How to tell if a cat is pregnant?

**mikandmari** · 12-06-2007, 01:05 PM

Oh I'm having quite a day here! A sick teenager at home (that's another post) and now.... maybe a pregnant cat?

We have an apartment house next door. A few months ago some tenants moved out (in a hurry). They left behind a little female Siamese cat. I must have SUCKER written on my forehead, because of course of all these people living around here, I'm the one who started feeding her, gained her trust, and finally took her in -- just in time to get her out of the cold. I contacted a Siamese Rescue, but haven't heard back from them yet. My husband doesn't want the expense of a third cat.

Today I noticed that her belly feels a bit round & hard. She is eating non-stop. I asked a friend about it and she said to check her nipples. I can feel them, and they look pink, but since I just got her I can't tell if this is anything different than before. I only have male cats (both neutered), I've never had a female.

Any advice?

**DAAC3DEC** · 12-06-2007, 01:30 PM

sure sounds like you are going to have some kitties running around.....

**baxjul** · 12-06-2007, 01:30 PM

I'm not sure, but kind of sounds pregnant to me!

**shoiji** · 12-06-2007, 02:48 PM

Might want to call the vet. Let them know what the situation is with the cat. My vet has been great with me. I even get a discount. They may be able to help you out with a discount or references with different types of cat rescues.

Good luck!! Let us know what happens.

**Missy** · 12-06-2007, 02:52 PM

this might help...

http://www.pets.ca/articles/article-expecting.htm

**Missy** · 12-06-2007, 02:55 PM

here's another one that may have more info

http://www.cat-world.com.au/PregnancyInCats.htm

**MarshHen** · 12-06-2007, 04:01 PM

If she will let you, flip her on her back and look at her tummy. If she is pregnate, she will have a bare area around her nipples. Also, while you have her in that position, check to see if she has a scar from being spayed. It could be that she may need worming. If she was abandoned though, it's a good bet she is pregnate. Most people don't pay for spaying and then abandon their pets. Most cats go into heat twice a year, spring and then fall. Do you have a no kill shelter in your area? If so, I would take her there and explain to them that she was abandoned and you can't keep her. If you know the previous owners name, I would give it to them as well. They may be able to track them down and fine them for being unresponsible pet owners.

Bless you for taking care of her.

Praying your daughter feels better soon as well. Big (((HUGS))) to you both.

**mikandmari** · 12-08-2007, 08:09 AM

Update: She is pregnant. I could tell after reading your helpful replies. The rescue has denied her "admission into their program" because of her pregnancy. They just don't have the foster homes to accommodate a mom with kittens. So she is staying here... I guess we'll have little fuzz-balls running around!

**yonksgirl** · 12-08-2007, 08:44 AM

Sorry, but I have to giv you a big fat AAAAAAAWWWWWWWW!!!!! hehehehehehehe!!!! I just love little fuzz balls!
If I were you I would start to line up homes awhile. It hould not be too hard if they are part simese. You could advertise at your vets and in the penny pincher. I also would charge maybe $25 per kitty just because People tend to jump on free, but if they have to pay alittle something they are more likly to take it more seriously and the kittens will not end up in a shelter. Good luck I hope to see pics of the darlings.
Karma surly will take care of you for taking care of the Momma!

**mom2bobsarah** · 12-08-2007, 09:27 AM

We have had problems with our animal shelters locally with the same kind of thing. It is unfortuinate that they cannot trust that you were not the cat's owner but simply someone trying to help. I had a situation several years ago, I tried to make an arrangement with our local shelter to trap and spay/neuter some stray cats that had multiplied at my in-laws house. I called them and told them that there were about 10 cats that I would trap and take to them so they could be fixed (and not further add to the problem) and they would not cut me a break on fixing them they wanted me to pay $90 a cat for cats that were not mine. Needless to say I could not afford to do them all but I did at least trap 2 females and got them fixed so at least that was 2 less in heat. I know there are a lot of dishonest people out there but it is just sad that when you try to take care of an animal in need you cannot get any help from an organization that is supposed to try and help. I am a kitty lover and this has always been an sore spot with me. I know it is hard and that your hubby did not want another kitty (let alone a litter) but I wish you the best and hopefully you can find homes for those kittens. Did the shelter day if you could bring the kittens (or Momma) back after they are born?

**kittykatstrong** · 12-08-2007, 09:52 AM

Kittens are so cute, I agree. If you can bring them in after they are born I would.

**bumplett** · 12-08-2007, 10:51 AM

I've just got to say one thing before this goes in a direction that it shouldn't -

Rescues are only able to do so much - they rely solely on donations and foster homes -

I'm sorry to hear that anyone had trouble getting a low cost spay/neuter, but in some areas, the price they offered may have been the best they could do.

As for being 'untrusting' - you should HEAR some of the excuses people have when they drop off their pets at Animal Control!!

"I'm moving"
"he's too big"
"he barks too much"
"she peed on the floor"
"it's got fleas"

I joke not - just last week, someone brought in a senior cat because he was SICK and they didn't want to take him to the vet - He died that night - in a metal cage with strangers in the dark -

so please don't ever take it personally when a rescue is unable to assist you - if it weren't for all of the irresponsible humans, there would be far more available resources for those that NEED help -

IMHO - I say spay the cat now - before she's too far along - the world doesn't need yet another litter of kittens -

if you can't - (which I understand that some people can't)

thank you for taking her in - and I agree with charging an adoption fee, "free" kittens too often end up as "bait"

**mikandmari** · 12-08-2007, 12:04 PM

I hope no one thinks I'm resentful that the Siamese Rescue couldn't take her!!

I completely understand how overwhelming cat rescue is. In fact, when I contacted them in the first place, I only asked them to post her on Petfinder for me, and I would keep her until a home was found. I also was hoping for a little guidance in choosing a home, since they have experience with pre-screening applicants. I was willing to make a donation for this assistance.

After the kittens are weaned, they may be able to help me with her and any of the kittens that "look" Siamese. Per their rules, they can't take non-Siamese cats.

I knew when I started feeding this cat that I would probably end up taking responsibility for her. If all goes well and I can show my dh that it's not so bad... maybe I will become a foster home for wayward kitty cats (just one at a time, of course!).

<--- Fester here, does NOT care for the idea. He believes he is the King.

**bumplett** · 12-08-2007, 12:12 PM

I didn't think your post sounded resentful towards the rescue at all - I was basing my reaction off of other posts -

I'm not trying to offend anyone - just share the other side.

Do you have any humane society groups in your area?
Or low cost spay/neuter teams?

It may also be possible to spay/neuter each of the kittens before giving them to their new homes - kittens can be spayed/neutered as young as 12 weeks. (I know, sounds crazy - but it's done)

If you have a humane society, please call and ask for assistance with the cost - that's what they are there for!

**ilovechocolate** · 12-08-2007, 05:54 PM

Thank you for taking in that poor kitty. Oh, it infuriates me when people are irresponsible pet owners!

I agree with bumplett----check with any animal organizations that you can find about helping you fund the spaying.

We used to have a vet who gave us a group discount when we took in a mama cat and her 3 kittens and had them all spayed/neutered at the same time. You might see if that's a possibility.

Lots of people see the cost of spaying/neutering as "too much" but yet it saves money in the long run. And it prevents more unwanted kittens/puppies. Let's face it, we are a disposable society and too many people think that animals are disposable too.

Anyway, I'm off my soapbox now. Thanks again for taking care of the kitty.