Stray pregnant kitty

Greetings from Canada.....I'm new to this site...but have "lurked" for a long while...found some very good advice ....now I have a problem....First let me tell you I have one 3 year old female cat....and two 1 year old -male and female- "the twins" as I call them...they were strays in my garden last fall so I took them in---and had them "fixed" $450. later....they call me Mom. haha well....last week another stray found it's way to my house....it looks like it's only a kitten.....but she's pregnant!! Good god...the poor little thing hardly looks old enough!! She is still a baby herself! My problem...is....I have never had a pregnant kittie before!! And I don't know what or how to look after one! I've decided that I'll look after her until she has the babies...make sure she gets the proper nuitrition and such....then I'll have to find homes for all of them -plus the Mama....like I said I have 3 cats now!! Holy cow!! I can't belive I have 4 cats!!! Anyway...if someone could direct me to a good site on pregnant kittie's so I can get things ready for her!! Someone told me it takes 2 month's for the gestation and I think judging from the roundness of her belly...she's almost there...so I need some advice soon!! Please...any help would be appreciated!! Thanks...Judy from Canada

Hi Judy,

Thank you for caring for this stray. You are on a good board for pregnant kitties, because even though we are a strong spay and neuter advocate, we also realize that the problem doesn't just go away and many pregnant cats end up on doorsteps.

First thing would be to take this new cat to the vet. That is the most important thing. He needs to see her evaluate her, assess her health and at least know of her, so when she goes into labor IF there is a problem and you have to call him, he will know what cat you are talking about.

The cat needs to be brought inside, and kept warm and quiet. A closet with a birthing box would be a plus- the vet will be able to tell you how close she is to giving birth and that will help you be prepared as well. I would keep her away from the other two until she has been cleared by the vet-

Let us know what the vet says will you?

Thanks for your quick response!!! I forgot to tell you that I am taking her to the vet but can't get in to see him until May31....so in case she goes into labor before that...is why I posted for help....yes she's inside with me now and safe and warm. She's being well feed and cuddled alot!! She's so darn thankful!! I just love her!! Now about that box you were talking about...should I keep it near me at all times in case she needs help?? and should I cut the side so there is only 3 sides to the box?? Would that make it easier for her to climb into instead of jumping into the box?? Sorry if I sound stupid on this but I really don't know how to care for a pregnant cat!! She seems to get along very well with my other cats .....they go up to her and rub her ---it's so cute! And I think they are glad she's in here safe and sound! I will keep to posted and thanks again for such a fast response...Judy

The only way to ever feel stupid around here is to not ask questions!
Ok, she needs to be in a quiet dark room, away from the other cats. In case she brings with her something unforseen by you, but detected during the vet exam. Any type of a large box will work, even an old empty sock drawer, you should put her in a room where there is a closet, or a cupboard and put the box in the closet or cupboard. Fill it with soft bedding (I strip out an old towel) because they like to nest prior to giving birth, and shoving around strips of soft cloth comforts them in some ways. But whatever you have on hand will work. She needs a litterbox (two would be better) and food and water. Let her find the box on her own, don't put her in there (or she won't stay)

Prior to giving birth she will stop eating for 24 hours. She may get restless, anxious start mewing up a storm, pacing or even rolling. Some cats want you near them, others get aggressive and chase you away. You sort of take your cues from them.

I would call you vet on Tuesday and explain she is young, and ready to give birth any day and you would like her to be seen prior to delivery.

Good luck!

just to let ya know, most cats but not all stop eating. Snowwhite was eating at 11:00 pm and I woke up at 7am to three kittens all cleaned off and nursing. But she has been a mommy many many times before. Good luck and hope everythign goes smoothly for ya!

When Hobbie was pregnant, we took a very hands-off approach. (I was 1500 miles away in Texas, so I had no choice ) My parents set a box in the spare room, and she completely disappeared one Saturday afternoon. My dad thought she had snuck outside, and passed the night calling her from the front porch every two hours. Early Saturday morning, while laying in bed, my mom thought she saw a white blur dashing out of the bedroom. She woke up my dad, and he followed Hobbie from the food dish back to the bedroom, where he was greeted by four little bitty kittens.

My advice - Talk to your vet, but above all, your cat's instincts tell her what to do.

