How do you know when cats are finished having kittens?

[TakingBackSunday]

Hi all,

As the title suggests how do you know when a cat has finished having kittens?

Sat down for my tea and my beloved cat popped out a still born kitten, didn't even know she was pregnant.

Well apparently when I was away one weekend she got through the kitchen window and returned before I came home so DH didn't bother to tell me.

I know I'm irresponsible but she's an indoor ragdoll cat so didn't have had any urgency really (idiot) but I just need help with making sure she's okay now

She's being very affectionate, following me everywhere but not much else

@KittyMittyDooDah I probably am 🤣

I put my phone of charge last night so that's I haven't responded, no more kittens and she seems absolutely fine today.

I've owned cats for a long time and this is the first time this has ever happened (hence asking for help).

My cats are fine, they have safe spaces away from the children if they want to get out of the way but funnily enough they don't, they're not bothered about them.

As I've said she'll be going to the vets today and her operation will be booked.

Thank you everyone who gave genuine advice, thankfully she is okay.

I’m glad she’s ok, @TakingBackSunday.

Totally inappropriate and downright nasty.

Good grief OP, how you have managed to stay calm and gracious amidst these pile on posts, I don't know!

I'm surprised not to have read "you sound very young, OP" and "didn't you post exactly the same thread two weeks ago" - two more nasty Mumsnet stock responses.

I'm glad your cat is ok.

Beside the point of the thread, but do cats really eat their dead babies?? 🙀

Hi all,
Just to say that we have moderated this thread now and would ask MNers whose posts have been removed to reflect on whether or not their posts were just generally guideline-breaking personal abuse or were designed to help the cat in question, and to apply that thinking to their posting in future.

Glad to hear she's OK, OP, and hope the vet gives her a clean bill of health today.

Since it hasn't been 60 days since you went away, is it possible that the cat's body was rejecting a dead kitten, but for her still to have live ones inside that will continue to full term?
I don't know whether that happens or not, just wondering really.

👏👏👏.

Yes, they do.

It is when you’re saying it with the express intention of bullying. OP posted for advice, not for those posters just looking for a place to vent.

To people saying indoor cats don’t live enriched lives - err, what? You do know they live much longer lives, right? Indoor cats life expectancy in the UK averages 12-18 years. Outdoor cats is an average 5-10. This is because so many outdoor cats are killed so much younger than they should be. Between traffic accidents, fights with other animals, exposure to disease and many other dangers. That’s before even starting on the decimation of local wildlife by this invasive species. It’s hard to believe anyone could be morally against an indoor cat given there is plenty of enrichment.

Mine never even try to get out. Happy and healthy where they are. As are the local birds.

Even the most demure, indoor she-cat can be very motivated to find a mate when nature calls. And tom cats will climb in your window if you have a cat in heat.

Which is why spaying is still an absolute essential, even for house cats. But I think OP has learned that lesson now

I know, I'm just horrified at the tone of the OP's posts..."so they can be buried together etc."

Good luck OP.

@crisantemi what did you want me to do?

I described what happened in the context of what happened incase it was an indication of further complications.

I didn't know if one still born meant the rest of them would be if there was any? I wasn't going to bury live kittens but I'd have been better to bury all kittens together.

I mean I could have thrown them away or made wet specimens out of them if that's what you'd have preferred?

Respectfully burying them was my only option had they been more deceased kittens.

I have a three bedroom semi detached - I have a small house in the sense I only have one living room and kitchen which is semi opened plan. It's not tiny, it's a standard new build but I was limited to where I could put the children last night.

On my estate people have more children and more animals than me.

2 autistic children , 3 cats , 2 of which have been neutered . Stop deliberately exaggerating and having an unnecessary dig just for the sake of it .

Autistic children who are kind/loving with the cats, but may very well get over excited and distressed as seeing them pass a kitten, particularly if it is stillborn.

Very reasonable to find a safe separate space for the cat while the children are awake to witness this.

I hope your cat is OK OP.
My cat was from an accidental litter, these things happen sometimes.

@crisantemi maybe read this post and have a think about the tone of yours.

OP, ignore the mad posters. You've asked a perfectly reasonable question about your cat who you are providing perfectly acceptable care for. Failing to spay an indoor cat has turned out to be a misjudgement, but it's hardly the crime of the century.

Indoor/outdoor cats is a contentious issue that some people feel very strongly about. Personally I think it is fair to say that some cats would be extremely unhappy as indoor cats, but many cats are perfectly content, and do not choose to go out even when they are given the choice. It depends on temperament, breed, and age. I think we should trust cat owners to make the right choices for their pets and not insist that it is universally cruel to keep a cat indoors.

I would really recommend a catio, our indoor cat really enjoys his, especially in the summer.

There was no personal abuse in my message, I simply repeated the facts the OP disclosed in her own posts. I find it appalling how irresponsibly people can behave with living beings.