Misty's Unexpected Pregnancy

Hi everyone I'm posting because I'm looking for some insight on my pregnant cat Misty. Shes a little over a year old and I rescued her from a horrible situation in Dec 2015. She's an awesome cat kinda skittish sometimes but after what she went through who wouldn't be. Well about 2 months ago I went to stay with my father and in the moving process she got out and I couldn't get her back. I came back a few times looking for her and my neighbors put out food for her but she wouldn't let them near her. About a month ago I moved back and have been trying to get her back in the house everytime I see her. No luck until yesterday with the help of some treats I sat down and she finally came up to me and just let me pick her up and love her. Well upon seeing her I can definitely tell she's pregnant. I'm not sure how far but her bellys pretty big and she's doing awesome being back home. My dogs are sure happy to have her home giving her lots of love too. Not sure where to go from here. I've never had a cat get pregnant. I have taken care of orphaned kittens though. I'm excited but a bit nervous because I have no idea when to expect them! Any help would be great! Thanks in advance!!!

T thatqweenmandii

Welcome to TCS!

Thank goodness you have her back in the house! Can you post a picture of her? Can you feel or see kitten movement yet?

Here are some links to read to help you prepare. Ask all your questions on this thread!

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

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/how-do-i-know-when-my-cat-will-give-birth

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

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/help-my-cat-is-having-kittens

Hope this helps! [emoji]128522[/emoji]

Heres a few pictures of Misty. Shes moving around a lot and eating every 30 mins or so. I havent felt any movement from the babies yet but she doesnt really stay in one place long enough for me to tell. Her nipples are sticking out a lot so im not sure if that means anything. She is craving attention and meowing for it. Even to my dogs who love licking her and she rubs all over them.

She's really bulging!

She is probably nearing the end. Have you made a nest for her yet?

As much as she likes the dogs, she will want her nest in a private place. Moms are very protective of their young, and she will not want the dogs around the kittens in the early weeks.

I thought she looked huge!! I have made a nest out of blankets in our dog crate seeing as my dog doesn't use it anymore. I figured it would be a good way to keep her and the babies together and also to keep the dogs away. She doesn't really have any interest in it currently she would rather just sprawl out on the floor.

Most cats don't use the nest until time to deliver. [emoji]128522[/emoji]

Ok good to know!!!

So Misty escaped for a few days but she is back inside now and safe. How will I know when she is going into labor?? Her belly is way bigger now and super hard. She just keeps meowing at me and rubbing all over me and puring. Is it normal for cats to be super affectionate when they are pregnant because she usually hides and now she wants to be right in the middle of everything.

Yes, some cats get very affectionate when they are pregnant. Also, many cats like to have their favorite human with them when they deliver.

She may even be in early labor, and if so she is proably seeking comfort from you. Many pregnant cats enjoy a belly rub while they are in labor/early labor.

Yes she is definitely wanting her belly rubbed and the babies are really moving a lot. What other signs should I be looking for. She seems pretty relaxed right now

T thatqweenmandii

If her babies are moving a lot then it is unlikely that she is in labor right now. The kittens tend to stop moving so much right before they are born.

Signs of impending labor:

The kittens will "drop" into the birth canal (meaning they will drop down lower and she won't be as visibly bulgy on her sides. Her stomach will be very hard at this point and the kittens won't move very much as they are all squished together in the birth canal).

Loss of her mucus plug (a glob greeish or brownish mucus that will come out of her lady parts).

Cats can also have Braxton Hicks (false labor) which look like contractions but eventually stop and the cat starts acting normal agian for a bit.

She may want you to be with her when she gives birth. Be prepared to camp out near the nest when she's in labor.

She may try to get into (potentially dangerous) small areas to nest when she is about to go into labor, so please be sure to block off areas like under the bed, behind/under couches and other areas where you would not be able to reach her if she had complications.

Contractions look like her belly is rippling.

There have also been instances where cats have given birth right on their owner's lap, so you may want to have a few puppy pads just in case she tries to have her kittens somewhere you wouldn't want stained like a bed or on your lap.

Thankyou so much for all the info. I dont think she in labor just yet but I'm thinking she will be in the next few days!!!

Is its been a few days and I'm pretty sure the babies should be here anytime now. I haven't noticed her losing any fluid yet but her bum looked a little wet not that long ago. I couldnt really tell though. She doesn't really want me checking her out she just rolls over every time I touch her so I will rub her belly and she keeps purring really heavy and intently staring at me. I've finally got her to take some interest in her nest and I put her food and water there but she still insists on going to the dog bowl for a drink. Go figure. I put the nest in my room so I have her right by me but she likes the cold hardwood floor better. I'm pretty sure they are coming soon soon though her belly is really tight and I can actually feel the kittens. They are very low now and they aren't moving all crazy like they were before. I think my dog even senses that they are coming. Misty really loves him and is always cuddling with him. He acts like she is his baby always cleaning her and she just loves it. He very intently watched me set up the nest with sheets for her and perked right up when I said that's where the babies were going lol. After she went in he sat outside the door guarding for her. He's not very happy hes not allowed in with her though and she doesn't stay in the nest long because she wants to be in the living room with him so I closed her in the room with me and she's just resting on the floor by my bed now. Do cats like the coolness of the floor better because she chooses it over anything soft. She just sprawls out in front of the fan. So I'm assuming she's hot. I'm just letting her rest and keeping an eye on her hoping she will go back to the nest when she's really ready.

She's just cooling herself on the floor. She'll go to the nest when she's ready. It sounds like the kittens have dropped, and will be here soon.

If your cat and dog are very good friends, they can continue to hang out. Your cat will let him know if she does not want him around.

The babies are coming we already have two!!!!

WooHoo! Keep us posted! [emoji]128571[/emoji]

We have baby number 3 she has eaten all of the placentas so far!! She is totally a pro!!

Great! She doesn't need to eat anymore placentas. You can remove future ones so she doesn't get diarrhea.

Are the kittens nursing yet?

We have six so far and they are nursing while she rests. I'm pretty sure there is at least 1 more to come!!

I envy you all the fun you are going to have. Send us some pix.

I know that you will have momma fixed when she has done nursing.