11 mo old cat ...6 weeks pregnant...A few questions

Hi all, well procrastination got the best of us in not spaying Cali, who is an indoor cat but likes to go out for short periods. Took her to the vet and yes, he felt 3-4 kittens. He recommended spaying about 12 weeks after birth. Cali is young, petite... Just hoping for no complications. Nature will take its course I guess. I remember as a kid that our barn cats had babies and we bothered the mom/babies (not handling just observing) and she moved them, resulting in one dying. I've read a bit on here and it sounds like many of you are involved with the mom/litter...Is that OK?
We made a box for her in my daughter's closet and she has already found it....Hoping she goes there and not elsewhere! Any suggestions for these last few weeks is appreciated! She's been on kitten food all her life so far with a few spoons of soft food. Thanks so much![emoji]128522[/emoji]

She can have wet food daily. It's good for her. Do not let her out anymore at all. She can be spayed when the kittens are 8 weeks old. We have lots of great articles you can read in the meantime!

Here are some 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

[emoji]128571[/emoji]

Thanks for the links! We appreciate it! About 23 days to go!

steph422 said:

Hi all, well procrastination got the best of us in not spaying Cali, who is an indoor cat but likes to go out for short periods. Took her to the vet and yes, he felt 3-4 kittens. He recommended spaying about 12 weeks after birth. Cali is young, petite... Just hoping for no complications. Nature will take its course I guess. I remember as a kid that our barn cats had babies and we bothered the mom/babies (not handling just observing) and she moved them, resulting in one dying. I've read a bit on here and it sounds like many of you are involved with the mom/litter...Is that OK?
We made a box for her in my daughter's closet and she has already found it....Hoping she goes there and not elsewhere! Any suggestions for these last few weeks is appreciated! She's been on kitten food all her life so far with a few spoons of soft food. Thanks so much![emoji]128522[/emoji]

Click to expand...

Barn cats are more sensible to disturbance than home cats.  Also, many cats dont trusts kids - often with good reasons.  So its not that peculiar this barn momma felt uneasy by your presence.

Also, its entirely possible momma moved anyway.  Her nest perhaps was beginning to be smelly.  Or there were fleas.  So she moved away. They often do.

Here the situation is different, you are this cats Momma, no?   She will probably WANT you to be near... 

And yes, some handling is necessary. To taking weights every day, to see everything is OK.  Or if there is necessary with other help.

That said, its wise not to bother momma and infant kittens too much.  So dont overdo this handling of them kittens!

Unless you clearly see momma wants you helping her out.  Some mommas wants.

Great to know! Thank you!

Cali is doing well. We've felt the babies moving. I know they can deliver between 61-65 days but has anyone experienced premature delivery? Earlier than 61 days? I just want to be prepared in case it happens. How early can kittens survive? Thanks in advance!

Premature kittens will not survive if they are much more than a week early. Don't worry too much though because most kittens are not born prematurely. [emoji]128522[/emoji]

FYI:

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/premature-kittens

Thanks for info and link. Whew, good to know it doesn't happen often.

Cali is due sometime this week. Lately when she's done eating, she will take her paw "and dig" like she's in her litter box? Didn't know if that meant anything? She is using her litter box still. Eating normally, affectionate then feisty!

She thinks she's covering her food for later like cats do in the wild. It's instinct. All of my cats do that. [emoji]128522[/emoji]

I should have added that she isn't doing the pawing IN her dish but on the surface area around it....???

That's right. They think they are "covering" their food.

Ahhhh gotcha! Thanks

I noticed dried milk on Cali's nipple today....Does this mean 24-48 hrs?

Not necessarily. Milk can begin to come in a week early.

Ok thanks. This is day 60...Getting anxious and hoping we're home when she goes!

Yes, she's close! Many cats will wait until someone is home to give birth - mine did. Keep us posted!

Can you keep her inside at all times until she is spayed?  She can get pregnant again within a week of delivery, and cats don't have to be in heat to get pregnant.  She can be spayed 8 weeks after delivery.

She's a pretty girl! 

Thank you and yes, we will!! She has been going out on the deck when we let our dogs out but just for a minute then right back in. The vet recommended spaying no sooner than 8 wks after. We have homes for the kittens and we wanted to keep one, who will be neutered (hoping there is a male...He said that would be a better combo than 2 females....What is your experience?)

steph422 said:

Thank you and yes, we will!! She has been going out on the deck when we let our dogs out but just for a minute then right back in. The vet recommended spaying no sooner than 8 wks after. We have homes for the kittens and we wanted to keep one, who will be neutered (hoping there is a male...He said that would be a better combo than 2 females....What is your experience?)

Click to expand...

I would stop letting her out at all.  You don't want to take any chances that she runs off and has her babies outside, or that something happens to her once she has them.

I would follow mom's lead about the kittens.  She may have a favorite, or you may have a bonded pair that should stay together.  You'll see!  Will you have the kittens spayed and neutered before they are rehomed?