Stray Pregnant Cat

Cherry_Johnson

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My grandfather was taking care of a stray cat that was outside. She's young, maybe 9-10 months old. But my grandfather recently passed away February 16th & the stray cat is pregnant. I moved into his house & ive been taking care of the cat now, but I got her to come inside cause she's not comfortable outside anymore. Just seems like she's been pregnant for too long. Her kittens are still moving inside of her, but I'm not sure if she knows what to do if shes in labor. I've had a cat before that held her kittens in too long & they died, so we had to take her to the vet to get them taken out. Is there anything I can do to help her out? Please help
 

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Glad you got her inside as her kittens will be in great danger outside. Please have her fixed when her kittens are 8 weeks old so she doesn't have to birth again. I'm sure she'll be fine - most cats know what to do. Now that she's relaxed & safe, I bet she'll birth soon.
 
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Cherry_Johnson

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I plan on getting her fixed & her kittens as well when they're old enough. She seems so much more comfortable, & I got a feeling she's not going to want to go back outside lol. Which is fine by me either way
 
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Cherry_Johnson

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She hasn't used the bathroom since yesterday afternoon. Normal? Or do I have to do something?
 

Primula

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Some cats who finally get to come inside never want to go outside again. In fact, they won't go outside even for a minute because they fear they'll never get back inside again.

Have you made her a nice birthing box in a safe secluded spot? There should be no other animals around to bother her. The box should be big enough so that she can fully recline to feed her babies. And give her lots of nice wet food now + dry, which she needs now & afterwards to keep up her milk production.

Kudos to you for helping her. :lovecat:
 

Primula

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She hasn't used the bathroom since yesterday afternoon. Normal? Or do I have to do something?
Well, she's adjusting to changes in her life, which cats don't do well. Give her fresh water always. See what the next 24 hours will bring. Maybe someone will come along here later who can better advise on this.
 
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Cherry_Johnson

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There's no other animals around her & yes i made her a birthing box, as well as a few other places that she could go that are safe in the room. I'll be sure to pick up some wet food cause I've just been giving her dry food
 

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The wet food will not only help support her pregnancy and nursing days, but it will help her use the bathroom.

Has she at least peed in her litter box since yesterday?

It's not good if she holds it, and it's not good if she gets dehydrated. Wet food helps with hydration too.
 
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Cherry_Johnson

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No. The last time she went pee was yesterday afternoon. Unless she went on a blanket somewhere in the room. She's just been laying around all day, hasn't really got up except to eat
 

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No. The last time she went pee was yesterday afternoon. Unless she went on a blanket somewhere in the room. She's just been laying around all day, hasn't really got up except to eat
Mmmmm, you want to nip that in the bud if she pees outside her litter box.

I suspect that when you wake up tomorrow all her bodily functions will have returned. Sounds like she is now relaxing, possibly for the first time in her life feeling safe.
 

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Bless you for caring for that little kitty! Condolences on your grandfather's passing - he is probably over the Other Side, chatting with my dad on how their girls just love those cats ..... it sounds like maybe your girl could be in the early stages of labor. She would probably enjoy some goat milk now (raw is best & you can inquire with the county farm advisor's office about local FFA or 4Hers who have dairy goat projects, or you can ask at the feed store; alternately, you can offer her "kitten glop" made with canned goat milk, there is a good recipe at www.kitten-rescue.com). Take a good look at her nipples and see if they are "standing up" and have a waxy appearance. Most of the time, cats handle labor just fine, especially when they are in a safe place. Sending prayers and vibes for an easy delivery & a happy, healthy kitten family :)
 
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Cherry_Johnson

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If she did pee somewhere else, it doesn't matter. That's what washers & dryers are for. I love the fact that she feels safe though
 

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You might enjoy this article: The Stages of Feline Labor - When Your Cat Gives Birth
When I had my 2nd daughter at home, my midwife asked me to read every article that I could on labor and delivery. I was glad that I did because understanding the mechanics of the situation made the experience very positive!
You have a very good attitude about all this and I am sure that your kitty is in very competent hands!
 
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Cherry_Johnson

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They are standing up & waxy looking. She's a really good cat & it breaks my heart that she was a stray, but I think she's gonna be stuck with me. I've gotten attached to her (horrible with strays lol) But I agree, my dad knew how I am with any animal
 
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Cherry_Johnson

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Yes she finally used the bathroom around 3-4 in the morning. She's going regularly now thank god, cause I was starting to get worried. But everything is still the same. She's been rolling over on her back wanting me to rub her belly, so that's what I've been doing basically all day. Just trying to keep her as comfortable as possible
 
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Cherry_Johnson

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& another thing.
If she goes into labor in the middle of the night while I'm sleeping will I hear her? I just want to be awake so I could be by her side to comfort her
 
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