Dogs provide medical help to people with a wide range of health issues, sensing things like low blood sugar or an oncoming seizure. Research also indicates that they can sniff out certain conditions like cancer or even COVID-19. With their alert nature and strong noses, can they also detect pregnancy? Some pet parents sure believe so, and they’re not the only pets who may be able to do this.

Pregnancy and parenting brand What to Expect recently conducted a survey of 402 women who are currently pregnant or have at least one child under the age of 5. They were asked if their pet – whether it was a dog, a cat, or a lizard – had any behavioral changes that suggested they knew their human was pregnant.

Of those who had any type of pet, 85% noticed such changes, including being cuddlier than usual or more protective. Only 15% said otherwise.

Certain pets were more apt to show some signs, though. Two in three dog owners said they believed their dog could tell. Cats weren’t quite as perceptive, from the observations of their humans, but 28% of cat owners said they thought their cat knew they were pregnant.

Exotic pets like lizards and birds weren’t completely out of the loop, either, with 4% of owners believing their pets could detect their soon-to-be human family member.

What to Expect suggests the insight may be due to pets smelling hormonal changes. They may also notice changed behavior, since the alertness of dogs and cats is often helpful for people with mental health conditions.

If you’d like to read more about the survey, click here!