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Original poster

Advice please! Cat close to birth?

167 replies

MDParks · 10/05/2023 00:30

Hi all, I have a 7 month old kitten who’s due to give birth imminently. I have never been in this position before so am slightly shitting it! I think I have everything set up (as well as it could be given the circumstances). She’s been acting quite odd today, incredibly affectionate, needy and has been continuously scratching in her litter tray. She was ‘humping’ my jumper earlier and is now in a deep slumber on it. We don’t know when she was impregnated but we had an ultrasound at the vets 3 weeks on Thursday, where they said it would be 2 weeks max. I’m just incredibly worried because she is so tiny and baby belly is huge. I think I’m just looking for reassurance and possibly some uplifting cat pregnancy/birth stories. Thanks guys

OP posts:

Thread gallery

Maves · 10/05/2023 00:38

This is a joke surely? How the fuck have you let a 7 month old kitten get pregnant fuckingirresponsible and trust me probably won't end well.

QueenSmartypants · 10/05/2023 00:44

You will get more posts like the first.

I'm not going to jump to conclusions about how she became pregnant (or even if she was your cat at the time) only hope you'll be having her spayed as soon as its safe to do so.

If she's being seen by a vet and you've prepared then hopefully she'll manage well and risks have been mitigated - will happily lend virtual support through the next steps.

Don't hesitate to call the vet if you're ever worried and in the meantime, deep breaths!

Tockomtele · 10/05/2023 00:47

Stay with her and show her the birthing box and stay with her near it.
She's so young, I'm surprised the vet didn't suggest a spay/abortion.

Have wet food and your emergency kit and phone numbers ready.

Original poster

MDParks · 10/05/2023 00:48

Hi Maves, we’ve actually only had her for just over three weeks so are not the guilty party in letting her get pregnant. Hence taking her to the vet a few days after we rescued her and finding out she’s pregnant. I’m going to chose to ignore the tone of your comment, purely because I’m only here for some advice so I can foster the optimum environment in which to give the best care to her and her kittens.

OP posts:

Treesinthewind · 10/05/2023 00:52

I don't think she was quite as young, but one of our childhood cats got pregnant when she was under a year. I think one of the kittens was stillborn and another died a few days in but there were 6 healthy kittens and both she and her daughter who we kept lived to a ripe old age.

Original poster

MDParks · 10/05/2023 00:56

Thank you! I assumed there would be some sort of backlash from my message. We had an ultrasound (kittens look great!) We’ve also spoken to the vet about getting her and the kittens spayed when they’re born. I’m just slightly worried that she’s so tiny and is getting so big. Thinking I may call the vet again tomorrow for another ultrasound? Again, I am totally out of my depth here having never been in this situation before 😖

OP posts:

SlipSlidinAway · 10/05/2023 00:58

I assumed there would be some sort of backlash from my message.

So why on earth did you not say in your op that she was already pregnant when you rescued her?

Original poster

MDParks · 10/05/2023 01:06

I didn’t really think the back story would be relevant? I thought that maybe people would just be kind enough to give advice where it’s needed. I’m not trying to create some sort of storm, I’m literally just trying to gain insight into a situation I’ve never encountered.

OP posts:

CC4712 · 10/05/2023 01:06

No first hand advice to give OP, but have you looked on youtube of birthing videos and tips? I'd keep the number for the emergency vet close by incase, but obviously hope all goes well naturally with the cat. Best of luck tonight x (Update with pics needed obviously 😊)

Original poster

MDParks · 10/05/2023 01:08

So many videos! My Daughter who is at Uni has been sending them frequently! Thank you x

OP posts:

