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Question
Hi,
3 weeks ago i took in a cat and one of her kittens
the kitten is about 10 or 11 weeks old.
the mother cat was skinny when we got her,
but now she has a pot belly, but we cant tell if she is pregnant because the kitten she has at the moment still try's to suckle, so her nipples are pink and extended..
and we dont really know her personality yet. so cant judge on that. and same with her eating habits.
and we cant afford to take her to the vet atm.
so do you know of anyways we could find out if she is or not.
Hi Rachael,
The one way to figure if she is pregnant is to answer a question. Did she get out of the house, or is there an unfixed male in your home? If the answer is yes then she may be pregnant. Is she nursing the kitten all the time or is the kitten weaned and just suckling its mom occasionally?
Nursing moms usually don't get pregnant but that doesn't mean that it never happens. She could be pregnant. She could have an infection called a Pyrometria, (an infection of the uterus). This looks like a cat is pregnant but is deadly. She could have worms. You really should get her checked out by a vet. See if the local cat rescue can refer you to a clinic. I highly recommend getting her checked out. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
Karen Craft
Expertise
I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!
Experience
I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care.
Some thoughts to carry with you.
A Cat's 10 Commandments
My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you.
If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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