should I bring her in to have the kittens?

A sweet little cat showed up at our house a few months ago and we've been feeding her and set up a little shelter for her. Around the 12th-19th of March- I can't remember the exact date, she went into heat and all the toms of the neighborhood showed up. She's now fairly pregnant, and I'm not sure whether I should let her have the kittens outside or if she needs to come inside. I don't know if she's ever lived indoors, she comes inside once in a while, but usually for only a few minutes and wants back out. Would she use a litter box if I brought her in? I don't want kitty poop and pee all over the house. I want to get her spayed as soon as I can after she has her babies so it doesn't happen again. Thanks in advance for any advice you have!

Yes, in general it's much better for cats to have their kittens inside. There are a lot of predators and germs out there. Most cats will use a litterbox, it's instinctual for them to dig. Most cats will use an unscented sand-like litter even if they never used a litterbox before. If she still doesn't get the idea, try scattering some leaves or dirt (whatever you think she's used to going on) on top of the litter.

If she did get pregnant in mid-late March, you have a week or 2 before the kittens come (cats are pregnant for 9 weeks--63 days, give or take a couple of days), so you start getting her acclimated now so she doesn't panic when you finally bring her in to have the babies. Try keeping her in for increasing amounts of time until she's comfortable staying in all the time.

Originally Posted by kavamum

Would she use a litter box if I brought her in? I don't want kitty poop and pee all over the house.

I want to get her spayed as soon as I can after she has her babies so it doesn't happen again. Thanks in advance for any advice you have!

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She wont be around the house. The usual is to have them confined in one room. And she will be happy with this, as this room will be her safety zone.

Dont worry she is unused to be inside. Rescuers who do rescue high preggy semiferal cats do meet this situation all the time.
At first, when catched, they are of course excited. May have defenive aggesiveness. But leave in peace in this safety room, with igloo to hide in, litter, place to lie on, food, water, leave non threatened, they soon realize this is quite OK, nobody is mean, and it will surely work out.
Cat moms are like human moms. The good of their children is more important than "freedom". So a high preg, or a mom of small kittens, soon realizes this seems to be the best practical chance for her children - and do copy with the situation, and even cooperates as long you are respectful.
Rescuers tells it is almost easier to help a semiferal mom with kittens than a common semiferal.

You have the advantage she do already knows you somewhat. If you can get her to come in voluntarily - good and swell. If not - try to get her in a trap. Dont chase her around!
But it is good she ia inside several days before delivery, so you are sure she has "landed". Stressed down and adjusted.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice! We brought her inside yesterday, and aside from a few attempts at escape, she's seemed happy. She's loved the brushing and attention. She's been excellent with the litter box so far as well. I've set up a few nesting spots for her- we'll see how it all goes.

It is surely true like I said, high pregs semiferales are thinking on their children, aided also by their hormones, and thus often do copy and adjust with the new situation amazingly quick and well.
A Situation others semiferales perhaps dont copy so easily with.

But if she is happy with attention and BRUSHING, so she is no semiferal. She is surely dumped or got astray, although she may have been homeless a good while

It will make it of course still easier!

Well done Kavamum, sir!


Good luck!



ps. Welcome to the Forums!

Thanks for the welcome! I've thouroughly enjoyed being here.

I had to laugh a little yesterday; when I sprayed cleaner on the cabinets and table to clean them, our mama Kitty, Minerva, ran for the other room. Seems like maybe she did have a home at one point and was trained by getting spritzes of water from a spray bottle.

We're happy to have her in our family. She's been a sweet kitty.

Mini had her kittens on Friday, while we were out town. She had 5 cute little kittens and mama and babies seem to be doing well. Here's a pic of the little family.

http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/...g?t=1306179832

Jolly well done, everybody!


Free cigarrs to all around!



Good luck!

Oh, they look so sweet! Congratulations on your new bundles of joy!!