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My ex-stray kitty might be pregnant. Newborn kittens??
28/F Cat in question is ~1yr (vet's best guess)
So, I rescued a stray female cat about two months ago. I figured she wasn't spayed, but I wasn't worried about it, her being a decidedly indoor cat, now (she's taken very well to the pampering and cuddles). Funny thing was, she hasn't gone into her heat cycle since I've had her. Didn't realize that happened as frequently as it does. My other cat was spayed at 6 months, so she never went into heat.
Anyway, I noticed this one's nipples sticking out of her fur and somewhat swollen. Her abdomen is also swollen, and it's a bit like she swallowed a softball. She was also doing a lot of foraging for food even after being fed (I've been feeding her appropriately for her weight and age), but I thought that was a learned behavior from having to do so on the streets. Did not occur to me that maybe I wasn't feeding her enough because kittens. o.O (Now I feel terrible)
After some googling, there's a really, REALLY good chance she's pregnant, so I'm feeding her more.
It's weekend now, and I won't be able to reach my vet until Monday, give or take, so I'm asking you guys (I have no idea how far along she is, I don't wanna risk waiting). No, I'm not taking her or the possible kittens to a shelter, I plan to make sure they go to good homes, and she'll stay with me.
... What do I DO? How do you care for newborn kittens and their new mommy? How do you feed little ones? I want to give all of them the best chance for survival, mom included.
If anyone breeds cats (no judgment), or has had experience with this, PLEASE help me out. I am absolutely at a loss and unprepared for this.
Thank you for ANY advice you can give me.
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Want to answer more questions in the Domesticity category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Pets?
Make sure the mommy cat is as comfortable as possible. Try to make a nice clean area where she can birth the kittens. The little ones will nurse from their mother. Just make sure they all find their way to food. If the mommy cat goes into any distress after birthing the babies, try to take her to the nearest animal hospital.
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