I'm not sure if my cat's pregnant or not

Hi.

Yes, I'd like to get my cat to the vet asap to check on her but i can't. But i'll probably have a chance by next saturday.

Anyway,

I've been reading an article here about cat pregnancy and what not:

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

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/how-to-tell-if-my-cat-is-pregnant
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/pregnant-cat-what-to-prepare-for-the-birth
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/help-my-cat-is-having-kittens
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/post-birth-complications-in-cats
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/how-do-i-know-when-my-cat-will-give-birth
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/premature-kittens

So, I'm really confused. My cat's possibly pregnant. But probably it's a false pregnancy. Or It's actually there. I don't know.

Meet Vi (pronounced "Vee") She's a half-turkish breed:



Q: How can you tell Vi's pregnant?

A: I can't. I'm really confused. But i'm guessing. I mean, She possibly mated (I have a male cat named Mika (pronounced "Meeka"). But Vi's been very violent toward him during her  heats. The first time Mika tried to grab her she growled at him and basically scared him to death. Which gives another possibility that Vi's a lesbian or something. I don't know. I'm really confused. But if she's a lesbian i really don't care much).

There are few signs that she's pregnant. Like where the nipples got bigger and pinkish. But that's what i got so far. I'm not sure if her stomach grew because it's either she got a longer and fluffier fur because of the new food or she gained weight more because apparently she eats a lot of this new food (It's MeowMix Original. Both of my cats seems to enjoy it a lot. I don't know if this type of food affects the fur).

That and she drinks a lot of water (It's possibly because of the weather. It's 75F. So hot..). She doesn't have any morning sickness and the only time she ate too little was during her first days of the heat and only for couple of days.

Q: Since when were you suspecting that she's pregnant?

A: About four weeks ago. So she's possibly in the middle of pregnancy. Even though i don't see a belly.  I was wondering if bellies should be noticeable in the middle of the pregnancy or not.

Q: What are you planning to do if Vi turned out to be pregnant?

A: Oh, No. I wouldn't want kittens! I have slightly little to no knowledge of taking care of tiny kittens. And then there's the cat's overpopulation thing. I'm planning on abortion if Vi's pregnant.

Q: You should probably get Vi to the vet ASAP.

A: Yeah. I'm planning for it. I'll probably do it next saturday if i'm free. Soon there'll be college exams so i really don't want the both of us in a nutshell or whatever.

Q: She doesn't look pregnant. She looks fluffy.

A: This is the first time i'm having this type of issue. So i'm really lost and confused. I'm probably over-thinking too much. But better safe than sorry.

I guess at this point you can ask whatever.

Alicenyans said:

 
Hi.

Yes, I'd like to get my cat to the vet asap to check on her but i can't. But i'll probably have a chance by next saturday.

Anyway,

I've been reading an article here about cat pregnancy and what not:

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

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/how-to-tell-if-my-cat-is-pregnant
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/pregnant-cat-what-to-prepare-for-the-birth
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/help-my-cat-is-having-kittens
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/post-birth-complications-in-cats
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/how-do-i-know-when-my-cat-will-give-birth
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/premature-kittens

So, I'm really confused. My cat's possibly pregnant. But probably it's a false pregnancy. Or It's actually there. I don't know.

Meet Vi (pronounced "Vee") She's a half-turkish breed:

Q: How can you tell Vi's pregnant?

A: I can't. I'm really confused. But i'm guessing. I mean, She possibly mated (I have a male cat named Mika (pronounced "Meeka"). But Vi's been very violent toward him during her  heats. The first time Mika tried to grab her she growled at him and basically scared him to death. Which gives another possibility that Vi's a lesbian or something. I don't know. I'm really confused. But if she's a lesbian i really don't care much).

There are few signs that she's pregnant. Like where the nipples got bigger and pinkish. But that's what i got so far. I'm not sure if her stomach grew because it's either she got a longer and fluffier fur because of the new food or she gained weight more because apparently she eats a lot of this new food (It's MeowMix Original. Both of my cats seems to enjoy it a lot. I don't know if this type of food affects the fur).

That and she drinks a lot of water (It's possibly because of the weather. It's 75F. So hot..). She doesn't have any morning sickness and the only time she ate too little was during her first days of the heat and only for couple of days.

Q: Since when were you suspecting that she's pregnant?

