Pregnant stray

Hi everyone

I found a cat three days ago, she was hungry and also looked pregnant, so I brought her into my house and started to feed her, I kept her in that night and she won't leave, which I don't really mind but only 3 months ago I had to get my cat put to sleep that I had for more than half my life, still not over the loss, plus I'm also 8 months pregnant with my first baby so I have lots to be dealing with and very little money. But I'd never see a animal struggle!

Yesterday I noticed a small, soft lump around her belly button area and suspect a umbilical hernia, she does not react to me touching it so don't think it's hurting her. She seems to be looking for a area to nest and doesn't seem too happy with the box I have made out for her. She's very friendly but then she has hissed at me twice and ran away but think she just may be having a bit of pregnancy stress. She keeps changing position to get comfortable and streaching out (she's reminding me of me!) She seems very happy here but then sometimes she doesn't.

I'm going to be bringing her to the vet as soon as I get the money too. But in the meantime I'm looking for any advice for the situation. I don't want to give her to a shelter and am willing to help her and her kittens out as much as I can.

It's very kind of you to bring her in and care for her. Sometimes loving a new cat in need is the best way to honor the memory of a departed one.

Where have you put her nest? Is it in a dark, private place such as a closet? Is it big enough for her to stretch out in?

She needs as much kitten chow and wet food as she wants now to support her pregnancy and through nursing.

If she does have an umbilical hernia, it can be repaired when she is spayed eventually.

Can you post a picture of her for us?

Welcome to TCS! [emoji]128522[/emoji]

True it's just a bit strange, but it is great to have another kitty around!

I've put a big box underneath the table in the kitchen, closed the top and cut a door just big enough in the side where as little light can get in with comfortable blankets inside, she sleeps inside but still seems to be searching. I live in a one bedroom and don't want to set her up in my room, think we may be due the same time and don't want her with her kittens in the same room as the baby, so it's the best I can do.

I have her food and drink bowel beside her box so it's close and always have it full as she's eating a lot!

I was hoping it could be fixed then, I plan on getting her spayed as soon I can, I was just worried that her being pregnant may make it worse and give her a complacated birth, she's also very young, I don't think she's more than a year old.

I added a picture of her, isn't she strange! Beautiful cat, bright green eyes and huge ears too.

Thank you for your advice

She's very beautiful!

You two are still getting to know each other. You'll reach a point where you'd feel something was missing if she weren't around.

She's young, but will hopefully have no problems. [emoji]128522[/emoji]

Update!!!

She had her kittens a week ago, 4 little beauties! One boy, 3 girl's.
Her hernia is fine and hope they can fix it when I get her spayed, which will be asap! I'm also still pregnant, due in a few days, have these little baby's to keep me occupied.

She gave birth in my shed in the box I left for her, then after two days moved them into the house so I just brought her into my room, a bit awkward but it's all good for now.

So happy all went well and now have 4 kitties to find a new good home for

What beautiful kittens! Glad they are inside with you now. Mom can be spayed when her kittens are 8 weeks old, but they should stay with her for 10-12 weeks ideally.

I hope your own labor and delivery go well! Keep us posted! [emoji]128522[/emoji]

They are fat, healthy looking little babies. The mother looks so pleased and proud of herself.

Congratulations!

I had to bring them all in, it hurt me to not do it!
That's great, thanks! It will be hard to let them go, my partner wants to keep them all, and he didn't even like cats until I brought the mom home! (I was starting to worry about him, how could you not like cats)

She's eating nearly 2 tins a day, and feeding them all the time, they are super fat! Not one was unhealthy or smaller than the next, except the ginger one, he's bigger but also the male.

Thank you everyone, I'll try keep this updated

Leave kitten chow down for her 24/7 along with water and the wet food feedings. She needs to snack! [emoji]128522[/emoji]

UPDATE!

All kittens have been given to new loving home's! One too my Mum! [emoji]128522[/emoji] At just over 8 weeks, they were all eatting solid food for a while before hand and were way ahead for kittens their age! Mum was spayed three days ago and her umbilical hernia fixed up, is on antibiotics and healing well!

I gave birth on the 14th of August, a week late, to my boy, Elijah! He is healthy and thriving! And will be growing up along side his Nannys new kitten [emoji]128522[/emoji]

Congratulations on your son, and on placing the kittens successfully! Glad mom is recuperating nicely after her spay and hernia repair as well! It's been a busy time for you! [emoji]128571[/emoji][emoji]127868[/emoji]