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QUESTION: My 9 month old kitty is very pregnant. I'm not exactly sure how far along and and wondering how much longer it might be. She seems to be occasionally "trying out" nesting areas. Her nipples are huge and pink and a little dry, I can feel and see kittens kicking in her belly, she sleeps a lot and is affectionate, and there has been a discharge for about 5 days (is that normal?) The discharge has been clearish, brown, and now heavier, thicker, and yellowish. Is that normal? She isn't acting ill or in pain and there is no blood. How much longer could it be?
ANSWER: Hi Jessica,
She sounds ready to give birth. The only thing that worries me is the discharge. Cats usually discharge about a day before they give birth. If yours has been doing this for 5 days I would take her to the vet and have her checked. The color also is a warning sign. I would get her in as soon as possible. This could turn into a life threatening condition. Good luck. And let me know what the vet says.
Ciao, Karen
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for answering so quickly! This afternoon my kitty had 4 kittens that are perfectly healthy. I am now concerned because it feels like there is still a kitten in her belly. She doesn't seem sick or anything and shes nursing and all that. I plan to take her to see the vet Monday at some point because I'm worried thers another in there. Will she be okay until then? (It's saturday 8pm and she had her 4 kittens about 2 hours ago)
Thanks
Jessica
Hi Jessica,
I'm glad all is going well. Does it seem like she is still in labor? Is she still having contractions? You would feel it if she is. What you feel could be the uterus that is still hard from the labor contractions.
Or it could be a kitten still in there. It's hard to tell. If you are seeing a vet on Monday she should be ok. Just keep an eye on the Mom for any signs of distress. If she shows any try to get her in to the vet right away. Good luck. And let me know what happens.
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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