A: About four weeks ago. So she's possibly in the middle of pregnancy. Even though i don't see a belly.

 I was wondering if bellies should be noticeable in the middle of the pregnancy or not.

Q: What are you planning to do if Vi turned out to be pregnant?

A: Oh, No. I wouldn't want kittens! I have slightly little to no knowledge of taking care of tiny kittens. And then there's the cat's overpopulation thing. I'm planning on abortion if Vi's pregnant.

Q: You should probably get Vi to the vet ASAP.

A: Yeah. I'm planning for it. I'll probably do it next saturday if i'm free. Soon there'll be college exams so i really don't want the both of us in a nutshell or whatever.

Q: She doesn't look pregnant. She looks fluffy.

A: This is the first time i'm having this type of issue. So i'm really lost and confused. I'm probably over-thinking too much. But better safe than sorry.

I guess at this point you can ask whatever.

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On the first bold and blue style, my marking.  I myself think she isnt Van-colored, but she is a point, mitted point or white and black bi-color point.

And because of this lotsa of white, the masque isnt easyly visible as masque.

On second bold marking, it depends on what EXACTLY happened, and if you had seen succesfull matings earlier.

I do suspect he did had in fact a short, but succesfull mating!!!

It looks so. He grabs her more or less violently on the neck, and mounts. Makes some often not really visible movements, she begins to growl when its going for him.  He jumps from her and wanishes like a banshee were after him.  She tries to chase him a couple of steps.  If he isnt quick enough she swaps him decidedly.

Did she rolled afterwards and trashed like in pains?  Also eagerly washing her private parts afterwards?  They usually do it after a succesfull mating.

It is also common, after the first succesfull mating they become friends.   Or if you want them becoming friends although hostile earlier, is one safe sign they did mated.

So it is at least, when the male is essentially a friendly cat.   With a dominat hostile cat who just takes what he wants, they dont become pals so easily.

Come back with your response, please!

StefanZ said:

 
Did she rolled afterwards and trashed like in pains?  Also eagerly washing her private parts afterwards?  They usually do it after a succesfull mating.

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She did wash herself and stuff...Oh no.

StefanZ said:

 
It is also common, after the first succesfull mating they become friends.   Or if you want them becoming friends although hostile earlier, is one safe sign they did mated. So it is at least, when the male is essentially a friendly cat.   With a dominat hostile cat who just takes what he wants, they dont become pals so easily.

Click to expand...

They've been friends for a while. And Mika's not the type that takes what he wants. He lets Vi take all the fun. so yeah

Ok, so they did mated, and now you know for sure what to wait for!

If you arent a breeder, please plan on spaying and neutering them.  Begin with Mika.  

ps.  When they trash around and looks like in pains, I dont think they are in pains for real.  They dont want to be comforted in these moments.  None of my resident studs visiting wifes wanted, although they were pretty friendly with us hosts.

I think it is more or less reflexes.

ps.  Yes, we were helping out in breeding once upon a time, 10-12 years ago.  They are now retired seniors, happy neuters since 10 years thereabout.  

StefanZ said:

 
Ok, so they did mated, and now you know for sure what to wait for!

If you arent a breeder, please plan on spaying and neutering them.  Begin with Mika.  

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I have already neutered Mika a month ago. Which is goodie. Now i'm worried about Vi. Is there like an abortion term for cats or something? I really don't wanna get any cats.

StefanZ said:

 
ps.  When they trash around and looks like in pains, I dont think they are in pains for real.  They dont want to be comforted in these moments.  None of my resident studs visiting wifes wanted, although they were pretty friendly with us hosts.

I think it is more or less reflexes.

ps.  Yes, we were helping out in breeding once upon a time, 10-12 years ago.  They are now retired seniors, happy neuters since 10 years thereabout.  

Click to expand...

Ohh. That's pretty interesting!

Alicenyans said:

 
I have already neutered Mika a month ago. Which is goodie. Now i'm worried about Vi. Is there like an abortion term for cats or something? I really don't wanna get any cats.

Click to expand...

Oh, its possible to abort quite late.  It isnt so unpleasant as it sounds, kittens dont survie early deliveries.  More than 3 days and its usually hopeless.

Unlike human babies who can manage even really premature deliveries.

