Expert: Ali - 10/27/2009

Question
My new cat, Sheba, just had 4 fetuses.  She didn't have much trouble having them.  This was last night.  I had only had her for 3 days.  She had 2 collars and I thought she had been spayed although I was going to take her to get spayed late this week.  She is not bleeding. She had abandoned the fetuses so I got rid of them although they are available.  Should I put them near her for awhile?  Does she need to go to the vet sooner than for the spaying?  I am very short of money and don't want an unnecessary trip but will absolutely take her if she needs to go.  She seems fine except that she is acting differently, maybe a little depressed?   Thank you for giving  me some advice..

Answer
Cindy,

I applaud and respect your commitment to this kitty - if only all people were so compassionate and loving with cats and kittens that might be strays in their neighborhood. Often rescue cats are amazing companions who are fantastic additions to just about any family although some kitties do come with baggage as a result of improper handling, lack of socialization, abuse, neglect, etc. Since this kitty had collars on it's possible that she's someone's lost pet so I really would suggest that you don't finalize plans to adopt her before checking with local animal shelters to see if someone has reported her missing. It's quite possible this kitty has accidentally escaped and become pregnant and in this situation if this kitty was your kitty I'm sure you'd want her back. It really is important to at least make an effort to find out if your foundling is someone`s much loved lost pet since accidents do happen. If nobody claims this kitty after you've checked with vets and shelters in your area then I'd suggest proceeding with your plans to make her a permanent part of your family - she deserves a place to call home and a forever family.

If mom abandoned the fetuses then I'd recommend disposing of them as outlined by local laws. The fact that mom's depressed could mean that there are still fetuses that she hasn't been able to expel for one reason or another, but she could also just be grieving the loss of her babies. I would recommend taking this kitty to the vet ASAP for her routine pre-surgical consult (most vets won't spay unless they've seen and examined the kitty before and she's current on her vaccines) to ensure that there's nothing else remaining inside of mom's womb that could cause her to develop a potentially life threatening infection, then I'd recommend spaying as per the vet's recommendations.

If finances are an issue I'd be happy to recommend organizations and charities that might be willing to subsidize or cover the cost of any necessary medical care this baby girl needs. I keep a binder full of such resources, all that I ask is for you to provide me with the general area you're writing from (US state or CAN province is fine) so that I don't waste your time by providing you with the names of resources that don't apply in your area or time that I could be using to help other pet parents. If you have any further questions, concerns or you'd like me to clarify anything in this answer please feel free to contact me again and I'll be happy to do what I can to help.