Hello! This is in reference to a client's kitty (I own a professional cat sitting business). So I'm stating this ahead of time because I am not in charge of making decisions. However, I want to guide my client the best way possible so they can make the best decisions for themselves. That said, at least at this point, they are NOT going to do a spay abort. And, I'd also ask for people to withhold any judgement (this really was a fluke thing that happened - my client thought she had done everything right based on vet's recommendations).
Onto the kitty! I'll use the nicknames - Chunk is the pregnant kitty. Kitten Daddy is her litter mate brother. They are 8 months old. Kitten Daddy was neutered at 6 months of age. Chunk was not spayed at the same time (I never asked why, so not sure what the reason was, if any). Well, apparently, it was too late.
I started caring for them on Monday. I realized on Tuesday that not only was Chunk, well, chunky. But she also had a very firm belly. A series of questions and a day later, I said that I thought she was pregnant. A vet appointment and x-ray on Thursday confirmed it - it looks to only be one kitten.
THE QUESTIONS I HAVE:
- What are the potential issues for inbred cats (especially from the same litter)? They are domestic shorthair, btw. Chunk is a torbie, KD is a tabby.
- Chunk was vaccinated last month. What are the odds of this resulting in CH in the kitten(s)?
- Would it be recommended to take the baby(s) to the vet sooner than normal just to make sure it is ok from the standpoints listed above?
- When does nesting typically start? As of last Thursday, vet said she was about 40-50 days along.
I'm asking so I can best prepare my client for any potential issues that may arise. We are of course hoping there simply are none. But I do know that both the inbreeding as well as being vaccinated while pregnant (yes, FVCRP was included) can ultimately cause CH in the babeis. I just can't find anything that says what the % is. The shock of her being pregnant is over and they are excited now (and planning on keeping the baby since it looks to just be one). I truly hate to rain on their happiness but would also hate for them to have a horrible shock.
(I also have some more general questions regarding the birth as it's entirely possible I'll still be caring for her when that time comes - but ending this for now)
Thank you in advance!
Onto the kitty! I'll use the nicknames - Chunk is the pregnant kitty. Kitten Daddy is her litter mate brother. They are 8 months old. Kitten Daddy was neutered at 6 months of age. Chunk was not spayed at the same time (I never asked why, so not sure what the reason was, if any). Well, apparently, it was too late.
I started caring for them on Monday. I realized on Tuesday that not only was Chunk, well, chunky. But she also had a very firm belly. A series of questions and a day later, I said that I thought she was pregnant. A vet appointment and x-ray on Thursday confirmed it - it looks to only be one kitten.
THE QUESTIONS I HAVE:
- What are the potential issues for inbred cats (especially from the same litter)? They are domestic shorthair, btw. Chunk is a torbie, KD is a tabby.
- Chunk was vaccinated last month. What are the odds of this resulting in CH in the kitten(s)?
- Would it be recommended to take the baby(s) to the vet sooner than normal just to make sure it is ok from the standpoints listed above?
- When does nesting typically start? As of last Thursday, vet said she was about 40-50 days along.
I'm asking so I can best prepare my client for any potential issues that may arise. We are of course hoping there simply are none. But I do know that both the inbreeding as well as being vaccinated while pregnant (yes, FVCRP was included) can ultimately cause CH in the babeis. I just can't find anything that says what the % is. The shock of her being pregnant is over and they are excited now (and planning on keeping the baby since it looks to just be one). I truly hate to rain on their happiness but would also hate for them to have a horrible shock.
(I also have some more general questions regarding the birth as it's entirely possible I'll still be caring for her when that time comes - but ending this for now)
Thank you in advance!
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