Hello I am new to this site. I also have a question.

My family has two cats one is big fluffy and white.  The other one is mine she's very small and a beautiful calico.  Their names are Russian. My sisters cat had two litters of six a few years back.  Then two years ago I really wanted a cat so my mom got me one.  Last fall she had a good and healthy litter of five.  This memorial day she gave birth to one healthy boy.  He's adorable but, she's still pregnant.  She is not in labor, she is completely fine.  Acting very normal.  She's being a good mom to the one baby, but I am very concerned for her health and the other babies' health.  They are most likely alive still.  How can I tell if they aren't?  Should she see the vet?  Do you think she will be fine? Can she give birth in about a week and be fine?  Thanks so much.

Welcome to The Cat Site.

Why do you think the cat is still pregnant?

It is possible she has a still born baby inside her, which may not come out.

Or, she was mated by a male cat twice within a week (not necessarily the same male cat), so she has two separate pregnancies.

So, she needs to go to the vets to find out which it is.

Also, any particular reason why she isn't spayed?  (PS:  cats can get pregnant really soon after they deliver, so watch her carefully so that she doesn't get pregnant again, so quickly.  That is *really* hard on the mother's health.

dianabak000 said:

she gave birth to one healthy boy.  He's adorable but, she's still pregnant.  She is not in labor, she is completely fine.  Acting very normal.  She's being a good mom to the one baby, but I am very concerned for her health and the other babies' health.  They are most likely alive still.  How can I tell if they aren't?  Should she see the vet?  Do you think she will be fine? Can she give birth in about a week and be fine?  Thanks so much.

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Cat can pause with the delivery, both some hours or even some days.

There can even happen they have TWO different litters at the same time, and deliver both healthy, in 3 weeks apart.  One of my neighbours had a cat from such a second litter, three weeks after.

Breeders dont never see this, because they have controll over matings. But it happens with common folks.  Not often but not unique.

BUT.  I suppose if it is such a second litter, or even late comers, they would move. A little at least, even if they dont move much very near delivery.  You dont feel them move?

Best you do talk with your vet. 

IF they are dead, they must out. Surgery or the vet will induce labor chemically.

IF they are alive, probably best to let them be, and await the normal delivery. If taken too early them may be premature. Premature dont have much chances.

IF there is no kittens, just some swelling (common enough!) the vet and you dont need to do anything.

Good luck!

Mine had one Friday, one Saturday, one Sunday, and one Monday and everybody was fine! Yes, that's four babies in four days. Was on the phone with the vet almost the whole time. Just keep a quiet eye on her and try not to bother her to much. Cats can very well have two three different pregnancies (same with fathers) in one pregnancy. They can also start and stop labor if they're feeling stressed! Call your vet and see what they say. Good luck. Chances are everything is normal.

Ritz, She isn't spayed because it is very expensive. Also my kitty loves my attention, she doesn't leave her baby unless she is with me. She loves to be in the same room as me almost always, when she was in labor with this little guy, she followed me everywhere so of course I stayed with her. Now that he is born she does the same thing. She is completely healthy so I don't think they are dead. We got a new dog, a rottweiler. She isn't really scared of her because she doesn't run away or climb a tree she just stays where she is and hisses. Could that have an impact on her pregnancy? Thank you for answering my questions?

Stefan Z: Thanks a lot, that makes me feel much better.  I am almost positive they do move, and when their older brother eats they move a lot. What are some ways you can tell they move? I know she went mating a lot while she was already pregnant. So I am taking that option into high consideration. I mentioned that she is a small cat, and last time she gave birth there was no swelling. Also it's been 4 days could she be swollen still if that is the case?
 

I will do my best and keep you all posted. My picture is the first litter of last falls babies.

dianabak000 said:

Ritz, She isn't spayed because it is very expensive.

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I have read on here that it is actually more expensive to have kittens, especially multiple litters, if you add up the cost of extra food, litter, vet care, etc., for kittens. Also you risk birth complications, and needing emergency vet care can be very expensive. It is also much healthier for a female cat to be spayed, due to risks from pyometra, mammary cancer, etc.

