Expert: Tina - 1/6/2009

Question
On Dec 23rd my 10 month old cat Stevie snuck outside and was gone untill the next morning. Of course now I am concerned with her having kittens. I have a total of 3 cats ranging from 10 months(Stevie) to 1 1/2 year old cat and Stevie seems very small compared to any other cat I have seen her age. When I took her to the vet they said her size is nothing to worry about ( she is 9 lbs), but now I am concerned with her carrying a litter. I was rubbing her belly today and noticed her nipples are enlarged and slightly pink. So I pretty sure she is pregnant. Should I be concerned with her being so young and small??

Answer
Kaysha,

at 10 months old Stevie has been old enough to be spayed for 6 months now - why haven't you done so yet? Her size is not an issue, and since many cats have kittens at a much younger age that's not much of a concern specifically. But pregnancy and giving birth is always risky for the mother and babies.

When you took her to the vet didn't they confirm she was pregnant? At this early stage she can still be spayed. If you don't want to do that, you will have up to 10 kittens in a short while I hope you are able to get them all spayed and neutered as well at the recommended 4 months of age before finding them homes. Please get Stevie (and any of your other cats who are not already) spayed as soon as possible!