Fostering Pregnant Cat

A week ago I came across an advertisement on Facebook from a distressed young woman who had fallen on hard times and couldn't afford to feed or care for her pregnant cat. I talked it over with my wife and we agreed to take Calliope in as a foster. We're the proud owners of two gorgeous Siamese kitties, but neither of us has any experience with feline pregnancy (Calliope will be spayed when her kittens are 2 months).

Sweet Calliope has been in our care for nearly a week now. She has been very particular about only wanting to be in my bedroom. At first she ate her kitten chow and canned meals like she was starving to death. Now her appetite is beginning to diminish. Today she has only eaten a can of wet, and is not interested in the dry. Her stomach is hanging pretty low and towards her back legs. Her nipples are enlarged and pink but she doesn't seem to be producing milk yet. I can easily see and feel the movements of the kittens. She seems to be grooming more today than before. Does it sound like she'll give birth within the week? What signs should I look for?

I've created a space for her and the kittens in my closet. It's filled with warm blankets and her food and water dish. She has been "visiting" it off and on, but is more interested in laying in my bed. What can I do for her to help ease any anxiety or discomfort? Any information regarding the situation we're approaching would be greatly appreciated.

K koebear

Welcome to TCS, and thank you for fostering Calliope!

Here are some helpful links:

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

We have many more articles as well.

It sounds like her kittens have dropped down near the birth canal in preparation for birth. If so, she will have them in the next few days. Decreasing appetite is a sign that labor may be starting soon as well.

Can you post a picture of her please?

I see you are doing your best.  She will have it good in your home.      And yeah, she was probably a little undernourished.  As the woman said openly she really didnt afford.  Wise of the to ask for help in time.  And heart wearming of you and your spouse to give this help.

You can get home full fat goats milk, both as a supplement to her, and useful also as emergency kmr for the kittens, if there should arise such a need.  Its also cheaper than regular kmr.

Do have a scale at home, so you can see they do gain proprely every day, 10+ grammes is what we wish to see.

Please continue to report and ask questions.

@Koebear

@sarthur2- Thank you for the reading material, it was very informative.

Callie has been a bit restless over the past few hours. Her stomach seems to have grown overnight.


This picture was taken a week ago when we first brought her home.

@StefanZ- I'm so glad she did reach out for assistance because Callie is a beautiful soul and we're enjoying helping her and her kittens.

I purchased some powdered KMR and a few kitten bottles several days ago. I've been mixing it in with her canned kitten food. I do not own a scale though, no.

Koebear said:

@StefanZ- I'm so glad she did reach out for assistance because Callie is a beautiful soul and we're enjoying helping her and her kittens.

I purchased some powdered KMR and a few kitten bottles several days ago. I've been mixing it in with her canned kitten food. I do not own a scale though, no.

Click to expand...

Powdered KMR is an excellent product, so good you have it.  Kittens whom have access to momma, are often reluctant with bottles.  Some are also weak sucklers (ie THIS is the problem) - and a needleless syringe or a dropper is often necessary...

A scale is wise to have. You can perhaps borrow one from some neigbour?   Or if you buy one, you dont need antyhing fancy.  There are cheap electronical scales measuring in grammes - such are the best, but others are possible too...

Im glad you enjoy the task, not seeing it as a noble but heavy duty, but as something pleasant enriching you.      A win-win, no?   

@StefanZ- The bottles are designed so that they automatically start dripping milk when you tip them up. I have some old syringes around I can sterilize and use if necessary.

I'll look around for a gram scale. I never even thought about keeping track of their weight. Thank you!

A win win for sure! Callie has been sleeping almost constantly today. She ate a few bites of broiled chicken this morning and drank a little bit of the KMR.