Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Pregnant cat

15 replies

GhostShip · 04/08/2012 12:55

Righto, I need your advice please!

My friends cat recently took in a cat I had rescued from an abusive family. She got out, went missing for 3 days and has come back. 2 weeks down the line it's obvious she's pregnant.

I have no experience of pregnant cats (pregnant dogs I could write a book about but there you go...) and neither has my friend.

Obviously he'll be taking her to the vets but is there any advice you can give to us, before during and after pregnancy care?

Much appreciated xx

OP posts:
NicholasTeakozy · 04/08/2012 14:32

The most important thing is for the cat to know there is a safe place to have her kittens. A cat of mine (long dead now) decided the best and safest place was in my bed. While I was in it. Hmm The cat might decide the designated space isn't for her and go elsewhere. Like behind a sofa.

After she's whelped she'll likely need extra food and water and a bigger bed space to enable easy feeding for the first couple of weeks.

Try to be around for the birth just in case she has a problem, unlikely as it is. Don't interfere unless it's to move her and the first kitten to a more convenient safe place. In my queen's case I put her under the bed and put a sheet over the side. If you do have to move her after the first one is born make sure you use what is going to be the bed, and provide fresh bedding once she's cleaned them all.

Original poster
GhostShip · 04/08/2012 16:13

Thankyou, that's really helpful nicholas

OP posts:
Wiggypigs · 05/08/2012 21:00

If you can't guarantee that you will be able to find homes for the kittens then your vet may agree to spay her and therefore end the pregnancy. Unfortunately rescue centres are full of unwanted cats and kittens so may be a responsible move not to add to it.

Paiviaso · 07/08/2012 14:44

Why is she going through with the pregnancy? There are enough moggy kittens on Gumtree and in shelters already, and if this cat was rescued from a bad situation is she is good enough physical condition to have a litter? How old is this cat?

I just don't understand.

Original poster
GhostShip · 07/08/2012 14:54

Wiggypigs - don't worry we will find homes. I assure you of that. I have experience with breeding dogs, and although not the same as a cat its top priority for us to find good homes.

Paiviaso - she is going through with the pregnancy because her owner wants her to. He is of the philosophy that she should be able to have a little before he gets her spayed. Whilst I might not agree because imagine if everyone felt like that, it is up to him and he is a very responsible pet owner. She is in perfect condition, checked over by a vet too. She's 1 and a half around abouts.

I can understand that you both have your questions and alarm bells are ringing. But please be assured we are doing our best and are going to do this properly.

I appreciate your concern because I am a big animal lover myself.

OP posts:
Paiviaso · 07/08/2012 15:04

I've never understood the "let the cat have a litter" philosophy. The cat isn't going to have an emotional hole because it never had kittens. Being in call is uncomfortable, pregnancy is probably uncomfortable, and obviously pregnancy is a health risk.

And your friend knows nothing about the health of the kittens he is producing. Has no idea if he's just bred two cats with genetic disease, etc.

Aye aye aye! Some people put so much effort into breeding their animals, and then there is...this.

Original poster
GhostShip · 07/08/2012 15:19

I'm sorry, you obviously know about cats and their breeding, but I just wanted help giving these kittens the best start in life and the cat the easiest and safest pregnancy.

I don't really need the judgey posts, I already know all you're saying is true. But right now I need to make the best out of a not so good situation. It isn't even my responsibility, I could leave it if I wanted to, but I want to help.

OP posts:
NicholasTeakozy · 07/08/2012 17:14

I think what you're doing for your friend is lovely. When my cat had her kittens I had no experience and just muddled through, basically letting her get on with it. It wasn't until she had the fifth and last that I sorted out a bed. She did alright though. :)

Original poster
GhostShip · 07/08/2012 17:16

Thanks nicholas. I suppose with the actual birthing I'll just have to let her get on with it

Oh I wish cats were more like dogs. I knew what mine wanted every step of the way!

OP posts:
NicholasTeakozy · 07/08/2012 18:45

You've got about 6 or 7 weeks to get ready, so plenty of time.

Wiggypigs · 07/08/2012 20:34

Does he have money available should the cat need a c section? What if the mother dies and the kittens need hand rearing? Seen it happen many times.

Original poster
GhostShip · 07/08/2012 20:36

Yep he does. He also has her insurered, doubt that that would be covered but he has money saved should something happen.

OP posts:
Original poster
GhostShip · 07/08/2012 20:37

And hand rearing we can do. I've had reared thirteen puppies I'll do the same with kittens!

OP posts:
Wiggypigs · 07/08/2012 20:43

Insurance won't cover it but glad to hear he has money put by. Doesn't enter the mind of a lot of people who breed their animals.

Original poster
GhostShip · 07/08/2012 20:44

It's always handy just in case isn't it, I have a credit card for my dogs

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page