pregnancy by having your pet spayed at the vet. The veterinary clinic can also be used to have your pet spayed or neutered. Simply travel to the vet with your pet, sign at the kiosk, and then wait.
My cat is pregnant, and she has a bloody vaginal discharge. What’s wrong?
Unlike real-life pregnancies, this is not a feature of Sims 4 gameplay. If your cat has a bloody discharge, it is likely a glitch. Try restarting your game.
Can I adopt kittens instead of breeding?
Absolutely! You can adopt kittens through the computer or phone in the game. This is a great alternative to breeding, especially if you’re concerned about overpopulation in your Sim’s world.
What if I want to learn more about the impact of games?
Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for resources on the intersection of games and education. The Games Learning Society explores the impact of games on learning.
Conclusion: Enjoying the Pitter-Patter of Tiny Paws
While the cat pregnancy experience in The Sims 4 is much shorter and simpler than in real life, it still provides a fun and rewarding gameplay element. Enjoy watching your Sim family grow with the addition of adorable kittens! Just remember to manage your household size and provide the best possible care for your furry friends. Happy Simming!