Grouchy Behavior in pregnant calico- Do to being pregnant or is she just a grouch?

About 7 weeks ago a calico showed up in our yard. She was skin and bones, starving to death. We fed her, so of course she stuck around, and then decided to keep her. As she put on some weight, you could tell she is pregnant. We took her to the vet and he confirmed it. We've already got people lined up for homes for the babies and we'll keep her, but here is my problem. We have 2 other cats- a neutered male that is about 7 and a spayed female that is 2.  Abby, the momma-to-be, is a complete hag to both of them- more so the male than the female. I'm hoping that the behavior is due to being pregnant, wanting to make sure she has a safe place and to protect her babies, and when the babies are gone, she will be better. Is that more than likely what it is. I've noticed that it's mostly when they are all in the house that she is like that. We have a big screened in patio and when they are out there, they actually seem to get along better. Any thoughts?

How far along is she?
In the wild, female big cats are very protective of their young. More specifically if the male she feels threatened by is not the father of her litter (in the wild non-father lions/tigers etc will kill cubs to bring the female back into season). I would assume she is just feeling threatened by your other cats especially if she is close to giving birth. My recommendation would be to keep her separate from your other cats, in an area where she can nest and feel safe until, as well as, after her kittens come into the world. You don't want a soon-to-be momma cat getting stressed out!

Good luck, keep us posted!

We're not real sure how far along she is. Should be due any day. She showed up 7 weeks ago this past Wednesday, July 16th. It was a week after that that we decided to keep her and then probably another week before we could get an appointment for the vet to see her. She definitely wants to rule the roost. 

amyjo5995 said:

 
We're not real sure how far along she is. Should be due any day. She showed up 7 weeks ago this past Wednesday, July 16th. It was a week after that that we decided to keep her and then probably another week before we could get an appointment for the vet to see her. She definitely wants to rule the roost. 

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Then absolutely keep her confined to a room. Give her a litter box, some water and a place to nest that way she feels safe and can use the bathroom when needed. Still interact with her yourself and to feed her, but keep your other cats away from her for now. If the problem seems to persist after her kittens have gone to their new homes you may have to consider some behavioral adjustment (but we can get to that when the time comes).