Pregnant cat is driving me nuts!

She is due sometime soon. I think in the next several days. She is DESPERATE to get outside. She is trying everything. She even squeezed under my bathroom door and somehow got under the tub and out under the house! I have no idea why. She was inside/outside but when I realized she was pregnant I started keeping her in. Any advice on that?

She's also trying to make her nest in my kids' playroom of all places! She doesn't like the box I made for her. How can I encourage her to use it?

Honestly at this point I would shut her in the room that the box is in and where you want her to give birth. This will make her less likely to succeed in getting outside, prevent her from giving birth somewhere that you don't want her to, and keep her in a safe, quiet environment during the birth.  Try to make the box as inviting as you can- soft, warm, comfortable,

She hates to be closed up. She can somehow squeeze under the doors even with her big belly! I can try to put towels under the door.

tulosai said:

 
Honestly at this point I would shut her in the room that the box is in and where you want her to give birth. This will make her less likely to succeed in getting outside, prevent her from giving birth somewhere that you don't want her to, and keep her in a safe, quiet environment during the birth.  Try to make the box as inviting as you can- soft, warm, comfortable,

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I very much agree with tulosai. Since it seems she is so close to delivering now is the time to confine her to just one room that will be her "nursery" for the next few weeks. Make sure all her essentials are in there (litterbox, food and water dishes, a scratcher and a few toys, ect) in addition to the birthing box. 

As far as getting her to use it, your best bet is to make it the most attractive spot in the room by limiting the options she has. Be sure you securely block off places that you absolutely don't want her to go, such as under the bed or dresser (I have found that cutting plywood to fit the space is the best way to block it off- as you well know they can squeeze into some tight places!). It's also a good idea to set up multiple boxes to give her options. I did a quick search for 'birthing box' and some of these threads may help give you an idea of how to make the box more appealing. http://www.thecatsite.com/newsearch?search=birthing+box 

Remember that her instinct is to find a place that is dark and confined so that no predators can sneak up on her during delivery when she is vulnerable so do your best to mimic that while at the same time securely blocking off areas that provide that naturally. In general, a cardboard box turned on it's side works really well. Then, line the inside with several layers of bedding (fleece blankets work best as the top layer as little kitten claws can easily snag on towels). Then cover the whole thing with a sheet so it's very dark and private. I usually put the food and water dishes close to the box so she doesn't have to go far to get to them, and the litterbox further away but within her line of sight. That way she can keep an eye on her kittens when using it but doesn't have to constantly smell it. 

If it really becomes a problem to the point that you are concerned for her safety, another option is to crate her. If you go this route an extra large dog kennel lined with blankets can work well. It's certainly not ideal but unfortunately sometimes it is necessary for her safety and the safety of the kittens. If you decide to go this route let us know and we can talk about it in more detail. 

Finally, since it does sound like she's super close be sure you are checking on her every few hours around the clock- sleep in the room if you have to! It's very important that you are there for the birth to provide emotional support and assist on the off chance that anything goes wrong. In addition to prepping the birthing box make sure you have your birthing kit all ready, including after hours/emergency vet numbers just in case. These articles provide crucial information so make sure you look through them and ask any questions that you have regarding the birthing process! 

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/pregnant-cat-what-to-prepare-for-the-birth

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/80724/all-about-pregnancy-labor-delivery-in-cats

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/249018/...regnant-cats-kitten-care-articles-and-threads  (the main link just in case you want to look through the other kitten care articles) 

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/cat-pregnancy

Hopefully confining her to the one room will help with her desire to sneak out but since she does sound like a little Houdini make sure you double and triple check that there is no way for her to access the outdoors (such as through a loose window screen). Remember that she can go back into heat any time after giving birth so it's crucial that she stays indoors and away from any intact males until after she has been spayed. And, in your case, that means you are going to have to be extra vigilant!

  Vibes for a safe and healthy delivery. Please do not hesitate to ask follow up questions in this thread as you need to. We are here to help however we can! Good luck! 

Thank you for all the advice. I think I'll set her up in our hall bath. There's no way she can get out of there except under the door. I can try to block it with towels and put up a baby gate.

I'm not sure when she got pregnant. It was either the 1st or 2nd week of february. I didn't know she was in heat until I called the vet because she was acting wierd and she told me. But I'm definately getting her fixed as soon as the kittens are weaned.

I have been feeling the kittens move for a couple of weeks but the past few days I haven't felt it. I can feel that her milk has come in too.

Kitty2014 said:

Thank you for all the advice. I think I'll set her up in our hall bath. There's no way she can get out of there except under the door. I can try to block it with towels and put up a baby gate.