There are usually low cost spay/neuter clinics that will do a spa for less than $100. It is definitely something you could look for in your area.

vball91 said:

I have read on here that it is actually more expensive to have kittens, especially multiple litters, if you add up the cost of extra food, litter, vet care, etc., for kittens. Also you risk birth complications, and needing emergency vet care can be very expensive. It is also much healthier for a female cat to be spayed, due to risks from pyometra, mammary cancer, etc.

There are usually low cost spay/neuter clinics that will do a spa for less than $100. It is definitely something you could look for in your area.

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Yes, check with humane societies.  I live in DC which is arguably the most expensive city in the country when you factor in incomes vs prices (in an absolute sense NYC is obviously more) and even here it is possible to get a spay or neuter for $48 at the Washington Animal Rescue League or $60 at the humane society.  When I was in NYC I could actually get one for $25 through the humane society there (may have had to show my income at the time, don't recall). Ask around I think you will be surprised.  

As stated above, having kittens (and especially multiple litters over time, which is likely in this situation)  is FAR more expensive than a one time spay, and (not to be on a soapbox or sound like I am lecturing you as that is not my intention) you are contributing to the terrible cat overpopulation problem that exists.  If you can't afford it now, start stashing $15 or even $10 away each month for a year especially for this purpose and make sure she stays inside that whole time, then take her.

Regarding the reason for the post, please check with your vet. Everything may be okay or she may need surgery and SOON.  

Thank you all but we have checked at a place that doesn't sound unsafe and it used to be $100 but it's now $200. Also that's not the question, I want to know if it not bad that she only had one. 1st of all lost of people want cats. 2nd of all It is not cost beneficial because I am not keeping all the cats. 3rd, everyone who can afford it gets their cat spayed so not that many are going to be born. 4th scientists use cats for experiments, I'm sure they don't always survive. And last God will take care of the animals on the earth. Sorry for sounding so defensive but, it's not really your business why I take care of my cat the way I do, she's probably healthier than your cat(s). How did the early cats survive, I'm sure they mated a lot. And somehow we still have cats.

dianabak000 said:

 1st of all lost of people want cats.

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You are better off taking that one cat to a shelter then letting her have a litter and that litter reproducing.  Yes some shelters kill the cats they have no room for but what a peaceful fast death. 

You are not at the vets getting medical care you are online asking for advice froma  group of people whom many have been involved in rescue of strays.  If 200 is to much what will you do the day the cat needs an emergency c section?  Know how to feed baby kittens with a bottle weeks on end, and EXPENSIVE!!!
 

dianabak000 said:

Thank you all but we have checked at a place that doesn't sound unsafe and it used to be $100 but it's now $200. Also that's not the question, I want to know if it not bad that she only had one. 1st of all lost of people want cats. 2nd of all It is not cost beneficial because I am not keeping all the cats. 3rd, everyone who can afford it gets their cat spayed so not that many are going to be born. 4th scientists use cats for experiments, I'm sure they don't always survive. And last God will take care of the animals on the earth. Sorry for sounding so defensive but, it's not really your business why I take care of my cat the way I do, she's probably healthier than your cat(s). How did the early cats survive, I'm sure they mated a lot. And somehow we still have cats.

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Respectfully, we have all answered your question about her having only one.  We do not know.  We cannot see her and we are not vets.  We have advised you that there are a few possibilities and that whichever one it is you should see a vet.

I can assure you that each and every point that you make  in your numbers 1-4 is wrong, and could present facts to substantiate that claim beyond just saying god is going to take care of all the cats, but it does not seem you are genuinely interested in having a discourse.  As for your point about your cat being healthier than ours, there's no need for such a comment, especially since, as was stated above, you are currently seeking advice on an online forum about whether your cat is possibly dying from having dead kittens stuck inside her instead of calling or going to your vet immediately (and yes, if she does not get to a vet and that is the case she will die, so yet again, my advice to you, and the advice that others have indeed given you, is to see a vet).  We can't help you beyond that.

Finally, and again respectfully, I do not believe that anyone who cannot afford a spay should get a cat.  That may be too judgmental of me, but I think it is your obligation as a pet owner to provide basic medical care for your pet, such as spay or neuter and taking her to the vet as necessary. 

I apologize if this post causes any offense.

