Can a female get pregnant while already pregnant?

I've tried to do a little online research on this, but I can't seem to find a consensus.

Can a cat get pregnant while she is already pregnant? I know they are induced ovulators, so if an egg is fertilized, wouldn't one hope the queen's body would know to not allow it to grow if there are already other babies developing in there?

I am just wondering because Sneakers seems sooo big for as far along as we think she is (anywhere from 2-3.5 weeks). Also, Ziggy keeps trying to mate with her, and he was just fixed two weeks ago, so I am aware that he isn't shooting blanks yet.

Any help would be appreciated!

Yes, they can, and it can be quite risky for the mother to have 2 different litters from what I have read here.

EECK! Seriously?

Most of the stuff I read online said the mother's body will naturally reject any subsequent litters....

Has anyone had it happen?

Good thing I go to the vet on Wednesday....

I have heard of a few instances of this happening and a cat had one kitten and then a bunch more who were all a lot smaller and not as developed.

Yes it can happen. You should still be keeping your male away from her for up to a month after being neutered.

Some cats most certainly can and do ovulate during pregnancy. If a queen mates during this time, she may possibly give birth to kittens of different ages. This is called superfetation. However, from my limited understanding of this, the last embryos in are normally born along with the older embryos and often are delivered with catastrophic defects as they have not been allowed a full-term period of gestation.

Also, since it takes about 12 days before the embryos are implanted, a queen can mate multiple times before fertilization occurs, leading to a litter of kittens fathered by different toms. This is called superfecundation.

So noted. Sneakers goes into the bathroom tonight!

I just thought it seemed to make sense that they would have developed some sort of biological feedback system that would readsorb any fertilized eggs/embryos... you would think, you know?

Everyone cross your fingers for Sneakers!!

Sometimes, they do reabsorb. Sometimes, they don't. When it becomes dangerous is when they don't reabsorb and necrosis sets in to the uterus. It is at best, an immediate emergency spay and at worst, life-threatening.

This is why it is best to keep a pregnant female securely away from any intact male at all times.

Poor Sneaker. Here is hoping for the best

Originally Posted by gayef

Some cats most certainly can and do ovulate during pregnancy. If a queen mates during this time, she may possibly give birth to kittens of different ages. This is called superfetation. However, from my limited understanding of this, the last embryos in are normally born along with the older embryos and often are delivered with catastrophic defects as they have not been allowed a full-term period of gestation.

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That is what I was trying to say but I don't know all the technical terms

Originally Posted by Jen

That is what I was trying to say but I don't know all the technical terms

Click to expand...

Now you do! *smile*

Now I do also...

I'm sure she's fine, I'm just a worry wart. (I could never have my own kids, and don't plan on it, because I would worry this much with them too! Interestingly, I ignore my own health problems... LOL)

Sneaker is in the bathroom tonight, though... just to be doubly safe.

I wish my camera were working so I could take a pic of her belly! She's not as big as some pics I have seen online, but she's definitely showing. She bulges right behind her ribcage and she couldn't balance on her hind legs for a treat today... it was kind of funny, actually... Poor Sneakers.

Godiva...what did your vet say?? Did he think given her small size that she could carry a litter??

Katie

Any news yet.

Her appointment isn't until Wednesday.

I'll let you guys know then!

Thanks we will be waiting..

I hope all goes well at the vet Wednesday! I'll be thinking of Sneakers!