I'm not sure when she got pregnant. It was either the 1st or 2nd week of february. I didn't know she was in heat until I called the vet because she was acting wierd and she told me. But I'm definately getting her fixed as soon as the kittens are weaned.

I have been feeling the kittens move for a couple of weeks but the past few days I haven't felt it. I can feel that her milk has come in too.

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My girl is expecting around the same time as yours! Good luck

Kitty2014 said:

I have been feeling the kittens move for a couple of weeks but the past few days I haven't felt it. I can feel that her milk has come in too.

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This is actually normal and a good indicator that the kittens are coming very soon. As a general rule, once you feel the babies moving around you are about two weeks away from delivery. And, they often become less active as they slide into position for the birth. I would be surprised if she doesn't go in the next few days so get her moved and set up as quickly as possible. I think the hall bath with a couple of nesting boxes sounds like a great option. Let us know how it goes! 

I'm going to put her in there tonight and put a baby monitor in there so I can hear her. She's been her usual self today but her belly is definately changing.

Kitty2014 said:

I'm going to put her in there tonight and put a baby monitor in there so I can hear her. She's been her usual self today but her belly is definately changing.

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The baby monitor is a great idea- just still do periodic physical checks as well as some cats are freakishly quiet during labor. I had one foster who made zero noise except one sharp meow when she delivered the first kitten, yet another who howled during the whole thing! So, just depends on the cat how vocal they are going to be.

And the belly changes are in line with the kittens getting into position. She may start to look thinner or like her belly has "dropped." Again, both normal just another indicator that the show is about to start!

Finally, It's entirely possible that she's going to be ticked off about being confined (because she is used to having full reign and because she's not with you as highly pregnant cats can become very needy). But, it's important that you stay strong. It sounds like you have kids, so the best thing I can equate it to is them learning to go down for a nap (a major battle i just watched my young nephew go through). If she howls and you open the door after 20 minutes you just reinforced that if she cries long enough she will get what she wants. Wait until she's quiet before you go in and soon she will learn that her antics don't pay off. If you really can't stand the noise consider letting her have the master bedroom as her nursery room- just be prepared to make the proper accommodations prior so that she doesn't give birth in an improper place. Another option is to keep her in the master (or another room you can sleep in) until after the kittens are born and then move her to the bathroom. It's not ideal to move the nest but its also not good for her to be extremely stressed going into labor. I wonder if letting her be with you until they are born and then moving her into the bathroom is the happy medium you both need. If the bathroom is the only option and she really starts howling you might want to get everyone in the family a good set of earplugs until she settles in! :bigwink:

One other thing that just came to mind: I don't know how old your kids are but remember that most Queens are very protective of their young and don't take kindly to a lot of visitors. For the first few weeks its important to give her some space and let her do her thing. Remember that, aside from weighing the kittens daily, your sole job is to care for Mom so that she can take care of her babies. Once they start walking and exploring it's time to introduce more people (and teach the kiddos how to handle the kittens properly) but prior to that keep the number of people going in and out to an absolute minimum. This is the other good reason to have multiple nesting boxes- most Queens will move the den at least once and it goes much smoother if they have somewhere to move them to. Otherwise she may choose a place on her own that is less than ideal- even dangerous.

So, try it all out tonight and make changes tomorrow if you need to. Here's hoping it all goes smoothly!

No babies yet. She has barely eaten at all today. She had a couple of bites of eggs but that's it. Here's a pic from this morning. She's not as big as she looks here. She's standing wierd because she's eating. But you can see how her stomach has changed.

Kitty2014 said:

No babies yet. She has barely eaten at all today. She had a couple of bites of eggs but that's it. Here's a pic from this morning. She's not as big as she looks here. She's standing wierd because she's eating. But you can see how her stomach has changed.

IMG_20140408_104647.jpg

• kitty2014
• Apr 8, 2014

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I am playing the same game! Good luck hope the kittens arrive soon!

Yet another sign that the time is coming! Many Queens will start limiting their eating and start using their box excessively- almost like they are cleaning out their systems for what is to come. And, after the birth, don't be surprised if she doesn't eat or use the box for a day or two- it's relatively normal. Though, more than a couple of days and you may need to intervene, even if it just means moving everything closer so she doesn't have to leave her nest to get to it all. That said, I have heard of cases of the opposite- Queens eating as they are delivering but it's sounding like your girl is going to be the other type. Little changes like this are normal and to be expected, but what you want to watch for is any major changes to her behavior. If she becomes extremely lethargic, doesn't touch food (or especially water) for more than two days, or just seems "off" call and consult with your vet. Most of the time labor and delivery goes off without a hitch but when problems do arise they tend to be life threatening ones so listen to your gut and seek  professional help if you need to. 

I'm dying to hear where you are at now so update us! And, your girl is gorgeous. I love diluted torties! 

