Expert: Ali - 11/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: We took in a pregnant stray about 2 weeks ago. She was already showing at
that point. When I put my hand on her tummy I could feel the kittens moving
slightly  (even two weeks ago.)
Now when I rest my hand on her belly they are moving like crazy. they are
very strong and very active. I can even see them moving most of the time,
although it is hard at points because mommy is a long haired cat.
she is very healthy looking. She is a large cat (large not fat)
She is eating Purina kitten food at the moment as well as wet food once a day
and has no problem eating either.
She drinks plenty of water and cleans herself regularly.
I am trying to figure out how far she might be from delivering so that I can
be here in case there are any problems.
Yesterday morning I squeezed her nipples and clear fluid came out of all of
them. They feel much more swollen than when we first found her and brought
her in.
We have been taking her temperature as suggested by many websites and it
has been anywhere from 99.4-100 degrees.
She has been very sleepy and affectionate and cries for me when I leave the
room.
What do you think? might she be delivering here soon?

ANSWER: Jennifer,

Given that the momma to be's temperature is on the lower end of acceptable it's quite possible that she will deliver her babies shortly- say in the next day or two. If this kitty doesn't deliver her babies soon then I would suggest that you have her examined by a vet to ensure that she isn't just having problems getting her babies into the outside world. Vets can do ultrasound and x-ray exams. The limitation of the x-ray is that the vet won't be able to tell if the kittens are still alive, with an ultrasound and a quick count of heart beats you may be able to find out how many little ones are coming. Make sure that mom has a quiet, dimly lit area to go into to have her babies, once she starts to labor she will likely want to be left alone. Checking on her about every 15-30 minutes will help to ensure that she is safe. If you notice that mom has been pushing hard for around an hour without producing a kitten she needs to see a vet as a c-section may be required. If you see mom passing greenish fluid that may mean that her kittens placentas have separated prematurely, this is likely to result in the loss of the kittens without immediate treatment by a vet. If mom seems to be anxious, walking with a stilted gait or trembling after having her babies she may have a life threatening calcium/magnesium deficiency that will require emergency treatment to save the lives of her kittens as well as mom.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well her Colostium has come in for sure. Her mammory glads are much
bigger now and all 8 nipples produce fluid (dont worry I'm not squeezing
them all the time) She has been producing the fluid for 3-4 days that I have
noticed.
I suppose she is sort of 'nesting' now. She has been in a different spot every
time I check on her, whereas before she kind of laid in one spot to sleep.
The babies are kicking very strongly still and moms temp is right about 99.4
as of a few hours ago. This is only about .5 degrees lower than her normal
temp however.
I filled her food bowl full last night and she has nibbled but there really isnt
much gone.
When is the earliest that a cat can express milk during her pregnancy? I feel
like she is faking me out and being stubborn! lol, We have thought for sure
she will deliver for the last week and still nothing. We just want to make sure
we can be near just in case of problems.
As she is a stray we have no idea of her medical history and want her to be
well.
Thanks for all of your help and I look forward to your response!  

Answer
Jennifer,

Patience, the apples will fall from the tree when they are ready....You will hear the pitter patter of tiny little feet soon enough, without a vet check you won't know for certain when things will start to happen, but if you have the resources to have her checked I would suggest you do so....