Cats aren't problems dogs are, they eat mice and aren't bad for the society. if you let your cat outside ever, which keeps it is natural health, then you have no idea what your cat does.  GOD WILL take care of them because he ALWAYS has. He is the reason you are not dead right now, He put them there and loves His creation.  she's my cat you don't just give your cat away, like you said to have a fast death possibly, or give away a problem.  cats feed their offspring. she will make milk and give it to her baby. why would someone hand feed a kitten. . I just wanted to wait if their are other possibilities. I am not wrong with points 1-4, for example 3 you people can afford it, and you did it, my family cannot so we didn't. also 4th and last are correct. you are all telling me i'm killing my cat, if i told you that you would not like it either. and I didn't ask if she was dying I asked if it's bad for her. and how I can tell. and in your final statement, that's not what I said, I said if the people can afford it then they get their (already existing) cat spayed. i'm not going to let her die, I can take care of her just fine. also I am only 16.
 

If I had all my cats unfixed I would have a few hundred/thousand from them breeding in the last 16 years.  A mother cat can become unable to feed her kittens if her health is very poor do to lack of food, overbreeding.  Retaining a kitten will kill them.  Even if it passes on its own there is a chance infection is in the uterus. 

Your post show a great deal of misinformation and lack of research on what really happens.  Yes it is nice to think that all goes well and cats are fine kept outside. 

I will be honest I just euthanized a cat that was hit by a car-so much for natural health huh???  And do you know that alone cost about 200-just the shot to euthanize and the exam that they charged?

Look up fiv/felv positive kittens(disease that kittens can get from being born to mom positive)  That is part of the package of cats freely breeding.

You can't afford to spay your cat but you state

i'm not going to let her die, I can take care of her just fine. also I am only 16.

So what would you do if she needed antibiotics to treat a infection of the uterus and an emergency spay to pull out the infected areas?(look up infected uterus in cat too while your online)

At 16 there is no emergency line of credit. 
 

Hello dianabak000 amd welcome to the Cat Site!

Hmmmm..... where to start here.

First off, this site is extremely pro spay and neuter. Please have a look at the Forum Rules:

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/239112/forum-rules

3. This is a pro-spay-and-neuter website. Please make sure to spay and neuter your cats. Unless you are a professional breeder and your cat is part of a professional breeding program, please educate yourself to the importance of spaying and neutering by the time your cat is 4-6 months old. If you take care of a feral colony, please make sure to do so responsibly by practicing TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) protocols within the colony.

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There are many reasons way spaying and neutering your pets are healthier for your pets and not just a way to control the stray pet overpopulation problem. This article outlines a few:

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/spay-and-neuter-your-cats

You will not get any support here for allowing your cat to have litter after litter. As we are a pro spay and neuter site, our goal here is to educate members on the benefits and reasons why a cat should be spayed and neutered. Some of our members were trying to explain this to you, in a non-rude manner.

I really think you need to get your cat to the vet to determine if there is an issue or not.

dianabak000 said:

Cats aren't problems dogs are, they eat mice and aren't bad for the society. if you let your cat outside ever, which keeps it is natural health, then you have no idea what your cat does.  GOD WILL take care of them because he ALWAYS has. He is the reason you are not dead right now, He put them there and loves His creation.  she's my cat you don't just give your cat away, like you said to have a fast death possibly, or give away a problem.  cats feed their offspring. she will make milk and give it to her baby. why would someone hand feed a kitten. . I just wanted to wait if their are other possibilities. I am not wrong with points 1-4, for example 3 you people can afford it, and you did it, my family cannot so we didn't. also 4th and last are correct. you are all telling me i'm killing my cat, if i told you that you would not like it either. and I didn't ask if she was dying I asked if it's bad for her. and how I can tell. and in your final statement, that's not what I said, I said if the people can afford it then they get their (already existing) cat spayed. i'm not going to let her die, I can take care of her just fine. also I am only 16.
 

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1. I didn't say one cat was too many. I have 2 of my own and probably foster 30 per year minimum, almost all kittens with their moms.