Although most would find it unpleasant if the kittens are noticeably moving...   But if the vet agrees, so... Vets cooperating with shelters are often used to late abortions.

Also, quite a few forumites are hesitant to spay / abortion as soon they are sure the cat is pregnant.   Others are more liberal about this...  So it depends.

Anyways, for a skilled experienced vet this is no big problem medically speaking.  For a newbe or someone inexperienced with such spaying, the operation is of course more unsafe.

You must find out, and decide for yourself.    Especielly if you just  want to cuddle with kittens and see their development, without being eager to own them, you can always cooperate with some rescue group or a shelter.

Good luck!

Update:

So, Yesterday's night i went to the vet and it turned out that Vi's pregnant indeed. We did the pregnancy scan thingy. And it showed a little circle bloop. It's only one. And since abortion is prohibited in islam (I live in a muslim country, Yes), It's kinda illegal to do abortion. Even on pets? I don't understand.

My parents took the whole pregnancy thing as a crisis. "Pregnant? OH NO!" and they're planning to get rid of Vi before she gives birth. Which i personally think it's a bad idea. That's kinda irresponsible. But what do i know?

I had a talk with a friend about the problem. She said that it's best to let Vi give birth then give home to the kittens. Because motherhood and stuff. It only happens once. That's what she said. And it sounds a little convincing. But i really don't know if that's a good idea. Not to mention the kind of responsibility i have to provide for the kittens. I'm not even sure if they'll find a home within three months. So i guess i'll have to find a shelter...

I don't know.

It's really hard to decide this one out.

Alicenyans said:

 
Update:

So, Yesterday's night i went to the vet and it turned out that Vi's pregnant indeed. We did the pregnancy scan thingy. And it showed a little circle bloop. It's only one. And since abortion is prohibited in islam (I live in a muslim country, Yes), It's kinda illegal to do abortion. Even on pets? I don't understand.

My parents took the whole pregnancy thing as a crisis. "Pregnant? OH NO!" and they're planning to get rid of Vi before she gives birth. Which i personally think it's a bad idea. That's kinda irresponsible. But what do i know?

I had a talk with a friend about the problem. She said that it's best to let Vi give birth then give home to the kittens. Because motherhood and stuff. It only happens once. That's what she said. And it sounds a little convincing. But i really don't know if that's a good idea. Not to mention the kind of responsibility i have to provide for the kittens. I'm not even sure if they'll find a home within three months. So i guess i'll have to find a shelter...

I don't know.

It's really hard to decide this one out.

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I think you are on the right trace here.   Its forbidden to abort, but it is OK to abandon a coming mom??    I wont comment this with the words I do have on my tongue, because we arent supposed to use foul words.

Let me say this instead:

But isnt there a tale on Muhammed, blessed be His name, talking on the horrors of the end on Time, where mountains will be crushed, where high pregnant camel females will be abandoned, where infant girls buried alive will be asked what wrong they had done -    Isnt there such a Tale, perhaps even in the Holy Koran??

And now, today, such things fully equvalent to these horrors, are happening... Again and again.

Im not deeming your parents, it happens in Sweden too, it happens in USA,   but Im deeply sorry to hear it happens in Saudi Arabia too...

God, do have mercy on us pityful mortals, because our sins are heavy.

StefanZ said:

I think you are on the right trace here.   Its forbidden to abort, but it is OK to abandon a coming mom??    I wont comment this with the words I do have on my tongue, because we arent supposed to use foul words.

Let me say this instead:

But isnt there a tale on Muhammed, blessed be His name, talking on the horrors of the end on Time, where mountains will be crushed, where high pregnant camel females will be abandoned, where infant girls buried alive will be asked what wrong they had done -    Isnt there such a Tale, perhaps even in the Holy Koran??

And now, today, such things fully equvalent to these horrors, are happening... Again and again.

Im not deeming your parents, it happens in Sweden too, it happens in USA,   but Im deeply sorry to hear it happens in Saudi Arabia too...

God, do have mercy on us pityful mortals, because our sins are heavy.

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Yeah. Prophet Muhammad taught muslims to be kind to animals and other cools stuffs i don't remember at the moment.

