Expert: Marcia Owen - 12/22/2009

Question
Hello - I am a 14 month old siamese that was mated on 15th November 2009, this makes her 5 weeeks and 2 days pregnant. She has not experienced the "pinking up" stage at 3 weeks, although she has a slight swelling in her flanks, and has ganed half a pound.

I am unable to take her to the vets as she hates the carrier box and car journey and I do not want to chance a miscarriage.

She is eating fine, does the pinking sometimes not occur?

Thank you  

Answer
Hi Catherine

It is unusual for no changes to have taken place with the teats.  Are you sure they haven't grown a bit as by 5 weeks you should be ble to feel them a lot bigger than normal.  It is however certainly not abnormal for them not to be pink all the time especially with a first litter.

Even if you were to take her to the vet for a scan it may not always be very accurate though it might show that there are kittens, even if the number is not definitive.  

My advice would be to keep an eye on her.   She may have more positive signs later on, i.e. you may see the kittens moving at around 7 weeks.

Regards

Marcia