A pregnant stray has befriended me.

[NeedATrim]

On one hand I feel very chuffed and quite honoured that she has picked me out and befriended me but on the other, my sensible and rational head is thinking that it's really awkward and bad timing. I dont know what to do with her.

[NeedATrim]

I cant have her in the house. No space for the litter tray and she still sometimes nips. No good as I have a 7 year old and 8 year old and 5 month old baby.

[Puffinity]

I'm not experienced with this, but could you take her to a shelter or call the RSPCA? Or see if you can take her to the local vet? She might need care, especially if she's pregnant.

[NeedATrim]

Ah well this is the thing..

RSPCA gave me a log number which allows the cat to be seen to and treated (for the usual parasites and other necessaries) and I won't incur the costs. My vets refused to treat said pus as she is not in obvious distress or needing emergency care. I call the RSPCA back - they can't do anything more. I call back the vets - they won't do anything more but 'helpfully' give me address to a rspca hospital nearly an hour away. Gah.

[BagelGoesWalking]

Try finding smaller, local rescues near to you. They are usually much, much more helpful than the RSPCA.

If you're in the South East, I can give you some names.

[NeedATrim]

In the meantime, I have ordered flea treatment and worming tablet from my vets. 25 quid! I did a sneaky. I know its bad to. I ordered the stuff by saying to them that its for my own cat (but she is no longer here - I just haven't told them that though). Otherwise they would want me to bring her in for any medication and I'm not sure I could get her into a carrier and get her over there. Poor thing was scratching at her tail and looking sorry for herself.

[PaintedDrivesAndPolishedGrass]

Can you call Cats Protection?

[NeedATrim]

I will call them tomorrow, Painted.

She's taken a shine to me. Followed me around the block from my car to my home. She even kept up with me when I jogged part of the way. Very different from the first time she came to the back door. Growling and hissing and very skittish

[Fluffycloudland77]

Can you feed her? Aldi pouches are £1.99 for 12 and high in protein.

[Fluffycloudland77]

I wouldn't worry about nipping, pg hormones make mammals feisty.

[NeedATrim]

Ihave been feeding her on and off since I first saw her over 6 weeks ago. In the last couple of weeks, she has been around more frequently and she seems to keep close to the house.

[thecatneuterer]

I don't suppose you're in London?

[NeedATrim]

We have a lot of stray males, un neutered obviously in my area. I'd like to make some kind of nesting box that can be placed in the outhouse type thing we have in our back yard but it's the likelihood the toms will access it and make it unsafe.

[NeedATrim]

No sorry, I'm in the West Midlands.

[Fluffycloudland77]

It sounds awful.

[Papergirl1968]

I'm in west kids too. Don't know if you rang the rspca national number but you might have more luck with a local branch. We got our kitty from Stourbridge branch and they were lovely. Or try Blue Cross at Bromsgrove.
Otherwise I've heard that Ravens Rescue is good. And I know there's a sanctuary in Wednesbury, not sure what it's called. Plus I think Rodbaston College may take in strays.

[Papergirl1968]

Sorry, meant to say Rodbaston is between Wolverhampton and Stafford.

[NeedATrim]

I'll make a note of those places thank you.

[whitehandledkitchenknife]

Don't bother with the RSPCA OP. We had a similar situation, gorgeous cat turned up on our doorstep barefoot and pregnant. Hung around for days and days.Their advice? Put a paper collar round her neck and boot her out. They couldn't have been less interested. In addition to the other suggestions - local Animal Aid? PDSA?

PS We ended up keeping her and found homes for her and her 2 of her kitties later on. (Kept the third, much loved kitty).

[aprilanne]

the sspca in scotland are not great .we had a stray come round last year and there advice was ignore him he will go away .well he didnt and now he is our much loved pet .but he was neutered at the time and he is placid .when i phoned the cats protection they were great put me on waiting list but when it came to it i just kept him .

[BluishSky]

Sorry if you have done this already...

Have you had her scanned for a chip? Someone could be looking for her.

(I've been surprised lately by people not thinking to check, so I apologise if you have akready!)

[thecatneuterer]

The chances of an unneutered female being chipped are virtually non existent. I also agree that the RSPCA are useless, although it may be different out of the big cities.

It may not be too late for a spay/abort, which would really be the best course of action if at all possible.

[NeedATrim]

I considered it but haven't done it yet. Im intending to take her to the vets where they can check everything over but its the combination of her turning up at the right time /actually being able to catch her which I've no idea is guaranteed /working it around the kids and baby. This has been stressful.

[thecatneuterer]

If catching her is a problem then Cats Protection are probably your best bet. Either they could trap her themselves or lend you a trap. Some vets also have automatic traps for people to borrow.