Should I take pregnant stray to vet

mcmurphy

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Several days ago I found a starving and pregnant stray cat.  I transported her about 2 hours to my home, during which time she threw up and had diarrhea.  I would like advice as to whether I should take her to the vet for these symptoms, or if there is any other reason a pregnant stray needs to see a vet before the kittens are born.  I assume they will be delivered soon, as her belly is large and I can see/feel the kittens moving.  We plan to keep the cat until her kittens are weened, then hopefully we will find homes for all of them.  Thanks for any advice.
 

revenwyn

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It could also possibly be stress from moving in the car or carsickness. I would put food out for her and see if the symptoms settle down, but put her in a smaller room of the house or the bathroom. But you should still take her to the vet.
 

missymotus

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Lots of cats get travel sickness let her settle in and see how she goes, she will need to be wormed if not already which doesn't always require a vet depending where you live

Kittens also need to stay with their mum for 12 weeks, not just until eating solids
 
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mcmurphy

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Can she be dewormed while pregnant?  
 

orientalslave

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Can she be dewormed while pregnant?  
Yes.  In the UK the best treatment is Milbemax which can be given to pregnant and lactating cats.  Unfortunately it's not available in the US for some reason, though I believe it is in Canada.  Dose depends on the weight of the cat.

Kittens can acquire worms from their mothers so treating before she delivers is better than waiting.  She does need to settle first for a day or two.  Ring your vet, and personally I would deflea her as well unless there are absolutely no signs of flea dirt if I comb her with a flea comb.
 
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mcmurphy

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I am taking her to the vet this morning,  They will deworm her while pregnant.  I noticed mucous/blood in her stool this morning so I am glad we are having her checked out.
 
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mcmurphy

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She had hookworms and fleas.  The vet gave her a dose of Frontline, her first deworming, and recommended a FIV test (which was negative).  My very kind vet saw her for no charge and split the cost of the tests...I got out the door for $64 and feel very happy about that.
 

orientalslave

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Am so glad you took her.  Is he sure the one treatment will deal with the worms?  Also where a cat has fleas it often has tapeworms - maybe what he gave her will deal with those as well.
 
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mcmurphy

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He gave me a dewormer to administer in 2 weeks.  I suppose they tested for different types of worms, but I did not ask.  She is doing great, still waiting for kitties! Thanks for your advice. 
 

missymotus

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That's a very kind vet indeed, excellent she's FIV negative.
 
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mcmurphy

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Five kittens!  All seem healthy and the momma cat is taking great care of them.  Her stomach is still very hard today (one day post delivery).  Is this normal or could she need to see the vet?  She seems relaxed and ate a lot yesterday, but a little less today.
 

missymotus

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The stomach should be soft. Did all the placentas come out? Could also be worms, keep an eye on the appetite, are all the kittens gaining?
 
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mcmurphy

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I would still not call her stomach soft, though it is softer sometimes than others.  I only saw 3 placentas, but one baby was born while we were out of the room and two were born with her back to us, so it is possible she ate it when we didn't see (it was the first two and we didn't really know to look for it).  Maybe it has to do with milk and/or how much she has eaten?  She seems happy and comfortable.  Kittens are growing...fat little tummies, eyes all open.  Very cute.  
 
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