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Expert: - 11/17/2008


Question
My cat is about two weeks from giving birth and she only has two teets that are swollen and pink. could that relate directly to the number of kittens or should they all be swollen?

Answer
Amy,

I wouldn't be too concerned about how many teats are swollen prior to birth. The kittens will be squirmy and vocal if they aren't getting enough to eat. It's a good idea to watch closely, if there's anything you are concerned about the whole family should be taken immediately to the nearest veterinarian's clinic. I always recommend keeping a can of kitten milk replacer like KMR or Just Born for kittens in the house. It's an emergency measure to feed babies that aren't getting enough to eat. This can happen in young cats with their first litter, older moms or for no reason at all. I would also suggest that you pick up a few oral syringes from your local pharmacy in case the kittens need hand rearing as they often don't accept a bottle. Please see my previous emails on the subject of kittens, nursing moms, labor, delivery, etc for further information.

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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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