Hi, all!
I recently became mama to a kitty for the first time in my 36 years. A little stray showed up at my place over a month ago, either abandoned or neglected, and visibly pregnant. I immediately vetted her and checked for a microchip (none), and placed found ads locally. After no one claimed her, I did.
She now has a collar and tags, but I have not brought her inside. I feed her Iams kitten food (the vet said she is only about 9 mos old) and give her fresh water twice daily on my porch. She has a favorite comfy chair with a cushion that she sleeps on, and she seems to be happiest out of doors. She loves to cuddle and is so lovely. My husband is not fond of cats and is highly allergic. BUT I will be keeping her in our basement when she is ready to have her litter. I have a nest made for her, as well as a litter box, etc.
When I took her to the vet on Sept. 26, he confirmed her pregnancy and said she was 4-5 weeks. Since then, she has put on a lot of weight! She just looks absolutely healthy and glossy. Other than rolling around a lot, a big belly, and enlarged nipples, she has no other signs.
Now for questions!
1. I haven't felt *any* kittens move, even though she is now supposedly 8-9 weeks. She has quite a lot of hair, though. Is this normal? The vet said that this is probably her first litter.
2. Since I plan to bring her inside very soon, is it possible for me to litter train her rather quickly? She will be in a heated basement, in a cozy, safe area. I am using a circular exercise pen (for our bunny!) to contain her nest. It has a door for her so she will be able to come and go to her food, water, and litter box into the room itself. How should I go about training her?
3. If no kittens are here within the week, should I take her back to the vet? She definitely has a fat tum, but I am guessing that her litter is small. Could this also be why I have not felt movement?
4. I am concerned that if I bring her in too early, she'll go mad being cooped up in the basement. I would love for her to have free range of the house, but my puppy doesn't like her (and my hubby is allergic)... How can I make her feel comfy and at home there before her "big day"?
Thank you all for reading. I'm sorry if my questions are silly, but I have never owned a cat before! I just love my Little Girl (that's her name) and want what is best for her. Oh, and she and the kittens will be getting spayed/neutered 9 weeks after birth
I recently became mama to a kitty for the first time in my 36 years. A little stray showed up at my place over a month ago, either abandoned or neglected, and visibly pregnant. I immediately vetted her and checked for a microchip (none), and placed found ads locally. After no one claimed her, I did.
She now has a collar and tags, but I have not brought her inside. I feed her Iams kitten food (the vet said she is only about 9 mos old) and give her fresh water twice daily on my porch. She has a favorite comfy chair with a cushion that she sleeps on, and she seems to be happiest out of doors. She loves to cuddle and is so lovely. My husband is not fond of cats and is highly allergic. BUT I will be keeping her in our basement when she is ready to have her litter. I have a nest made for her, as well as a litter box, etc.
When I took her to the vet on Sept. 26, he confirmed her pregnancy and said she was 4-5 weeks. Since then, she has put on a lot of weight! She just looks absolutely healthy and glossy. Other than rolling around a lot, a big belly, and enlarged nipples, she has no other signs.
Now for questions!
1. I haven't felt *any* kittens move, even though she is now supposedly 8-9 weeks. She has quite a lot of hair, though. Is this normal? The vet said that this is probably her first litter.
2. Since I plan to bring her inside very soon, is it possible for me to litter train her rather quickly? She will be in a heated basement, in a cozy, safe area. I am using a circular exercise pen (for our bunny!) to contain her nest. It has a door for her so she will be able to come and go to her food, water, and litter box into the room itself. How should I go about training her?
3. If no kittens are here within the week, should I take her back to the vet? She definitely has a fat tum, but I am guessing that her litter is small. Could this also be why I have not felt movement?
4. I am concerned that if I bring her in too early, she'll go mad being cooped up in the basement. I would love for her to have free range of the house, but my puppy doesn't like her (and my hubby is allergic)... How can I make her feel comfy and at home there before her "big day"?
Thank you all for reading. I'm sorry if my questions are silly, but I have never owned a cat before! I just love my Little Girl (that's her name) and want what is best for her. Oh, and she and the kittens will be getting spayed/neutered 9 weeks after birth