2. I didn't say cats are bad for society.  However, 45 cats are born each year in the USA for each human. If you honestly think that's not too many, I don't know what to say.  Most of them die terrible deaths. I don't have exact stats on that, but over half that are turned in are euthanized; many feral cats die of disease, being hit by cars, etc. Cats do prey on birds.  In some areas this is a bigger deal than others, but it is a very bad thing in certain locales where the cats are making birds endangered.

3. I do not let my cats outside ever. I don't believe domesticated cats should be allowed outside.  Feral cats have a home outdoors and domestic cats have a home indooors.   I'm not sure we can post outside links but I encourage you to go to the American Humane Society, ASPCA, and even PETA for more information about why you should keep cats indoors.  I have a fairly good idea of what my cats and fosters do inside, where they are living very safe, very happy, and very healthy lives.

4. I would rather leave a God belief or lack thereof out of this.  I believe I am here right now because of antibiotics which have saved my life many a time, not just because of God but really that is neither here not there as this is a site about cat care not about divine power.

5. I never told you to give away your cat. I literally have no idea where that came from.

6.  Some of us hand feed orphaned kittens or kittens who mom is neglecting because we believe their lives are valuable.  However, unless you are giving the kittens away at 4 weeks exactly before they are weaned and hoping for the best, surely you are feeding them some kitten or cat food beginning at 4 weeks when mom starts to wean them.  Surely you are litterbox training them.  This means more food and more litter.  Over time, as mom has more and more little kittens year after year, these costs add up to far more than one spay.  I foster year round depending if there are kittens at a given time and I will tell you that the 5 or 6 litters a year I foster (subtracting some for what percentage their moms probably cost me, and also subtracting any kitten milk replacement to save kittens in need since you don't approve of that) cost me at least $400 a year more than I'd otherwise be spending.  If you don't spay your cat and also let her outside she's going to have at least that many litters.  

7.  Not everyone who can afford to spay their cat does.  You have only to read through these forums to see proof of this. Lots of people don't realize how important it is until they educate themselves.

8. I did not tell you you were killing your cat.  Please just read my post.  I told you that if there were kittens inside her, and they did  not come out, she would die.  As you did not know if kittens were inside her, she was indeed possibly dying. This would take a several days, but it would happen.  I have seen it happen in my work at Humane Societies. I told you to go to a vet to help your cat. I stand by this advice.

9. . I do not care that you are only 16. You posted in the forum as the owner of the cat and I responded as if this were the case.  I appreciate that due to your age you may not be able to get the cat spayed by yourself, but that doesn't mean you have to accept that not getting her spayed is an acceptable or good idea.

I could go on but I think this hits your high points.  Cheers.

dianabak000, I can assure you that your points 1-5 are all incorrect. There are MILLIONS of cats killed in US shelters every year because there are not enough homes for them, not to mention who knows how many feral/outdoor/abandoned cats die from being hit by cars, poisoned by various substances, predators (including people), etc.

However, I doubt anything I say is going to change your mind, so I would encourage you to do your own research and try to find any facts that back up your assertions. If you keep an open mind and treat it as a research project, I think that what you will find will surprise you.

dianabak000 I sincerely hope your cat is ok. I also RECOMMEND taking her to a vet if you think there are kittens in her she hasn't had yet. Especially since its been 6 days. If you don't take her to the vet you are risking:
The lives of the kittens inside her
Her live
and the life of the kitten she birthed as you obviously feel hand rearing is stupid & if momma cat dies that kitten still has to nurse.
Second. I am 19 years old as is my boyfriend. We have 3 kittens, 2 adult males, & a pregnant stray that found us. We are letting her have this one litter. We have one income yet all these cats will be fixed. Even if I can only do one every month or two. You CAN get your cat spayed. For Christmas, birthdays etc ask your parents to give you some money for the spay. At 16 you can get a job or do yardwork to try & raise money.

If you care about your cat educate yourself & spay her. Get her her shots &tested. Otherwise you could very well watch her die due to disease, kittens in her, etc& the same for her kittens. I am 19. In college & paying bills with my boyfriend on ONE source of income. If i can figure it out you can too.

Since this thread seems to be going downhill fast I will now close it. Dianabak000 if you have any further questions about your pregnant cat, please start another thread.

I also urge you to read the links provided and do some research and please gets your pets spayed and neutered.