Pregnant stray with issues

I was told maybe someone here could help me with a question.

I recently took in a stray pregnant Siamese mix kitty about 6 months old. The vet estimated that she's going on 7 weeks but we're not definite when she is due. After we had her tested for FIV/FELV (neg... ) and cleaned up from fleas and worms we started to integrate her with my other cats (2 males 2 females all spayed/neutered). But at night she is segregated in case she gives birth while we're asleep.

For a week everything was great she got along fine with them and they were curious about her but there were no problems. They were even left alone for short periods without any fuss.

Then about 5 days ago I went out for about 10 minutes when I came back there had been a scuffle. My cats were all hidden under the bed - no one was hurt (except maybe their feelings) and I figured it was just a disagreement or something. Now, however, she can't be trusted.

Everytime she sees one of my cats she does threatening postures and chases them or attacks. She's still very sweet to us but she's been segregated again and can only come out for short periods with strict supervision.

I have heard that after she gives birth some cats have maternal aggression but can it start before she has them? I haven't had a pregnant cat in years so I don't know if she is trying to keep them away from her because she's getting ready to give birth or what. Does that mean they may be arriving even sooner than the vet thought?

Maybe she's just moody? Anyone have a theory?

Thanks

Because of her age she may not be able to handle the changes going on inside and scuffles will result. Keeping her away from the other cats is the way to go. Set up a room just for her so that when she gives birth, she will have a nice, warm quiet place she already identifies as hers and will feel safe. It's not that she can't be trusted. She is just aware that something is changing inside of her and not really sure what that something is.

Everytime she sees one of my cats she does threatening postures and chases them or attacks. She's still very sweet to us
Thanks[/quote]


Hi!!!

I don't know if this is much help or not. Your kitty might have already had her babies and you won't need anymore advice! I had a pregnant feral cat. She of course isn't very friendly to begin with since she is wild but she seemed to get more protective over her territory just before she had her kittens. She was letting me reach in to clean her litter box and get her food dish but just before she had them she wouldn't even let me near the cage without her spitting at me! Good luck! I hope the kittens turn out nice and healthy and mom cat does okay.

Becki

Thank you both for your input. She hasn't had them yet but I keep thinking that she's got to be close. She is a very sweet little girl (except to the other cats right now) so I figure someone dumped her because she doesn't seem feral at all. She was really skinny when I found her about 3 weeks ago but has put on weight now so hopefully there won't be any problems with her delivery and I can see the babies moving around so they are still alive and pretty active.

Do you think she'll be more like she was before after the birth? If her aggressiveness fades after the kittens are weaned & adopted out and she's spayed we are considering keeping her, but if she can't get along with the others again than we have to adopt her out to someone with no other cats. Either way she's gonna be a great companion for someone.