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Question
HI,about a week ago my cat was quite big in the stomache,an her behaviour change as normal in pregnancy,about a day ago she does look as big as before,but her nipples are a little dry,an im half sure that i could feel kittens,she has bald spots all arround her nipples and their pink in colour.her behaviour is still quite unusual to her normal.She quite ferel,an has never wanted alot of attention or never lay by any body enjoying a stomache rub, and in the time we thought or knew she was pregnant she has loved the stomache rubs,but we'd have to get a hold on her before shed realize we were jus giving her attention,and since her stomache hasn't been as big shes been hanging around the house alot where as other times she would go wondering.Do you think she might have already had her kittens,and lost them to another cat,or that she is due anytime???Do cats babies drop when they closer to birth??Her beng as ferel as she is do you think she wouldve rather had them in the house???
Sam,
Firstly there is a substantial difference between a feral cat and one that won't tolerate too much handling. Feral cats are wild animals, they haven't had human contact and are instinctively fearful of people as wild animals are. It sounds as though your kitty is just not up for too much handling which is more about personality than heritage, because I can guarantee you that if she was feral she wouldn't have allowed you to rub her belly at all without months and months of bribery, begging, and wheedling.
If you are concerned that this girl has had her babies outdoors it would be wise to have her examined by a vet to be absolutely sure. She may have dropped because she's going to have her babies soon or she may have had them, I can't be sure without seeing her and feeling her belly. If you can feel fetal movement then she is going to have her babies soon, probably within the next week or so...The kittens should have their mother for at least 10-12 weeks so that she can teach them how to be cats. 10-12 weeks with mom also allows mom to teach them important skills like bite inhibition, how to follow rules and what limits and boundaries are...If a young kitten gets too cheeky their mother will be sure to let them know that they are out of line and having mom to teach these basics is best.
Also spaying this mom once her kittens have been weaned (6-8 weeks of age) would be smart. After all there is a serious pet overpopulation crisis worldwide and anything to help lower the numbers of healthy, adoptable pets being euthanized in shelters is great in my books....
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.
Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.
Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.
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