Is my newly adopted stray cat pregnant?

chuck labbe

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I sorta adopted a stray female Calico about 3 weeks ago. She was was acting skiddish and lost. I clicked at her and b4 I knew it, she ran up a flight of stairs and started rubbing me. I don't take in strays because I don't where it's been and I'm not allowed to keep pets. However, she is the exception.
I feed her well and managed to get a flea collar on her without getting scratched-up too much. She's got cattitude but is very affectionate.
My problem is that I believe she got preggie on her travels. Over the last week, I saw her nipples protruding and her belly is growing. I don't know a lot about cats. But I think that kittens are on the way.
We have an understanding since day 1 and I like her too much to put her in a shelter. I just need some advice on what to do. Please send me an alternative other than a euthanasia clinic.
 

Sarthur2

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chuck labbe chuck labbe

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

Here are some articles that will help!

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/how-to-tell-if-my-cat-is-pregnant

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

Please feed her as much dry kitten chow and wet food as she wants now and through nursing. She can be spayed when the kittens are 8 weeks old.

Thanks for taking her in! [emoji]128077[/emoji]

Please ask all your questions on this thread.
 
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chuck labbe

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My (Pretty Girl) is what I call her for now. I'd like to upload a photo to see if she is adoptable and can have a good home. How do I upload?
 

talkingpeanut

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Do you not plan to keep her? We could help you to find a rescue if you tell us where you are located.
 

Sarthur2

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Try the Animal Rescue of Tidewater. It appears to be close by. They have a no-kill philosophy and use fosters.

http://artanimals.org

Can you post a picture of her? Let us know what you decide to do.
 

Sarthur2

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It posted just fine. She's so pretty and looks very sweet! [emoji]128571[/emoji]
 

Sarthur2

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So your cat had kittens Monday night and everyone is doing great, you said. Mom is fed well, and taking good care of the kittens. You asked if there is anything else you should be doing. It sounds like everything is under control right now!

Ask any questions that come up on this thread. [emoji]128522[/emoji]
 
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chuck labbe

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First question: what is a thread? 2nd question: When do newbies start to open their eyes? 3rd question: When is it safe to separate kittens from their mama? 4th question: Why can't I logon to my smartphone even though I use the same password for my PC?
 

Sarthur2

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1) When you posted your original question you created your thread in the Pregnant Cats and Kittens forum. Continue to post your questions on this thread, rather than starting a new "thread" for each question.

2) Kitten eyes open anytime after birth up to 14 days later.

3) Kittens should not be separated from mom before they are 8 weeks old, and preferably, 12 weeks.

4) Install the mobile TCS app on your phone. You should be able to log in with your original user name and password.
 
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Sarthur2

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chuck labbe chuck labbe

You asked by PM how to get rid of fleas, and I'm answering you here in your thread.

Your infestation is bad. You've got newly hatched baby fleas jumping on you and crawling on your 10-day old kittens. Flea anemia is a real threat to tiny kittens.

You need to purchase Advantage II for cats, and apply a tube to the back of mom's neck.

You can use a syringe to put ONE drop on each kitten's neck. They are too young for a dose, but in this case, they need a drop, as the threat from fleas is great.

You need to wash their bedding in hot water. You need to vacuum your whole house.

You should also buy a can of Raid flea spray, and use it around your house. You will need to either run your A/C system for 1-2 hours, or open windows, as the smell is very strong, but it will kill everything.

You then need to repeat the entire process in a week to ten days. That should take care of your problem.

Do not flea bomb, as it will not kill unhatched eggs or the fleas on the cats. Do not use any other over the counter products like Hartz or Sergeants, because they burn.

A 4-pack of Advantage II will cost you about $50, and the flea spray about $8. It will be a very good investment.

Also, do not bathe the kittens, and do not bathe mom again.

If you follow this protocol you should be flea-free very quickly!

Again, please post your questions on your thread.

Let us know how this goes!
 
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chuck labbe

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Thanks. Where can I buy Advantage II? How much of the tube do I use on mama? Can I safely use Raid with the kittens around or should I get them outside? Been vacuuming every other day to stop the infestation problem. Bought Natural Care flea and tick and it seemed to help somewhat. Got mama a flea collar but she still scratches. Babies have fleas around their butts. Please send me info asap so that I can stop their suffering.
 

Sarthur2

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Advantage II is sold at pet stores and vet offices. Mom gets one full tube. The single drop on the kittens should get rid of their fleas. Otherwise, use a flea comb on the kittens.

You will want to make sure mom's food and water are not sprayed, and do not spray near the cats. Otherwise, with ventilation, they should be fine inside the home.

You will want to spray baseboards, floors, and carpets. Do not let mom walk on it until it is dry. The Raid flea spray is at Kmart and Walmart.

Take the flea collar off mom for now. It has chemicals in it that can be harmful to the kittens.
 

Sarthur2

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chuck labbe chuck labbe

You've told me in a message that the kittens are almost 6 weeks old and doing well. It is normal for them to still nurse mama kitty even though they are eating solids.

The earliest the kittems should be separated from mom is 8 weeks. 10-12 is much better for the kittens in terms of overall adjustment. Mama kitty can be spayed when the kittens are 8 weeks.

Please be sure mom and kittens have 24/7 access to as much kitten chow as they want, with frequent wet food feedings.

Make sure that prospective adopters will spay/neuter the kittens they adopt BEFORE they are 6 months old.

Please post your questions on this thread. We'd love to see pictures!
 
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