cats and kittens.

[juicywet21]

I have a very pregnant cat at home. I'm guessing she's due within the next week, but I'm not completely sure. It seems every person I talk to has a different opinion of what I need to be doing about this. I'd love to think I could trust all the advice I'm getting, but I honestly feel that they're just wanting me to buy something, whether it's a $400 ultrasound at the vet, or a $40 cardboard box where she can give birth.

Of course I want to give her everything she needs for a healthy pregnancy, but I also feel that cats have been having kittens on their own for thousands of years, so she will be able to do it without any problems.

I do feed her kitten food, and give her a vitamin for extra nutrients. She also stays indoors all the time. I have a box set up for her with towels and a blanket, which she doesn't like, but that our other cat , a neutered male (not the father) likes to use.

Is there anything else I need to be doing for her until she has her kittens? Do I really need to do anything during the actual birth, or is it best to let her do her thing unless a problem arises? Do I really need formula for the kittens, or should her milk be sufficient?

Hopefully someone on here knows what they are talking about and could give me a few pointers...

 

[SweetErika]

Have you googled 'birthing kittens' and read some of the detailed info (and even watched videos) there?

The babies should be fine nursing, especially if you're giving mama plenty of food. If they're not gaining weight, then you may need to intervene with formula, but breast milk is best.

I'd let her do her thing while keeping an eye on her and the babies.

And hopefully, as a responsible pet owner, you'll have her fixed after this. The surgery is available at little or no charge in many areas because there's such an overpopulation of cats and dogs. Some Humane Society locations and other organizations will even spay the mama for free, take the kittens (and give them the care they need) so they can be adopted out, then return the mom to you.

 

[Cathleen]

I've never witnessed or been in your position but I agree that this has been going on forever so she'll know what to do.

She might not use the box/accommodations you've set up, I've heard the mom will find a quiet safe place, so don't be surprised if she chooses a closet or open drawer.

As far as helping her, if you're home at the time I think I'd stay close but not interfere unless there is an obvious need. She'll clean her little ones, get them breathing etc and keep them close. I have to guess her milk will be sufficient for quite a while.

Info about giving birth

(Not to start a fight but I hope you'll consider having her spayed. It can make for an easier life for her and there are just far too many animals who need a home that fill shelters and they are the lucky ones.)

 

[emap]

Cats are very good at doing it themselves. The only thing you need to worry about is not leaving a drawer open that you really don't want her to have kittens in. Generally she will pick an enclosed spot, out of the way and covered, if you see her spending alot of time in one area, get a small moving box or electronics box, put some clothing in it and lay it on it's side in the area she is showing her interest in.

I'm serious on small, cats prefer small enclosed areas with one entrance. Why they tend to use slightly open drawers and closets. Now besides the location of the nest for the kittens, you are going to need to place a litter box in the same room, close to the nest is a good idea, not for mom, for the kittens, they don't wander very far at first and mom doesn't clean up after them starting sometime during the second month when they start exploring.

 

[CherryBomb24]

when she's giving birth, leave her be. more than likely she will hide where you wont be able to find her so dont panic. If she doesnt hide and you go in and sit by her, it will just make her even more nervous and can prolong the labor or she will hide with the kittens, so just peak in the room every once in a while to make sure all is well. No you wont need any formula for the kittens unless a problem arises and she refuses to feed it. Try not to handle the kittens untill their eyes are open, untill around the time their eyes open is when they can contract many germs that their body cannot handle yet. When their eyes are open, you can handle them, but still be cautious and dont handle them alll the time - wash your hands, do not use the hand sanitizors that you dont wash off because that alone can kill them. If you have anymore questions, please feel free to whisper me anytime.

CB.

I have a very pregnant cat at home. I'm guessing she's due within the next week, but I'm not completely sure. It seems every person I talk to has a different opinion of what I need to be doing about this. I'd love to think I could trust all the advice I'm getting, but I honestly feel that they're just wanting me to buy something, whether it's a $400 ultrasound at the vet, or a $40 cardboard box where she can give birth.

Of course I want to give her everything she needs for a healthy pregnancy, but I also feel that cats have been having kittens on their own for thousands of years, so she will be able to do it without any problems.

I do feed her kitten food, and give her a vitamin for extra nutrients. She also stays indoors all the time. I have a box set up for her with towels and a blanket, which she doesn't like, but that our other cat , a neutered male (not the father) likes to use.

Is there anything else I need to be doing for her until she has her kittens? Do I really need to do anything during the actual birth, or is it best to let her do her thing unless a problem arises? Do I really need formula for the kittens, or should her milk be sufficient?

Hopefully someone on here knows what they are talking about and could give me a few pointers...