caringcarer · 10/05/2023 01:10

Cats instinctively know what to do to give birth. You might need to stay up all night with her. The first kitten will take a bit longer but after that they deliver about every 10-15 minutes. Have wet food and a litter tray nearby for her plus water. Once she births one she will pick it all over until it looks fluffy. She will bite through umbilical cord. Some cats eat the afterbirth. It is full of nutrition. By the time she has done all of that the next one will be delivered. Repeat, repeat until all are born. Keep the kittens warm. Can you put central heating on for her? Kittens will be born with eyes tightly closed. Cat will not leave her kittens for about a week even for a few minutes. The cat will need someone with her for a couple of days. Are you at home or out to work? You might need to take a couple of days leave until you know the kitties are all feeding well. If any of the kittens is born not moving and the cat does not lick them clean, put your baby finger in their mouth and check for any gunge, then rub nose to make sure it's clear of gunge too, then gently rub the Kittie with a soft cloth. Sometimes they will start breathing. Then you can give it back to the cat. You will need to.kerp an eye on them to make sure all kitties get milk and a greedy one does not try to get it all. The cat will eat about 3 times more than normal. Give her wet food not dried. Probably 2 sachets 3 times a day and some left out for the night too. I hope it goes well. Cat tax is photo of kittens please. Are you anywhere near to Birmingham?

Original poster

MDParks · 10/05/2023 01:13

We have several set up but she seems to keep hiding behind the curtains. The Vet was great and said to just let her work through it and she would instinctively know what she should do. She didn’t advise a spay/abortion x

OP posts:

SirenSays · 10/05/2023 01:24

Cats like small spaces to feel safe. Do you have something you can use as a birthing box?

Original poster

MDParks · 10/05/2023 01:29

You are an angel, thank you so much. I’ve ordered a kit with a suction type thingy (technical term!) and some tiny syringe feeders. I’m able to take some time off work at short notice, as is my husband so that shouldn’t be a problem. We have a huge stash of kitten food (although she’s munching her through it at a rate knots!) she’s also got a cat fountain but should I put other bowls of water out? I’m in Surrey so not that close to Birmingham unfortunately…I will however be happy to post some pictures of the little darlings!

OP posts:

Original poster

MDParks · 10/05/2023 01:33

I've bought two octagonal birthing pen type things (again, not sure if the technical term!) we’ve also put out some big boxes with blankets in them. The heating is whacked up…we’re all bloody swealtering!

OP posts:

Tockomtele · 10/05/2023 05:54

It doesn't need to be incredibly hot for her.
She's most likely to know what to do but watch the timings of the kittens. I wouldn't take her back to the vet, the journey might stress her more than needed. She will chose her place, your setup is similar to mine, I usually sit un a blanket covered crate/enclosure. Sometimes cats need your reassurance to be with them but sometimes they want privacy.
Good luck!

RedHelenB · 10/05/2023 07:12

We were in that exact same position years ago. Ended up having an emergency c section and a very big kitten. Keep a close eye on her.

LilacpointMummy · 10/05/2023 07:30

RIOGOO Pet Heating Pad, Electric... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08GP3N42R?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Try something like this - then you don't all have to boil!
My old boy lives on his - daren't turn it off 😺

mauveiscurious · 10/05/2023 22:27

I hope it goes well for her and of course pictures

SirVixofVixHall · 10/05/2023 22:36

I rescued a heavily pregnant nine month old cat many years ago. She only had three kittens, all fine. She gave birth about a week after I took her in. It was obvious when she was in labour, she was agitated, and attacked my dog who she was otherwise fine with. She went into an open suitcase near my bed , (my bedroom was quiet and I had other cats and a dog). It took a few hours I think, for them to all be born.
Hopefully everything will be straightforward with yours too. I had no prior experience of cats giving birth, other than watching a neighbour’s cat have one of her kittens when I was about eight. She did cry as they were emerging, it was painful for her, but she was fine. Good luck Op .

Ellmau · 13/05/2023 18:03

How did it go, OP?

Original poster

MDParks · 13/05/2023 18:12

Hi all, sorry for the delay in updating. It's been a long few days, but as of 3am this morning, we are now the proud family of 6 beautiful babies. It was an ordeal! Mum and babies are doing great. Thank you for all of the valued advice; some of it came in really handy. Despite all of the birthing pens we bought, she decided to hanker down in an old cardboard box! She didn't want to be left alone...kept coming out of her box and crying when we moved away from her, so was supported by my daughter and I throughout. Great bonding moment for us all xx

OP posts:

Infusionist · 13/05/2023 18:17

Awwwwwww well done her! (And you!).

PangoPurrl · 13/05/2023 18:19

Oh well done OP and kitties, so so pleased for you, actually having a little (joyful) cry! 😻😹

saxendaqs · 13/05/2023 18:22

Awwww well done mummy kitty. Adorable

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