Member

Posts: 22
From:
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 07-03-2003 01:05 PM         

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A pregnant stray cat was just dropped off at our farm. Because we have no idea who left her, flea collar and all, we don't know exactly when she'll have her kittens. Her belly is really, really big and her nipples are already sticking out. The problem is that she keeps walking around the tractors and near the road. We certainly don't want to leave her roaming in a strange area when she's about to have kittens — or have her around the other barn kitties who she isn't familiar with yet. So we put her in a large cage we have, with blankets and water and food. We're hoping she'll have her kittens in there, but hate to leave her locked in there if she isn't going to have them for another week. (We are visiting her often and taking her out to hold her of course.) So my question is how close she may be to having the kittens? Again, she is a thin cat but her belly is very big and her nipples are already showing. Thankfully, whoever left her, left her at a place where we'll love and take care of her forever. Any help would be appreciated!

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Member

Posts: 68
From:Cleveland, OH, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 07-03-2003 03:32 PM            

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If she is within 10 days of delivery her nipples should express milk when you squeeze them gently. If her tummy is big and nipples are dropping but milk does not come out she could be about 15 - 20 days from delivery. If she is caged, she could still have her kittens inside, as long as there are no other cats in sight - she'll feel safe enough to deliver them. Thanks for helping out with this new little stranger! It's nice to see someone else that has a heart as big as mine. Hope this info helps you. Good luck!

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Member

Posts: 21
From:Colorado
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 07-03-2003 05:52 PM            

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If you can already see the belly is huge, then it's probably VERY close to time. The bellies don't get big until the last few weeks, and a cats gestation period is about 9 weeks. The fact that the cats nipples are large and pink doesn't mean anything because that happens around the third week.
Please care for this kitty, she needs your help!
Is there a way you can move her indoors to a comfortable, quiet, low-traffic area? This time is crucial for almost-mothers. She needs to feel secure and safe.
I work at a animal shelter, in case you're wondering.
Pregnant cats needs VERY little care. She does most the work on her own, just keep her with food she cat eat when ever she feels like. As for when the kittens come, stay out of it as much as possible, she'll do the work. For the first two months, they'll nurse on her and learn to walk on their own around a month or maybe more.
Just provide a nice comfy place, and keep an eye out for complications, and you're set!

Anyway, thanks for taking care of her.
~H~

[This message has been edited by Butterfly2Catch (edited 07-03-2003).]

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Member

Posts: 22
From:
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 07-04-2003 12:56 PM         

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Thank you for your responses -- they are very helpful. The second message had said to please take care of the kitty, and I just wanted to say that I will definitely take good care of her. I love cats more than anything and take in kitties at our farm all the time. We've raised cats, injured kitties and even raised kittens that were just 10 days when they were left in our driveway in a box. Anyway, the pregnant kitty (who we've named Casa) is doing really well and starting to get along with some of the other kitties too. She won't eat hard food so we're mixing the food with water and a little bit of gravy and she's in heaven. Thanks for your messages

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Posts: 21
From:Colorado
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 07-05-2003 12:26 PM            

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It's awesome that you've taken herin! Temporarily or not, she needs you right now.
At the shelter, we see too many abandoned pets. So thanks so much for all you do.
I know she is tahnkful too.

~H~

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