Ask the Veterinarian/My cats pregnant

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Expert: - 3/29/2011


Question
Hi my name is Julie and my cat Sunny is pregnant. My family and I are suspecting that she will give birth probably any day now but I'm having doughts. We had found our cat on valentines day we think she was about 7 months old and we are suspecting she was already pregnant, her nipples where pink and her lower abdominal area was kind of harder then a normal cats should be and her belly wasn't growing big yet. About a week ago we started to feel the babies move and we could also see them move in her. She is currently not showing any signs of nesting the only thing I have realized is she likes my bed, she is cleaning herself more and her belly doesn't look like it could get much bigger, she is also still extremely playfull. (As i am writing this she just attacked my hand) Do you think she is nearing her birthing date or do you think she might still have a week to go. Thank You - Julie

Answer
Cats have a 63 day gestation. Your guess is better than mine because you are there with her and can see her.
A 7 month old cat is still just a baby herself so keep an eye on her.
She will start nesting about 4 days before she is due. She will show you signs, but cleaning herself isn't a sign in itself unless she is licking her vulva a lot.

She won't be playful either, she will be in some pain. She will sneak off or be vocal, all cats are different.

Put your vet on standby as well. Young cats sometimes need help.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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