Hey, I'm so glad to read what you wrote about your pregnant kitty. I too, have a one of those. Mine I actually rescued last summer after being thrown out of a car. She is also young but I think she is at least 1 now. Very petite. The first time she went into heat we kept her inside but this last time apparently not long enough (we just haven't had the money to have her fixed). I also have 3 other cats and 1 dog. I was also wondering how to tell when she was getting close to giving birth. I just don't have the extra money to be spending on vet bills right now. I also don't think I can fix her a place in the house due to there is no empty closet or corner or anything in my house so I will fix her a box in my laundry room which is right outside my back door. The is where I keep food for the cats outside. She is a sweet kitty but one of my other cats just does not like her and attacks her all the time (jealousy probably, hehe) the other two cats don't even bother her and one takes care of her (male, but he isn't the daddy!)

Anyway, do kittys produce milk like a dog right before they deliver also? I'm not sure how far she is either but I do know she not far from it now. Wow, what a mess!!! My husband says after she has the kittens they all have to go ((

Cathy

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about not being able to take her to the vet. Just keep an eye on her. If she starts acting wierd, or seeming sick, that's the time to worry. Cats are more in tune with their bodies than people - That's why you don't see pregnancy tests at the pet store.

I find myself in the same position as you - Plenty of love, but not enough to cover the vet bills. Luckily, I have a spare room.

If you put a box in the laundry room, she won't use it. I absolutely guarantee it. She'll have the kittens inside the couch, under the desk, behind the shelf.. And if you play with the kittens too much, she'll move them from under the dresser to inside the couch, and then to under another couch... Because rule number one of having a cat is that at no point in time are you in control of the situation. Sure, you may pour the food out of the bag, but she could've gotten it herself.

You say she's petite? If she still has any resemblance to her unpregnant shape, she's not ready. Hobbie's as big as a house, but she turned into an apartment complex when she had her little ones.

My advice about the babies - If you have four kittens, find three homes for them. It costs $50 to take a cat to the SPCA, and, gee whiz, you just can't afford it this week! Maybe next payday, once the kitten has a name, a food dish, and a place in your husband's heart.. Right? It worked on my mom, who pretends to be the coldest hearted person alive.

I don't think she is ready yet, I really think she has about 2 more weeks....maybe. I know I absolutely can not have another animal!!! With her, I have 4 cats and 1 dog....like I said Angel was a rescue with the promise to my hubby of finding her a home, which I have not yet, not that I haven't tried but I'm not going to advertise to just anyone you know? I don't think you have to pay here in Alabama to take to shelter. You have to pay to adopt but not to drop off, unless that has changed. It has been many years since I have had to deal with the shelter.

I know cats can take care of themselves, all my other cats from the past had their litters with no problems (guess I was lucky) I will still sit up with her and watch just in case, if she is around when she has them.

Thanks for the advise.
Cathy

there is one thing i noticed we all forgot to tell you, males can kill kittens. I have 2 mothers that had kittens 3 weeks ago and I had to build a safe chicken wire shelter because some of my toms tried to attck her and the kittens and they 'were'loving males. Wierder was that if they smell the kittens they start to hiss. Just keep them
seperate a while and GOOD LUCK! Kittens are well worth all the worrying and preparing

A stray come to our house about 3 months ago, pregnant. (I have a inside sissy boy cat named BK). I feed and watched her and she had the kittens under the house up inside the wall next to the bathtub
My husband had to saw a hole in the bedroom wall to get them out. They are 7 weeks old now and have the run of the garage and I have found homes for all of them and the mother is going to be spayed in the next few weeks.. She is a good kitty and will be the outside kitty and her name is Scrapy. As soon as I learn to use the scanner I will post pictures.

Has she had the kittens yet? Was the vet able to see her sooner? Please let us know I am eager to hear how things are going.


Just a bit more advice. After she has had the kittens, look into getting her fixed soon. Many areas have low cost clinics where all they do are spay & neuter surgeries. She can go into heat again within 3-4 months after giving birth; sometimes sooner, I've heard of females going into heat just a couple weeks after their litter is weaned.

