Is my cat pregnant or just growing up?

by Cj
(WI)

I have an 11 month old cat who is not fixed, only because I was told she was, only to find out at her vet visit, she's not. I had an appointment set, but now that I think she's pregnant, I'm obviously going to wait.

Her nipples got bigger and a little more pink after about 2 weeks from when I last checked. I know this is a sign, but do their nipples get bigger or more pink for any other reason, like growing up more?

She does seem more rounded, but maybe she's just eating a lot? I was petting her and I could feel golf ball size lumps that would be in a different location the next day. I only felt two. Is this her insides or her babies?

I don't know what a normal belly should feel like. So there's no comparison. She is more lovey, sleeps more. But she also still plays and climbs up her scratching tower, 5 feet high with no problem.

I've read a lot online, and know that only time will tell. I'm thinking she's about 4-5 weeks, so about half way. I also know they don't really get a big ole belly until their last couple weeks, but shouldn't she at least be getting a little bit bigger every couple days?

I have a stray male cat about the same age who likes to come in and play sometimes. Remember, I thought she was fixed. So there's a possibility they mated.

I've never really seen her go into heat, maybe just starting to, with some meowing and constantly trying to get outside. She eventually made an escape for a night, came home and was constantly licking her lady parts for a couple days.

Ever since then, I wondered. She's hasn't been in any kind of heat since that last time she kind of was, about a month ago. You'd think she would have hit it again especially being almost one. Isn't that kind of late for a first heat?

She has gotten a little bigger in the belly, is being more affectionate than normal, and her nipples are almost the size of a Tic Tac and went from white to a rosy pink.

I'm just not sure if the whole nipple thing is because of something else, and how a non pregnant cat's belly is supposed to feel. I'm not being rough at all! I was petting her and felt a lump. I felt the other side and there was one, but in a different location.

The next day I couldn't feel any, but I'm not going to push hard to try either. A few days later I felt them again, and bigger.

I put my ear to her belly and all I hear are lots of little bubbles, like soda. I checked again today and still hear it. Is that normal? Just digesting? Pregnancy related?

Her next check up is in 2 weeks. There's only one vet by me (other than 300 miles away!), so we have had to wait. But if she is pregnant, I'd like to prepare just in case it happens before then. Thanks for any helpful info!