Hi all, I just found this site and registered because I've been feeding a stray cat for a few weeks and I am pretty sure she is pregnant.
We have a dog, but the cat seems to tolerate the dog just fine. When she first showed up we thought she was someone's pet who just wandered into our yard, but we put up signs and took out ads and no one has claimed her yet.
Anyway, she mostly stays outside and we've been putting food out for her. But lately she has been eating like a horse and has become much more affectionate AND has a huge belly, so I'm pretty sure she's pregnant. I made an appt with the vet next week.
Questions: Everything I have read about this says that we should keep the pregnant cat inside. This is a cat that as far as I know has lived outside her whole life so I've been letting her come and go as she pleases (she sits at the back door if she wants to go out and looks in the window when she wants to come in). Is this okay? or should I make her stay inside? And what is the danger for a pregnant cat being outside?
Also, we are leaving on a trip next Saturday thru the following Wednesday. Our dog is going to the doggie ranch, but what do we do for the cat? Should we leave her inside the house with a litter box and a bunch of food? Or should we leave her outside? My concern about leaving food for her outside is that other animals might eat it and she might not have anything to eat after the first day (and she has been ravenous lately!).
Sorry for all the questions, but I have never dealt with a pregnant cat before and am unprepared for this. Thanks for any advice that anyone can give!
We have a dog, but the cat seems to tolerate the dog just fine. When she first showed up we thought she was someone's pet who just wandered into our yard, but we put up signs and took out ads and no one has claimed her yet.
Anyway, she mostly stays outside and we've been putting food out for her. But lately she has been eating like a horse and has become much more affectionate AND has a huge belly, so I'm pretty sure she's pregnant. I made an appt with the vet next week.
Questions: Everything I have read about this says that we should keep the pregnant cat inside. This is a cat that as far as I know has lived outside her whole life so I've been letting her come and go as she pleases (she sits at the back door if she wants to go out and looks in the window when she wants to come in). Is this okay? or should I make her stay inside? And what is the danger for a pregnant cat being outside?
Also, we are leaving on a trip next Saturday thru the following Wednesday. Our dog is going to the doggie ranch, but what do we do for the cat? Should we leave her inside the house with a litter box and a bunch of food? Or should we leave her outside? My concern about leaving food for her outside is that other animals might eat it and she might not have anything to eat after the first day (and she has been ravenous lately!).
Sorry for all the questions, but I have never dealt with a pregnant cat before and am unprepared for this. Thanks for any advice that anyone can give!