It's kinda understandable since parents are afraid that the kittens that'll come might make the house really dirty. The last thing they want is stinkness for about three months. Parents are really tidy and stuff.
I'm not willing to abandon Vi, Personally. I'll keep on trying to convince parents to let Vi stay. Because now i've contacted with a pet shop (saudi arabia doesn't seem to own a shelter) and the shop was cool with buying the cats Vi'll deliver later on (I'm not going to give them right away. I'll let them grow up for two~three months before selling them since nobody's willing to take them).

So it's a win-win situation i think.

...w-What do you think?

If that the only way for them to be taken care of and fed then so be it. It would be better if someone was willing to take them

If possible, try to find nice homes for them yourself. I think you'll be more careful about who gets them than a pet store would. If that just can't happen, then I guess the pet store is your best bet. But yes, wait until they're at least 10 weeks old before leaving their mom. The pet shop owner may want them sooner but it's much better for them to stay with her that long. Hopefully she'll only have the one you saw on ultrasound and maybe a friend of yours will take the baby.

You can promise your parents that you'll clean up after the baby/babies. Babies are messy but if kept clean, nothing should be very smelly. And be sure to have Vi spayed as soon as the baby is weaned! Don't want to risk another accident.

mwallace056 said:

If that the only way for them to be taken care of and fed then so be it. It would be better if someone was willing to take them

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Yeah.

Willowy said:

If possible, try to find nice homes for them yourself. I think you'll be more careful about who gets them than a pet store would. If that just can't happen, then I guess the pet store is your best bet. But yes, wait until they're at least 10 weeks old before leaving their mom. The pet shop owner may want them sooner but it's much better for them to stay with her that long. Hopefully she'll only have the one you saw on ultrasound and maybe a friend of yours will take the baby.

You can promise your parents that you'll clean up after the baby/babies. Babies are messy but if kept clean, nothing should be very smelly. And be sure to have Vi spayed as soon as the baby is weaned! Don't want to risk another accident.

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My brother's friend is a cat owner. He has lots of cats. I'm not sure if he'll be okay with taking more cats. And i've never met him to begin with. So i'm not going to give him whatever that quickly...

I will promise them. And hopefully they can stay patience for 14 weeks. Because if they can, We could have a very cool and calm August month.

Just a question, Is it cool to spay Vi a day after she delivers? Or at the same day? Or should i wait for a while?

No, it's not good to spay her while the kittens are still nursing, because it might make her milk dry up. Now, if she needs a cesarean section, sometimes the vet will spay at the same time, but you do need to be prepared to bottle-feed the babies if her milk dries up. So unless it's an emergency it's best to wait until the babies are weaned (about 9 weeks). If your boy is neutered now, she won't be in any danger of getting pregnant unless she goes outside, so just be really careful to prevent any escapes.

Willowy said:

No, it's not good to spay her while the kittens are still nursing, because it might make her milk dry up. Now, if she needs a cesarean section, sometimes the vet will spay at the same time, but you do need to be prepared to bottle-feed the babies if her milk dries up. So unless it's an emergency it's best to wait until the babies are weaned (about 9 weeks). If your boy is neutered now, she won't be in any danger of getting pregnant unless she goes outside, so just be really careful to prevent any escapes.

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Oh alright. I'll do my best!

Alicenyans said:

 
Yeah.

My brother's friend is a cat owner. He has lots of cats. I'm not sure if he'll be okay with taking more cats. And i've never met him to begin with. So i'm not going to give him whatever that quickly...

I will promise them. And hopefully they can stay patience for 14 weeks. Because if they can, We could have a very cool and calm August month.

Just a question, Is it cool to spay Vi a day after she delivers? Or at the same day? Or should i wait for a while?

Click to expand...

Right, there is no big point to give him this kitten.  But chances are good he know other people who like cats, who would like to have this kitten from you.   So ask him, he may have some advices and tips.

Also, observe, most cats like to have a cat friend.  Especielly if they are inside only cats.   A friendly dog may also be OK.

Also, if you have possibility, and know some cat friendly dog, and smaller friendly children, let the kitten meet these and play, get used to these.   It will be easier to find it a good home, if you can tell: the kitten is properly fostered, uses the litter, eats both dry and wet cat food and also some human food left-overs, is used to children and friendly dogs.

Last, dont just give away for free.  Many people thinks what is for free, is practically worthless.   Let them pay some.  If it feels embarrassing  to ask for money, let hem pay in some to a worthy cause.  May it be the Red Halfmoon,  or some other worthy cause you and the adopter  feel good with, and agree upon.

