Expert: Jessica - 4/30/2010

Question
I have a STRAY Siamese pregnant cat. She came to me today. I'm not sure when she is due and how to tell. She is HUGE on the sides. How can I tell how pg she is and when to expect the litter. Any tips and advise asap would be greatly appreciated.
I found your site very helpful. Thank you so much!

A cat lover,
Angela

Answer
Hi Angela.  Determining the due date of a stray cat is very difficult, indeed.  A vet will have the best handle on it, but even then, most vets are only able to give you an estimate within about two weeks.  An x-ray can help narrow it down, but these are only of use within the last 3-4 weeks of the pregnancy.  Judging by the description of her size, I would say you should be within this time frame.

Some behavioral cues that she may be within the last couple of weeks may be nesting behavior, when the cat begins poking around and searching every nook and cranny of the house for a suitable place to have her litter.  Most of my cats haven’t engaged in much nesting behavior, however.  Most cats will become either very withdrawn or very clingy 24-48 hours before delivery.  But this can be difficult to pick up on if you’re not familiar with the cat’s personality.

Physically, if you can feel the kittens moving when you rest your hand on the cat’s belly, you are most certainly within the last three weeks of the cat’s pregnancy.  Sometimes the kittens become less active during the last several days of the pregnancy, as they align themselves for delivery, and also because things are becoming cramped in the uterus.  Mama may also begin to lose appetite slightly a day or two before delivery.

I would encourage you to notify veterinarians and local animal shelters that you have found this kitty and also to post some generic “cat found” flyers.  I wouldn’t turn the cat in to the shelter, but have them contact you if someone calls them inquiring about a Siamese cat that they have lost.  I also would not necessarily mention on the flyers that you have found a Siamese, since people may falsely claim a Siamese cat.  Instead, have people call and describe their lost cat to you.  Cats can slip outdoors no matter how careful an owner is, and it’s heart-wrenching when this happens.  A Siamese was bound to have belonged to someone at some point, and if she was lost by an honest mistake, it would be best for her to be reunited with her owner.  If no one comes forward to claim her, you can adopt her with a clear conscience.

Best of luck!

Jessica