Perhaps we are in early labor?

I have adopted a pregnant, gorgeous black stray cat. One of my employees (knowing that I only adopt strays/rescues) told me his girlfriend had spotted a stray that looked pregnant outside their apartment. She had noticed the cat wandering around for about a week and was finally able to get the cat inside. She brought the cat in and fed it and they bought it to me the next morning, which was this past Tuesday. Today is Friday. She is such a great cat. Head butts from the moment she came out of the carrier. She looks very healthy. Her coat is very clean and glossy.

From the moment I saw her you could tell she was pretty far along in her pregnancy. Her belly is large. Bulbous (sp?). She has large teats and the fur around them is gone. I can feel the kittens moving. She allows me to feel her belly with no objections.

I have prepared her a great nest which she frequents and rearranges the towels we have placed in it for her. I have gathered all the essentials that I have read on the numerous threads on this site. Very informative by the way, thank you.

She is in my office which is quiet and warm.

Today she has become clingy which is mentioned alot on these threads. She has also been breathing heavy. Almost panting but without her mouth open.  She also spent more time in the nest today. When I leave the office she cries at the closed door. So of course me being her human, I return and give her lots of cuddles and praise.

Am I correct to assume she may be in early labor?

Oh and we have named he Binx.

She is currently in the frog position, back legs spread, on my printer, looking out the window and panting, with her mouth closed. And ears pin about 1/2 way back every now and again. The first few days we had her she ate like she was starving, now that has slowed.

binxs human

How is she doing now? Any kittens yet?

No kittens yet. I went home at 9, we usually close at 5, and watched on the camera thru the night. Nannie cams are nothing short of amazing. Shortly after I left she settled and slept. Much better than I did I might add. I only live 2 miles from the business I own so if I noticed she was really laboring I could have driven back in 4 minutes.

She is presently eating the can of food I just put out for her. Havent noticed the panting this morning. Perhaps it was just Braxton Hicks contractions.

Will keep ya posted.

Well Binx and I just had serious snuggle time. I was able to feel movement on both sides so I know there are at least 2. I suspect she has at least 4 though as she is pretty round. Wish I knew when she conceived but don't. I am more anxious than she is.

On another note, my neighbor at my house runs a cat rescue and has assured me that once the kittens are 11-12 weeks we can get them their shots and fixed. And Binx too. I plan on keeping her. I own a small garden center/landscaping business and like to have a few cats around for mice. And she seems to like it here.  I can't imagine how scary it must have been to be outside, pregnant, in a small city.  Now she is out in the country. She will have 2 acres, 4 greenhouses and a barn to roam around once she is fixed. When I figure out how to take a pic and upload it I will. She is just such a pretty girl.

ok, so a quick update. she has consumed 2 cans of food today and no signs of labor. I can feel the little ones moving on both sides and mom is resting comfortably. will update again tomorrow or if something happens during the night.

Thank you for all you are doing for her. She must have been having Braxton Hicks. I'm so glad you will be keeping her, and also that you have someone who can provide shots, etc. for the babies when it's time. Keep us posted!

And thank you for the support. I was up almost every hour last night checking the camera. It's become pretty funny to my husband. :lol3:

So I got into work an hour late cuz I was up half the night watching for any action. She is still preggers and eating. When she is done eating I will give her a good snuggle and check her for any changes. I did hold the belly while she was eating and felt the little ones doin their thing.

Great! When she appears to "drop", and you see and feel less movement, you'll know she's getting close.

Can't wait for that for her mostly but for me too. This killin me!

This could be it. Very clingy. Spending 90% of time in nesting box, can't seem to get comfortable. She actually open mouth panted a few times then got out to get a snack. Thankfully I have minimal things to do today so I can lie next to her box with her to comfort her.

It sounds like it could be stage one labor!

Think so. She is definitely uncomfortable and panting sporadically. She goes to her bowl to eat then doesn't. Goes back and forth from the box to my desk which is her normal hang out spot. I can feel her belly get really hard when she pants. Poor baby. I remember labor. Wasn't fun.

She's having contractions. Hopefully your presence is comforting to her, though contractions hurt! It can take hours, by the way!

I figured that it has to be very similar to human labor. I have confined myself to the office with her. Hopefully it will be a quiet day with few customers.  She seemed to take a break about an hour ago. Her breathing went back to normal and she was in the windowsill not in her nest. Slept peacefully for a while. Now she is back in her nest just resting but her belly still goes hard every now and then. Was going to try to time contractions to see if I could tell how close together they were. Takes a little bit for me to get down on the floor as I had knee surgery a week ago, but I will figure it out.

It's been a long night! So far we have 5 very healthy squeakers!