We adopted a cat that our friend found as a stray. She is not fixed yet and we have only had her for three weeks. He nipples seem to be more prominent, and she has gained a lot of weight - i know this could be b/c she's eating well. I can't really tell but I think I feel three little lumps in her lower belly. Her belly also seems a little swollen. She is very sweet and affectionate. We are taking her to the vet next week but I just wanted some additional advice, suggestions and comments. We have told friends she may be pregnant and may already have homes for them! Which is quite a relief for me! But I want to know what y'all might think. I ' ve prepared her a nest with food and water and comfy, and a litter box with non-clumpling litter. We have four other cats and I'm trying to keep them seperate but don't want them to feel left out... anyway what do you think?
Sounds like you have an "expectant mama" on your hands, and you're doing just fine with the preparations you're making.
One way to figure out how close to delivery she is ... without getting a vet's opinion ... is to watch for her to lick off the hair around her nipples. When she does that (getting ready for the babies to nurse), she'll be due "anytime".
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com
If you can get her to the vet EARLIER than next week, it would be a good idea. I'm not sure if he'll give her any vaccinations right now, but since she was a stray, she may have NEVER gotten any, and her kittens won't be protected. ASK the vet if she's too far along to get vaccinated ......
As for the other cats, if they're current on all of their vaccinations, they should be fine with her. She's been there long enough for them to "know" her scent, and if she's not showing any signs of a upper respiratory infection, etc ...... everything should be okay. If she doesn't get used to the other cats before she has the kittens, she'll be even MORE likely to NOT want them around at that time .... so acclimating all of them beforehand will be a help in the long run .......
Hope this helps, she has a safe delivery, and you get her spayed as soon as the vet will do it ... after the kittens are born. She CAN go into heat again, even while nursing the kittens.
When they're born, keep the kittens in a warm, quiet place ...... with clean bedding each day. Good luck ........
First i want to mention how nice it is that you adopted her, to me it sounds like you are doing alright with her. the only advice i have is if she is pregnant when adopting out the kittens make sure if any of your friends are 1st time pet or cat owners that they know the full details of whats involved raising a kitten.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com I am hoping this isn't spamming doing this but catster.com is also a great site for any cat related questions they have forums that are very helpful.
