I think this cat is pregnant. What do I do?

[NotABeliever]

I think the cat in my parents’ garden is pregnant 🥹
Not sure what to do? How do I make her comfy?

Oh the poor thing! Do you know if she has an owner? It’s best to take her to the vet to get her chip checked. Is there a local charity for cats, they will probably take her in.

as a last resort bring her in and put her in a quiet spot in a large box with a few blankets or towels. Do you think the birth is imminent?

she looks a well cared for cat (except that they let her get pregnant)
i’m sure she had a home

Please don’t do anything, well at the very most you could put a post on local social media to see if you can find her owner. Don’t be taking her in or making her comfy and do not feed her either.

Don’t scoop and take her to the vet either that will be stressful for her.

https://abogadosgold.com/ordinance/is-it-illegal-to-feed-someone-elses-cat-uk/

An owner needs to be found urgently, kittens born outside are at risk, and an unneutered cat shouldn't have been allowed out regardless. Irresponsible owners cause so much suffering that is inundating the strugging rescues, so infuriating.
If no owner comes forward she needs taking in.

1. That firm is not even within the jurisdiction of England and Wales.

2. When did you hear of anyone being prosecuted for feeding a stray cat?

3. When did you hear of anyone being sued for feeding a stray cat?

Simply scaremongering.

If she is pregnant and an owner cannot be found she needs to be looked after.

Maybe someone from a cat rescue could come over with a chip reader and check for a chip?

I’m so confused now! Very conflicting advice

Have your parents seen her before or has she only arrived today for the first time? She looks well cared for so even if she is pregnant someone is probably feeding her at the very least, agree that you probably don't want to trap her and take her to the vets except as a last resort as that would be stressful for her and unnecessary if she does have an owner. Is she friendly? You could try putting a post with a picture on the local nextdoor or Facebook or WhatsApp group if you have one, see if someone has lost her or know where she came from? You could also ring the local rescues (although they'll probably be closed now) and see if someone with a microchip scanner could come out to you to scan her? I think if she wants to come into the house allow it and make her comfortable with blankets and some water but if she's happy outside or wants to take herself off again I don't think I'd try and trap her...

Is the cat in the garden just visiting or is she there around the clock? If she is not leaving, I would take her in so that she can safely give birth to her kittens. But do make sure she gets scanned for a possible microchip and try to find out whether she is missed.

Just put a sturdy cardboard box somewhere sheltered in the garden with a blanket so she has a choice to use it or not.

She probably lives somewhere nearby. If she doesn't, she at least has an alternative.

I agree with sharing a photo on local groups to see if anyone is missing her.

If she’s still there I would try & get her scanned either by a local volunteer or a vet! I hate the phrase stray cat! 🙁 It’s not like cats live in the wild is it? They have either been abandoned or have got lost,

This is 100% what local WhatsApp / Facebook / next door is for. Our local WhatsApp and recently uncovered a cat with three families each thinking he was theirs.

There totally are feral cats. Not all cats are or have been owned.

That cat looks well cared for…. Are you 100% sure she’s not just a bit (cover your ears pussy cat) fat?

Could just be a fat cat?

Or they are just ‘out and about’ - there is nothing to suggest this cat is abandoned or lost.

An update….
she’s given birth!! In the place I made for her 💕

Beautiful mother and kittens. I can see two. Are there more?

Are they safe from predators and keeping warm?

Is someone keeping an eye on them in case of problems? Not all births are straightforward and kittens can go downhill rapidly?

Mother cat will need a lot of good quality food. And fresh water.

Have you contacted a shelter/vet for advice?

As she wasn’t spayed and is living outside, the chance there is a decent, responsible owner in the background seems remote, so you will need to think about what is to happen to them in the future.

I am not a nursing cat and kitten expert. Others here are and hopefully will be along with good advice soon.

Thank you for caring about them OP. I hope you have a happy time looking after them. Kittens are enchanting and watching them grow is fascinating.

Oh Christ, they’ll all need a vet check then now. Can you afford it?

Obvs don’t feed her or @SusanLittle76 will have you arrested for it 🤣

She’ll need kitten food and lots of water.

Please, if you haven't already, get her inside. Kittens are at huge risk if outside - from predators and hypothermia. If you can't get her indoors - and a large crate somewhere quiet is absolutely fine - please contact a rescue ASAP. Rescues will often prioritise a cat and kittens outside over any others.

Beautiful cat, I hope she's OK and her and the kittens thrive 🥰

@NotABeliever How are mother and kittens doing today?

How are they @NotABeliever ? I can’t help wondering (and worrying) about them.