Help! Ive Got a Pregnant Cat!

So, you've got yourself a pregnant cat.

Was it a stray that adopted you? You heard a plaintive meowing, opened your back door and there she was. You won her confidence, gave her some scraps and a drink of water, spent some time petting her and then left her to it. Next day she's back. And before too many days have passed you decide that as she has no collar, no address tag, that you have got yourself a cute new companion.

As well as not having an address tag, she also didn't have a sign reading "I am a pregnant cat".

Or perhaps you've had your cat since she was a little bundle of kitten fur. She was always going to be a strictly indoor cat, no need at all to have her spayed, she was never ever going outside, she would never be a pregnant cat. But...

...she did get out, and she is pregnant!

What do you do now? Take your pregnant cat along to your veterinarian, she will need to be examined, and your vet will confirm if she is indeed pregnant.

Do you let the pregnancy continue? Before you answer to yourself "Why yes of course!" there are some important considerations to think hard about. Your pregnant cat could produce a litter of maybe four or five kittens, are you going to keep them all? "No", you may say, "but I'm sure that I'll find good homes for them." Do not be so sure, every year tens of thousands of cats are put down, simply because there are not the good homes for them. If you ask one of your friends if they would like a kitten, they may agree if they have seen the cute little mites, but are they going to care for it long term? How long before the novelty wears off, and that kitten ends up another feral cat?

If your friend really does want a kitten they can adopt one from a shelter.

What is the age of your pregnant cat? If under a year, or older than eight years, your cat will not have an easy time with birthing, and the possibility of deformed kittens is increased. Your veterinarian may advise abortion for this reason alone.

Be aware of how much commitment caring for a house full of new kittens is, it will take much of your time and attention. How do other members of your family feel about it, you will need to take everyone's view into consideration. You will need a special safe place for your cat and her kittens where they will be safely separated from other cats, other pets and young children.

Okay, you have made the decision that your pregnant cat is to give birth. Or perhaps your veterinarian has advised that it is too late in the pregnancy to consider abortion.

During the later stages of pregnancy feed your cat small meals frequently, remember that her abdomen is full of little ones and she will not be able to handle a full meal in one go. She will need plenty of water.

Seek advice about kitten care and remember also that mother cats need a special diet, one that is high in nutrients.

Naturally, as soon as possible after birth you will have your cat spayed to prevent the same thing happening again. You will won't you.

About The Author

Larry Chamberlain is a lifelong cat lover and webmaster of www.best-cat-art.com: Cat art posters, art prints, cat calendars and cat collectibles. Great cat gifts for yourself or your cat loving friends.

Larry@best-cat-art.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Arthritis Pain Relief For Dogs ? Simple Home Remedies That Work

Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs... Read More

5 Things to Know about Animal Rescue Groups

Over the past decade, breed rescue groups have become a... Read More

Vaccinations Cause Vaccinosis - Your Pet is Being Harmed

Annual Vaccinations for Your Dog?Are they really necessary? - In... Read More

Growing Adult Brine Shrimp

General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More

Does Your Dog Miss You Too Much?

Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More

Animal Behavior: What is My Dog Saying?

Dogs are quite amiable creatures. Much like our human counterparts,... Read More

What Should I Make My Snake Cage From?

What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More

Puppies, Kittens, Rabbits, Hamsters, Fish Tanks, Exotic Pets and Bird Houses!

Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition... Read More

Is Dog Obedience School for You?

Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know... Read More

Crate Training Dogs & Puppies- FAQ

1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More

Clipper Experiments: A Tail in Two Parts

Poor Dog. Subjected to my most ambitious experiments, she still... Read More

My Dog Died !

Pets provide an unconditional love that requires very little on... Read More

Commercial Pet Food for Your Dog?

What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More

A Guide to Bird Cages for Sale

As overwhelming as picking out a pet bird can be,... Read More

Treating Dog Arthritis With Natural Supplements

Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that... Read More

Cats and Their Allure: What, When, Where and Why

Domesticated cats have been gaining in popularity in the United... Read More

Choosing Between Dog Training Schools and Animal Behavior Specialists

If you are having behavioral issues with your dog that... Read More

All Natural Dog Cookies ? Because Your Dog?s Health and Happiness is So Important

Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that... Read More

How To Set Up A Quarantine Tank For Tropical Fish

Do I Need A Quarantine Tank?Ah, yes, the often dismissed... Read More

The Optimum Cichlid Aquarium Set Up

The groups of fishes commonly referred to as Cichlids, comprise... Read More

Humming Birds Make Wonderful Pets

Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and... Read More

Mommy, Can I Keep That Stray Dog?

How many times have you seen this situation where a... Read More

My Dog Won?t Stop Digging - What Can I Do?

Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More

Worms in Your Dog... Gross!

Of all the parasites a dog can catch, worms take... Read More

The Myth of 100% Complete Processed Pet Foods

Every day, people by the millions pour food from a... Read More

Lemon Tetras

Glassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear to... Read More

Dog Health Conditions and Terms You Should Know, Part 3...

Continued from part two.Epilepsy/seizure disorderWhen your Boxer is between 2... Read More

Breeding Discus ? 3 Ways to Encourage Spawning

So you have a mature pair of discus fish that... Read More

General Information, Caring For & Breeding Silkworms

BackgroundSilkworms are the larva of a moth (Bombyx mori) native... Read More

Buy Dog Supplements Online

Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just... Read More

How to Protect Your Dog and Family from Roundworms

Nearly every puppy in the world is born with roundworms.... Read More

Do You Enjoy Watching Your Dog Wear Handmade Dog Scarfs Just To Suit Their Personality?

Yes! We love our wonderful and dear Pooches! We care... Read More

Five Cat Food Factors That Discourage Feline UTD

One of the most common causes of Feline Urinary Tract... Read More