No kittens yet. She has been eating today so I guess maybe she just wasn't very hungry yesterday. She has been super affectionate and followed me all around the house today. I'm keeping an eye on her but she's not in a rush. I feel like I've been waiting forever.

She has been looking pretty miserable today. Laying around and grooming herself a lot. I haven't seen any discharge. We're going to run some errands so I wonder if I'll come home to kittens.

Kitty2014 said:

No kittens yet. She has been eating today so I guess maybe she just wasn't very hungry yesterday. She has been super affectionate and followed me all around the house today. I'm keeping an eye on her but she's not in a rush. I feel like I've been waiting forever.

She has been looking pretty miserable today. Laying around and grooming herself a lot. I haven't seen any discharge. We're going to run some errands so I wonder if I'll come home to kittens.

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This waiting game is awful! My girl has had a little discharge today, also had some the other day! Good luck hope your girl has a easy delivery!

Kitty2014 said:

No kittens yet. She has been eating today so I guess maybe she just wasn't very hungry yesterday. She has been super affectionate and followed me all around the house today. I'm keeping an eye on her but she's not in a rush. I feel like I've been waiting forever.

She has been looking pretty miserable today. Laying around and grooming herself a lot. I haven't seen any discharge. We're going to run some errands so I wonder if I'll come home to kittens.

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Haha yeah I know that feeling- sometimes they act like they are getting close and then totally switch it up like they don't have a care in the world. It's very frustrating! Even though it doesn't sound helpful at all, the best thing I can say is that you will know when it's time. You will think it's time 50 times before that, but when it really starts there is just some sort of maternal bell that goes off and you will have no doubts. 

I do hope you can be present for the birth, if for no other reason than to provide moral support to her. It's also hugely beneficial if you can be there to document which baby is born when, and to count placentas (there should be one for each baby though they don't always come in order. Meaning, she may deliver a kitten and then a placenta, or two kittens and then two placentas. It's also normal for her to eat the placentas as they are super high in nutrients and calories. Some people take them away after four or so as they are so rich they can cause diarrhea but I personally just let her decide how many she wants). Regardless, once she is done (or seemingly done) delivering be sure you get a weight on each baby (a cheap kitchen scale works well for this) and try to weigh them at the same time each day following. Getting accurate weights is the quickest way to know if something is wrong and to have the best chance of remedying it before it's too late. 

I always keep a notebook for each litter (with my regular vet and emergency/after hours vets numbers written on the cover). As each baby is born I start a column for them that includes the time of birth and any identifying markings so I can tell them apart later. I then add their weight by day in each column. On average, kittens should gain 10-15 grams a day, though some days with more or less is normal. ANY wight loss and you should contact your vet ASAP. As time goes on I also make notes in the columns as they reach milestones (umbilical cord fell off, eyes open, first steps, ect) as well as document anything I notice that may be concerning. Having all this information written down in one place serves multiple purposes. If anything does seem off than you have something tangible to hand to the vet without trying to recall everything from memory during a stressful situation. It's also nice for their future families to know when they were born and what their growth was like (can increase the bond). If you do nothing else during the process of raising kittens I say it's utilizing this notebook- it is absolutely invaluable! 

Soon after birth is also the best time to sex them. Males have a wider space between the anus and genitals (so their testicles can grow in) and it looks like a colon (. Females are much closer together and look like a semi-colon (. If you can identify one then it's much easier to determine what the others are by comparison. As they grow you may realize you made a mistake but you can get a pretty good idea early on. 

Alright I'm just rambling now. I noticed there are others waiting for kittens that checking your thread so hopefully this is helpful to all of you. For the time being I say make an effort to be present for the birth, ask questions as they come up, and continue to keep us posted! Continued vibes that things go well! 

EB24 said:

Haha yeah I know that feeling- sometimes they act like they are getting close and then totally switch it up like they don't have a care in the world. It's very frustrating! Even though it doesn't sound helpful at all, the best thing I can say is that you will know when it's time. You will think it's time 50 times before that, but when it really starts there is just some sort of maternal bell that goes off and you will have no doubts. 

I do hope you can be present for the birth, if for no other reason than to provide moral support to her. It's also hugely beneficial if you can be there to document which baby is born when, and to count placentas (there should be one for each baby though they don't always come in order. Meaning, she may deliver a kitten and then a placenta, or two kittens and then two placentas. It's also normal for her to eat the placentas as they are super high in nutrients and calories. Some people take them away after four or so as they are so rich they can cause diarrhea but I personally just let her decide how many she wants). Regardless, once she is done (or seemingly done) delivering be sure you get a weight on each baby (a cheap kitchen scale works well for this) and try to weigh them at the same time each day following. Getting accurate weights is the quickest way to know if something is wrong and to have the best chance of remedying it before it's too late. 

