Pregnant stray seems to be sticking around

We have lots of cats in our neighborhood, but most of them are outdoor cats who have homes and just like to wander.  But there's a new girl that's been spending a lot of time around my house.  She rarely lets me get too close to her, but I managed to get close enough to pet her (and get a picture) today.  I suspect she's pregnant...at least she appears to be.  And by the looks of her, she's ready to pop!  I've asked around and no one knows who she is.  But she's very content lounging around in our yard.

Here's where the story gets interesting.  My cat, Mia, was found huddled together with her brother under a tree in my neighbor/friend's yard when they were 3 weeks old.  I've recently adopted one and she's keeping the other.  I've showed her the picture of this pregnant stray and both of us can't get over just how much she looks like our cats!  Same fur coloring, same facial structure...it's amazing!  And what's more...my girl Mia has no tolerance for other cats the come into our yard (other than her brother).  But this cat comes and goes frequently and Mia allows her total access.  Once, I saw them lying together on my front steps! 

My big question - Is there anything I can do for this soon-to-be mommy cat?  I watch her when I can and seem to have earned enough of her trust that she's comfortable napping in my yard.  I have food out all day and water out 24-7 that any cat can get to.  I've thought about attempting to catch her, but I'm afraid of hurting her or scaring her off completely. 

Next would be about the kittens.  If/when she has the kittens here, what do I need to do for them?  Obviously, the need their mother so I wouldn't attempt to separate them.  But is there anything I can do to help out the mommy cat? 

And finally - Is it possible that this is my cat's mother?  The kittens showed up just a couple of doors down from me.  There was no sign of their mother and they hadn't been cared for.  Then, a couple of years later, this new cat shows up, already pregnant with no clear owner.  I've heard that cats often return to the same place over and over again to have their kittens.  And the similarities really are amazing!  Everytime I see this mommy cat, I think it's Mia's brother coming over for one of his visits.  They look identical, only this cat has a bit more white...and a big belly! 

Any thoughts/suggestions?  Thanks!!!!

What you can do depends on what you want to do, and what you can to do.

The optimal is you get her inside.  This shouldnt be difficult. With any luck she may come voluntarily if you talk her sweetly and show good food waiting...

In worst case you must use a trap of some sort...

The only you must avoid is to try and take her by force "catch as catch can" and hold on for life...

And let her have her children inside, and foster them.  Afterwards you find them good adoption homes.

And her, after spaying and fostering - you either adopt her yourself "God so wishes" or try and find her too an adoption home.

If money is problem, you can perhaps get some shelter nearby to cooperate; you being their foster home and they helping you with the trap and vet costs.

How does it sounds for you?   If it is "yes, OK count me in" we will advise you more exactly these how and why.

I understand you are thinking on letting her deliver outside, and help her as an outside kitty.

This is also possible, but only as your last line of defence, plan C.

Good luck!

I agree with Stephan. If you can provide her with a room inside, do so. If Mia is related, there shouldn't be a problem, although I would isolate mommy and kits to be on the safe side. If bringing them inside is not an option, provide her with all the wet kitten food she'll eat (she needs the extra nutrition). A protected spot for a nest will be useful to, if she'll accept it.

There is another option. You can take her now for a spay, which will of course, end the pregnancy. That is totally up to you but worth considering. Once spayed, either now or after the kits are old enough, she can be let go to live her life.

Ps. Thank you for helping her, no matter what you decide

Bringing her completely inside isn't an option, but I've been trying to lure her onto our screen porch.  It has a cat door and is covered and safe from animals and the weather.  Plus, I keep a self feeder always filled to the top with food and plenty of fresh cool water...along with some toys, bed, scratching stuff and other cat stuff (it's amazing how I went from a no-cat mom to a totally cat friendly yard in less than a month-lol).  I also keep fresh water on the front porch as well as a cat bed and scratch pad.  So, my place has quickly become the happy cat house and several other neighborhood cats have found there way to us...which is fine with me. 

I will do my best to get her onto the screen porch.  I've been planning to put a little box out there for Mia, so she doesn't have to go outside in bad weather.  She would be safe and comfortable there.  But I doubt she'll be able to stay with us.  I think tomorrow, I'll put in a call to a few other the shelters to see if anyone is available to take her in.  If that doesn't work, I will do whatever I have to for her and her kittens.  My friend and I are both keeping an ear out for the sound of kittens.  And yes...she will be spayed if I can get to her.

Getting her on the porch won't be that easy.  She is uninterested in treats...I've tried.  I managed to get close enough to her to touch her today, but she was fast to run off into the woods.  Eventually, she found her way back and was lounging in our yard.  But as soon as I tried to get close to her, she ran off. 

Ideally, she will come happily onto my porch, I will find a foster home for her and her kittens and then look into getting her spayed.  If she can find a home with someone, great.  If not, I couldn't let her be put down.  We will be her people, if that's what she wants.  If she won't come on our porch and I can't find a foster for her, I'll do whatever I need to do.  I've had many cats over the years, but I've ALWAYS had them spayed so I've never had to deal with kittens before...at least not newborn kittens. 

Thanks for the advice.  I'm guessing that I'll be back looking for more info once the kittens arrive.  By the looks of her, that could be soon!

Sounds like you have a plan.  She may be one of those cats you have to trap, though, so get ready for that adventure!  Just understand that humane traps traumatize us worse than the cats!

Ondine said:

Sounds like you have a plan.  She may be one of those cats you have to trap, though, so get ready for that adventure!  Just understand that humane traps traumatize us worse than the cats!

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Also, a big dog cage is a good solution if you want to have her separated / keep inside, and yet, being in this semi-open porch. Where they do have completely shelter from weather, but can come and go as they please.

Such a cage will also give her some feel of protection.

Once she is caught, that is.  

I hadn't thought of a dog cage!  I may still have our dog's crate up in the attic.  I gave most of her stuff to a dog rescue when she passed, but I believe we kept the crate. 

Of course, she hasn't been around at all today.  I've kept a close eye out for her, put some extra food and water out...but she hasn't been by.  I've walked through the yard and the woods around us and see no sign of her or any kittens, but I'll keep looking.  Tonight, I gave our cat a little salmon as a treat and put a bit on a plate in the backyard, hoping she might smell it.  Another local kitty smelled it an ate it up quickly, but no mommy cat.   

Thanks again for all the advice.  I'm hoping she'll show up soon!