Expert: Norman Auspitz - 6/2/2010

Question
Hi,
My cat phoebe was in heat and escaped a very tiny crack in our window three nights ago for a male we have seen outside. Gave us a heart attack but the rain brought her home.
This is the first cat my boyfriend and I have ever had together
and we don't know anything about pregnant cats.
Phoebe our cat has been in heat many times before and we have never noticed any discharge at all, now, just a few days after her adventure she has a very clear discharge with some blood in it, is this something i should be concerned about?
She has had kittens before with a previous owner, and everything went smoothly. She had a 4 kittens last time.. would that be the same each time she has kittens?
We are contemplating spaying because we will be moving in 3 months and if it takes approx. 65 days for gestation im not sure it that will put to much stress on her and the kittens.
It is also a cost thing both ways, do you know of any inexpensive ways to deal with either spaying or initial shots?
Thank you so much for your time and help!
Have a good day :)

Answer
Victoria,

Since you know when she got out, all you need do is to count 21 days from that time and, if she is pregnant, her nipples will turn bright pink and protrude.  This phenomenon only last a few days, so you need to be quick.  Also, if she comnes into season, you know she is not pregnant.

As to the discharge, it is probably nothing, but I would double check with yoiur vet to make sure nothing untoward (like a pyometria) is going on.

Litter size determination is a mystery. Some cats consistently have same size litters on the same day (sfter being bred) each time, some have small litters or large ones, depending!?!?!?!

Truthfully, depending on her age, she may no longer need any shots.  How old is she and do you have her shot history? If she has had all her shots for at least 3 years, she may need one more set by age 7 and then no more after that. What shots has she had?

As for spaying, you can check with your county or state RSPCA to see if they have inexpensive spay/neuter clinics.

Please let me know if you have more questions.

Best regards... Norm