I always keep a notebook for each litter (with my regular vet and emergency/after hours vets numbers written on the cover). As each baby is born I start a column for them that includes the time of birth and any identifying markings so I can tell them apart later. I then add their weight by day in each column. On average, kittens should gain 10-15 grams a day, though some days with more or less is normal. ANY wight loss and you should contact your vet ASAP. As time goes on I also make notes in the columns as they reach milestones (umbilical cord fell off, eyes open, first steps, ect) as well as document anything I notice that may be concerning. Having all this information written down in one place serves multiple purposes. If anything does seem off than you have something tangible to hand to the vet without trying to recall everything from memory during a stressful situation. It's also nice for their future families to know when they were born and what their growth was like (can increase the bond). If you do nothing else during the process of raising kittens I say it's utilizing this notebook- it is absolutely invaluable! 

Soon after birth is also the best time to sex them. Males have a wider space between the anus and genitals (so their testicles can grow in) and it looks like a colon (. Females are much closer together and look like a semi-colon (. If you can identify one then it's much easier to determine what the others are by comparison. As they grow you may realize you made a mistake but you can get a pretty good idea early on. 

Alright I'm just rambling now. I noticed there are others waiting for kittens that checking your thread so hopefully this is helpful to all of you. For the time being I say make an effort to be present for the birth, ask questions as they come up, and continue to keep us posted!

Continued vibes that things go well! 

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The notebook is a great idea! I'm sure their new families will love that! Unfortunately we won't be keeping any of the kittens. I wish we could! I'm sure I'll fall in love with them all.

Still no kittens yet but there have been a couple of changes. She had some diahrea earlier and she's been grooming herself a lot. I haven't seen any discharge but she could have cleaned it up already. She's been restless and trying to nest under my son's crib. Also when I picked her up earlier, I noticed she was leaking milk. Maybe tonight's the night!

Kitty2014 said:

The notebook is a great idea! I'm sure their new families will love that! Unfortunately we won't be keeping any of the kittens. I wish we could! I'm sure I'll fall in love with them all.

Still no kittens yet but there have been a couple of changes. She had some diahrea earlier and she's been grooming herself a lot. I haven't seen any discharge but she could have cleaned it up already. She's been restless and trying to nest under my son's crib. Also when I picked her up earlier, I noticed she was leaking milk. Maybe tonight's the night!

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Yeah it definitely sounds like she is close. Discharge, or lack thereof, is not always a clear indicator for the reason you say- she can easily be licking it up before you even see it. The fact that she is clearly in nesting mode is a good one though. Once she finds her place it's very likely that the process will begin. And, because of that (even though it's so hard) I would for sure be keeping her confined as much as possible. If she keeps getting let out then she is going to try and wait as long as possible so she can nest where she wants to and not where she has to. Keep her in the bathroom, give her a couple of nesting box options, and check on her regularly so you don't miss it- that's the key right now!

And I'm so glad you like the notebook idea! It really is invaluable to have all that information handy not just for the vet but for future adopters. I've had 32 fosters roll in and out of here and every adopter so far has been thrilled with their "Adoption packet." Even though it's down the line for you I always give them a copy of the notebook so they know when all the milestones happened as well as a disc of pictures (in addition to other items that we can discuss later if necessary). So, keep that in mind as you start taking photos of the new babies- it goes much smoother if you sort them into files for each kitten as you go along as opposed to waiting until the very end! 

Don't feel badly about not keeping any of the kittens- it's not in the cards for everyone to add to their feline family. In the beginning when you think about giving them up it will feel impossible because they are just so cute, but I promise when the time comes you will be ready. It's definitely a bittersweet feeling as you do become attached, but knowing you have done everything possible to give them a good start in life and have found a good home for them is just as rewarding as keeping them can be. Even though it sounds like this was an unintended pregnancy I think you are doing a good job of turning a negative into a positive and are stepping up and taking responsibility. I know you plan on getting your girl spayed when the time comes and hope you will have the kittens done as well. Ensuring that they can't procreate is by far the best gift you can give them, but this is of course yet another conversation for another day. Let's just get them here first! 

She's having them right now! 1 so far. She cleaned it up but it's by her tail. Can I move it to her nipple or should I not touch it??

Kitty2014 said:

She's having them right now! 1 so far. She cleaned it up but it's by her tail. Can I move it to her nipple or should I not touch it??

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I don't know the answer to your question but congratulations

She had a second kitten at 8:46. The first one looks just like Kitty and the second is a dark tabby. She's had a few contractions but no more kittens yet. It's now 10:15. She's napping abd nursing the babies. She's calm and relaxed. I know she has more in there. I'll leave her alone for a while and see how she is in a little while.