Pregnant Stray - Need some advice.

I just wanted to comment about the temp taking, after reviewing this thread over again, I don't feel it is necessary to repeatedly take her temp, as it may very well be a bit stressful to mom, so to the op, while I know you are doing your best to prepare, it's not a good idea to do it over and over

By watching her behavior you will have a clear indicator of when she is ready anyway, I know how hard the waiting can be!

Everything will likely be just fine, she will do her mom duties well, and all you will have to do is love and admire her precious little punkins.

catwoman707 said:

 
I just wanted to comment about the temp taking, after reviewing this thread over again, I don't feel it is necessary to repeatedly take her temp, as it may very well be a bit stressful to mom, so to the op, while I know you are doing your best to prepare, it's not a good idea to do it over and over

By watching her behavior you will have a clear indicator of when she is ready anyway, I know how hard the waiting can be!

Everything will likely be just fine, she will do her mom duties well, and all you will have to do is love and admire her precious little punkins.

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Quoting because I need some urgent help! She is in labor and has a black golfball size sac protruding from her. Is this the amniotic sac or a kitten that could be stuck? Please help ASAP. Standing by and comforting her, not interfering though. She seems to want me with her. If there is anything I should be doing please let me know!

@StefanZ  

Sounds like it might be a kitten.  How long has this been protruding and not moving?

And what is she doing?  does she seem to be straining?  Is she making any kinds of noises?  Is she doing anything to it? (Licking, biting, etc)?  How is her breathing?

Maybe about 10 mins. It has come out a bit more and I see almost a mucusy color to it. I am just so worried. 

She is laying in her nest, she whines when she pushes. She doesnt seem to be straining TOO much..but she is farting a lot, and purring. Her breathing is rather regular, but quick. No panting, though.

Sorry for being all over the place, just a bit worried for her. Thank you SO much.

for now it seems you are doing the right thing, staying there, encourage her with a soft, calm voice, watching carefully but not intruding unless needed. 

Just in case, have a few smaller, soft towels ready.  Might not need them, but not a bad idea to have them at hand.

Looks like its just the sac, because there is a differently colored sac starting to come out. She seems to be straining a little, not sure how much is normal before I should worry....

Actually, that might be the placenta plug.  Here's a list of what to expect:

~~Keep calm. Once the mother enters her nesting box and labor commences, the best thing you can do is to keep calm and be prepared. If there are any disturbances or animals around, or if she is moved to a strange place, she will delay labor. Otherwise, the process of birth is about to ensue, known as Stage 2:

•The placental plug will be expelled a few hours before delivery. This protected the uterine region from infection during pregnancy

•There's a build-up in contractions as the first kitten enters the birth canal. Contractions should be at 2 - 3 minute intervals and the mother will probably be in a crouched position.

She may cry out and pant.

•The amniotic fluid (water bubble) comes through first, followed by the kitten (either head first or rear paws first).

•Once Stage 2 of the labour commences, it will last about 30 minutes to an hour and then the first kitten should be born. Each subsequent kitten will be about half an hour apart, sometimes up to an hour.

Yep, see, you were right.  your instincts are better than you think.

Here are two links to sites that may help you.

This first one, start reading at #7 (which is the stage you are at now)

The second one is more generalized, but will give you something to do.

http://www.wikihow.com/Help-a-Cat-Give-Birth

http://www.2ndchance.info/felinelabor.htm

I will keep on checking here for your responses and to cheer you along and help if there are any problems.  Hopefully others will show up here as well.

I cannot begin to thank you ernough. She has resettled herself and does not seem to be in distress. The small golfball sac is still intact, but she is also pushing something else out. What are the possibilities that two could try to come out at once? Just trying to make sure that's not what's going on.

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`She is licking and pushing though, and seems to be calming down a little more.

This next sack is more of a yellowish orange color.

I'm going to start a new thread instead of having to go through all these posts.  Easier and quicker.

The first baby has arrived! Looks to be black/grey, she needed help removing the sac but after she kind of realized she had a kitten (LOL) she started licking and biting the cord. Fingers crossed the other babies come out with no problems!!

Okay, Ocelot, sounds like things are going smoothly!  Good going! 

One of those sites I linked suggested how long to wait before removing the umbilical cord yourself, but for now, give Mom some time.

Whats happening now?

Fingers crossed, they should, and Congrats!!!

She now has three babies. She has gotten the hang of licking/breaking the sacs and cords. She is doing a WONDERFUL job!

Whew! That was stressful to say the least. Amaya had 4 kittens, however I suspect there may be another on the way. She is resting and nursing the babies, she seems to be pretty exhausted!!

As promised, here are some pics. I will get better ones soon, her nest is very dark.

We have 2 black kittens, one grey/blue with a white tummy, and one gorgeous black/brown tortie.

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P.S. No flash was used, just edited the brightness a bit

BionicOcelot said:

 
Whew! That was stressful to say the least. Amaya had 4 kittens, however I suspect there may be another on the way. She is resting and nursing the babies, she seems to be pretty exhausted!!

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If she is calm and happy busying herself with her kittens, no visible problems, dont worry if there is one left or if it is just some swellings.

If one is left, it will come forward later.

Of course, DO keep watch, if there becomes problems.  IF so, contact your vet asap, be ready to rush her in.

But for the moment, continue to be watchful, but dont stress, be optimistic.

Congrats to the happy outcome!

Good luck!

(awake now      )

Hi guys, thanks again. She is wonderful. I had left lots of wet food next to her nest, but after a while of her not touching it I held it up to her, and sure enough...Never seen a cat eat like that in my life, lol. I guess she just doesn't want to leave her babies for anything. She checks on them 24/7. One of the black ones in particular was crying a bit, and she shot her head back from her food and started licking him. 

They seem to be doing really well, and I'm super happy she's been so good. They are so precious.