Unless you do know this adopter, and know he will see and receive this kitten as a priceless, precious gift.

Good luck!

Update:


Updated picture of Vi. (She got a little more heavier than usual. It's unnoticeable but when you lift her up, It's very noticeable).

Vi has been sleeping a lot lately. She plays as usual; Eats and drinks more often; Sleeps more often on her back and sides; Doesn't vomit and her meowing has now become really low. I feel a bit bad for her. She looks so tired and sleepy.

Two weeks ago, I had a talk with The vet doctor and he told me i should do another AR-scan-thing after two weeks. That's after 3 days from now. So i'll check on the babies and stuff. The last time we did the AR scan i had to hold Vi down so i couldn't take a picture for the monitor to share it. But hopefully i can pull it off the next visit.

I also had a talk with my brother's friend; The cat owner. He doesn't know any other pet owner that would like to take a pregnant cat because generally everyone here thinks that it's some troublesome task and no one wants it. He added that i should keep the cat, Wait for the kittens to be born and people will come in lines to adopt the kittens. "Because people love kittens!" the guy yelled in excitement. He'll even book me with interested people if i want to.

I'm growing some trust issues with the guy. Mainly because of the booking thing. The kittens are not an object to be sold...

Update:

I made a nesting box! 

It's from this article http://www.thecatsite.com/a/pregnant-cat-what-to-prepare-for-the-birth They said soemthing about building a nesting box. So i only need towels for now, Right?

Alicenyans said:

Updated picture of Vi. (She got a little more heavier than usual. It's unnoticeable but when you lift her up, It's very noticeable).

Vi has been sleeping a lot lately. She plays as usual; Eats and drinks more often; Sleeps more often on her back and sides; Doesn't vomit and her meowing has now become really low. I feel a bit bad for her. She looks so tired and sleepy.

Two weeks ago, I had a talk with The vet doctor and he told me i should do another AR-scan-thing after two weeks. That's after 3 days from now. So i'll check on the babies and stuff. The last time we did the AR scan i had to hold Vi down so i couldn't take a picture for the monitor to share it. But hopefully i can pull it off the next visit.

I also had a talk with my brother's friend; The cat owner. He doesn't know any other pet owner that would like to take a pregnant cat because generally everyone here thinks that it's some troublesome task and no one wants it. He added that i should keep the cat, Wait for the kittens to be born and people will come in lines to adopt the kittens. "Because people love kittens!" the guy yelled in excitement. He'll even book me with interested people if i want to.

I'm growing some trust issues with the guy. Mainly because of the booking thing. The kittens are not an object to be sold...

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I think you got good advices!

I see now I had slightly misunderstood earlier.   You werent planning to give away a kitten to this cat owner.  You did hoped he would take care of the pregnant mom.

Which people seldom do.  They give advices, but wants the owner - ie you, do the tedious, time consuming work.   So yes, I think his advices are essentially good and proper.

And be grateful he is willing to help find suitable new homes.  I presume he will also do some preliminary screening, so its no unsuitable persons.

Re taking payment.  Why not? you did had costs. You did put (or will put) lotsa of care and love into the kittens.  Care which the others wont need to put, not in the same degree. They will get these kittens firstly when they are raised up properly, perfect and ready to flew out from their nest....

Its common breeders do take payment, sometimes even good money.  A serious breeder dont get any real plus, because their cost are also heavy, but they arent ashamed to take payment.

The  NON-serious breeders, is another thing.  They take payment, although their care and their costs are much much lower.   HERE I do agree with you.  Its a shame, yes even a sin, to take heavy payment in such sitations...

And also, as I wrote earlier.  Most people thinks, what is for free or very cheap, is more or less worthless.  Why care, if the kittens gets sick, or run into difficulties, its just to get another kitten...

Taking good payment is the easiest way to ensure, they do respect the kitten, and later on, the adult cat, and take good care about it.

A good screening is important and useful too, but its more difficult.   A combination is best, of course.

Reread my advies from the earlier post.

Be happy you got such a helpsome advisor like this guy, friend of your brother.  Good you do have your own thinking and your own opinions, but so far, I think his advices are sound.

Good luck!

Update:

I present the babies~

 

 
 
They're only three tho. Not sure if this is bad or just hella rare. What do you think?