Help!

I know my cats last known (or remembered) heat cycle was around October 7th. She is a small cat, the size of a normal 4-5 month old cat. We noticed a change in her nipples 3-4 weeks ago. Now she has a very large round hard belly, nipples are huge and cracking around the base of her belly, and I can clearly see the kittens move about in her belly. I am wondering, that because of her small size, my guess of around 2-3 weeks until birth of kittens be may wrong, and she may have longer (or even shorter?) than that? This is her first litter. She has not started any nesting yet, and is still eating 5-8x a day. Is there any way other than vet ultrasound to be more sure?
Also, she is refusing the box I have set out for her, and actually urinated in it. (She is litter trained and not proned to potty in other places) What can I do to make her feel more comfortable in a box?

Her size won't make the kittens come any earlier (or I should say, even if they do come early, premie kittens do not survive). But it could cause complications, a kitten stuck in the birth canal or something. Do you know the size of the tom that mated her? If he was very large there could be even more trouble.

I'd recommend working very closely with your vet on this one. He/she may recommend an ultrasound, or an x-ray (easier to see the babies' bones). Do you know an experienced breeder you can consult with? they can be a big help as well.

I agree with Willowy. If you know some experienced breeder, or rescuer. And of course, make sure you have contact with a good vet.... yes.

Many female cats are small and they usually still make it.

Our younger boys fourth, last wife was the smallest of them all. Yet she did managed to bear forward 6 wonderfull, healthy, fullweigh kittens.... It quite rare for russian blue to have as big a litter.

I don't have anything to add really. Except to please be sure to get her spayed ASAP after the kittens are weaned off her milk. She could get pregnant again right away and I am sure you don't want that. Multiple litters too close to each other or too many litters period could cause her to have health problems. And it can be really hard to try to continuously find homes for kittens. Good luck with everything!

Welcome to TCS!

Originally Posted by KiTTYL0VE4

I don't have anything to add really. Except to please be sure to get her spayed ASAP after the kittens are weaned off her milk. She could get pregnant again right away and I am sure you don't want that. Multiple litters too close to each other or too many litters period could cause her to have health problems. And it can be really hard to try to continuously find homes for kittens. Good luck with everything!

Welcome to TCS!

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