Thank you so much for taking this little girl in, you're an

Hello again....I haven't had a chance to post back with the out come of my pregnant stray....I had an appointment ready for her to go to the vet......and she disappeared on me!!! I looked high and low......anyway about 4 days later she came back scratching at my patio door!! I let her in and discovered that she had already had the kittens!! Problem was I couldn't find them!! She comes every morning for her food and takes off again so I figure when she's ready to introduce me to her babies she'll bring them here! I live in the country and there are lots of woods around me so I think she may be in there somewhere.....I have found a home for the whole family at a near by farm....I don't want to take her there until I have all the babies with her. So thank God it all turned out well.....I'm happy that I was able to get a good home for them....Thank you all so much for your kind support....Judy from Canada.....

Hello,
The stray kitty that came to my house did the same thing, but she went under my house and up the plumbing of the bath tub and had the kittens in the wall of my house. We did not want the kittens to become wild cats under our house, so my husband sawed a hole in the wall and we took the kittens out. (I kept the mother cat in the garage feeding her while he did this, she was very protective of the kittens). When we put the kittens with her in the garage that was not good enough, she took them to a back storage room and hide them. I waited for 7 weeks then I took the kittens out of the storage room (she hide them between boxes) and the kittens were wild and scared. They are now 9 weeks old, eating kitten food and still will not let you pick them up, but they are playing in the garage and using the litter box.
Just my advise to you, you need to know were the kittens are so at 7 weeks or so to bring them in or they will become wild and you will not be able to catch them. Another thing when I took the 7week old kittens out of the hidden place in the storage room, all the kittens had infected eyes. I called the vet and he (without seeing the kittens) let me purchase ointment. So for a week morning and night I cleaned 4 kittens eyes (Qtips and warm water work great)and then put the medicine in their eyes. FYI Good luck

you could find the kittens. Doing this means that if something was to happen like a bad storm or weather, you could help protects them. Knowing where they are also means you can help keep an eye on them from predators and other animals. All you have to do is wait untill she leaves...and follow her. I've had to do this several times to make sure my cats arent under a car we need or that they arent in a safe place. Just becarefull...some cats know ur following and will lead you around forever to confuse u untill u get so frustrated you give up. Also, you dont want her to move them just yet. Eventually she will move them anyway...all 3 of my mothers have moved them atleast 2-3 times. It's really up to u though whether or not u choose to know where they are. The one negative thing in knowing where they are means knowing how many she has and noticing that one has died...

Please don't try and find her and take her kittens away. Moms in the wild sometimes stash their kittens in different locations when threatened. If she sees you following her (and she will) she will do one of two things. She will either stay away from her kittens intentionally, thus endangering them because she is their protector, or she will go to them quickly and carry them off to other locations and you will only find one or two. Not a good option.

Your best bet, would be to set up a feeding area for her. It should be a private place where she can feel safe. Place food for her in the same location at the same time every day. This starts the bond of trust between her and you. When she comes out, don't look at her, just talk softly leave the food and go. over time, try sitting off in the distance, but always sit flat on the ground, and again, when she comes, don't meet her eyes- gradually move in until you are right next to her food bowl- if she comes out, don't touch her or look at her. Just keep doing this over the time she is nursing her babies. Because you are not reaching for her or threatening her, you go in her mind from predator to friend. When her kittens are old enough- she will bring them out to you, and although they will spit and hiss at their first human sighting, mom is not afraid of you and neither will they be.

This is my method, I know it works and it takes a great deal of patience, a lot of time, but mom nurses for quite awhile and you can do this.

Also make sure mom is getting quality food- kitten chow would be good about now, and even the canned senior diet would be good for her- Good luck!

I think my post may have been confusing...what I was saying was to NOT move or go anywhere near them. Just follow enough to where u know the area they are located in. Reason being (for instance)there may be a bad rain storm and finding them could mean she will now know they are in a area prone to flooding. Then she'll know to keep an eye on the area. Knowing the area they are in means ONLY in a emaergency she could find the exact location and get them to safety. I know if she gets too close they could get moved..that was why I wanted her to not follow very close and to just determine the area they are in. One of my mothers wasnt tame and the others were. They never moved them and I made sure not to be too close to them untill she was ready. Eventually she would want food for herself and the kittens and would have me follow her to them. Now everyday I feed her and the kittens several times a day. I hope Im not still confusing lol...

One more thing...this is my method and it may not be others which is fine. I just have to keep an eye on mine because they like to move them under our cars we use and there are dogs and other dangers. I feel better knowing where they are. It also comes in handy when it's time to start working with the kittens to tame them. Atleast it has for me...cats and people are different.