Pregnant queen- am I doing enough?

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

Hello all- will try and keep it brief!

We recently bought a cat from some (in hindsight) dodgy people online. I’m so glad we managed to get her out of there, because it turns out she’s pregnant. She also had fleas which I have managed to treat (thank god!)

I have made her a couple of nests, but her favourite is in a cupboard which is fine as it’s easily accessed. She dragged my jumper in there so if she chooses to birth there I’m happy to sacrifice it!

Anyway, I’m just wondering. Am I doing enough? We have had feliway going since she got here, I stroke her as much as she feels comfortable, I keep the kids away from her apart from maybe 5 minutes a day so they can have a quick quiet stroke. She sleeps mostly (she’s getting big now so I think birth is imminent).

Is there anything else I can do to make her comfortable? I’m trying not to pester her, and as we are still fairly new to her I’m just concerned of being too fussy too early.

Thank you everyone 🙂

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

And I’m feeding her obviously! (🤣) kitten food and some fresh chicken when she wants, constant fresh water and a few treats. She’s an absolute angel really.

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

ALSO forgot to say, to ease concerns, mum and babies will all be fixed at the earliest opportunity (along with vaccs and such ofc), 2 kittens will go to my sister in law, and any others will stay with us

[LanguidLobster]

Sounds like you are. I remember you from the buggy thread which got pulled, that surprised me!

It's very cute she pulls your jumper into the cupboard.

Anyway pics?

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

Me too! She seems to have taken to me, I’m just concerned whether I should be stroking her more or leaving her to it; she likes being scratched and things but I’m also aware that she’s very tired (can you tell this is my first cat?!)

Crikey that was an interesting one wasn’t it?!

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

Here she is, she likes sleeping with her head under the washing as it dries on the banister

[LanguidLobster]

She's at home now, relax :)

She's beautiful and taken care of and you'll have the excitement and wonder of kittens soon

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

I have to say I’m very excited! Nervous, but excited. She is the sweetest character, so loving and gentle. We are very lucky!

[QuestionableMouse]

She'll let you know if you're stroking her too much. Mine wanted to be with me constantly and worried when I wasn't in the same room with her.

Only thing I'd change is to get her on a good high calorie feed. (Royal Canin mother and babycat is good and you can get a 4kg bag from amazon prime for about £20)

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

Thanks mouse!

Will check out the food recommendation, thanks a lot. Ah that’s good, she seems to want attention, I’m just very wary of smothering her (former ‘dog’ person here, my husband used to have cats though)

Thanks everyone! Will post pics when the babies arrive

[Ebeneser]

I know nothing about pregnant cats, but with reference to giving her a high calorie feed, make sure you introduce it to her gradually. I know from experience with dogs that if you just swap food over then they can get upset tummies. I presume similar would apply to cats.

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

Good point Eb, maybe I could just introduce it one meal a day (middle of the day when she grades rather than wolfs it down) and go from there...

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

Grazes*

[Ebeneser]

Good point Eb, maybe I could just introduce it one meal a day (middle of the day when she grades rather than wolfs it down) and go from there...

Probably best to mix it in with existing food. So e.g. if you normally give 3 handfuls of food, use 2 1/2 handfuls of old food, 1/2 handful of new food. Next day, 2 handfuls of old food, & 1 handful of new food etc.

[Want2beme]

Oh no, don't do this to me, a longhaired tuxedo, my absolute weakness. It's a good thing I don't live next door to you. I hope everything goes well.

Have you registered her with a vet? Just thought it might be good to have one on standby in case she needs some assistance?

So lovely that she has you and a home.

[YetAnotherSpartacus]

That TAIL! She is gorgeous! All the best to her.

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

Great tip Eb will give that a go! She’s not a fussy girl so hopefully any food transitions will be pretty smooth

Want she’s an absolute doll! Such a sweet nature, and the fluffiest coat. I’m absolutely in love! If her weeuns are like their mam they will be a very friendly litter. I feel very lucky!

Yet DS1 is enamoured with her tail, it’s so fluffy

[dementedpixie]

Royal canin isn't that great tbh. You want high meat content and no grains (royal canin isn't grain free). I agree if you change foods that you do it gradually

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

Thanks pixie, are there any other brands that you would possibly recommend?

[dementedpixie]

What's she having just now? Dry or wet or both?

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

A bit of both; with her wet I give her a bit of chicken out of a packet on top. She is absolutely ravenous all the time so it just helps to bulk it out. She always has access to water and does have too Much dry food, plenty of wees so she’s nicely hydrated

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

It’s the hills science kitten pouches

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

Doesn’t have* oops

[dementedpixie]

I meant which brands . Applaws dry kitten food is 80% meat and grain free

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

Ah sorry yeah it’s hills science

[ShaniaTwainAndTheRubyKitKat]

They’re here!!! 6 kittens, all doing well. Very proud of her!