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Cats/wonderin??

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Expert: - 1/29/2011


Question

CIara
Hi Karen,
This is my first time dealing with a possible pregnant cat. I'm kind of unsure of the signs of pregnancy, all I know is my cat was a normal, small, petite cat then all of a sudden her stomach swells up really big. I thought she had worms because she was vomiting, diarrhea, & i saw her rub her butt across the floor a few times. She doesn't do it a lot, she only did it a few times. I got up this morning & let her come in my room & decided to feel on her stomach. I felt movement but i was sure if it was her heartbeat & she was also purring. I decided to let her lay down on her own & stop purring then feel her stomach again. The second time i felt her stomach, i felt movement on the sides of her belly. I felt the middle of her stomach & felt movement across her stomach towards the bottom of her stomach. My dad was suppose to take her to the vet but we don't have the money for it yet & our vet we go to normally is closed for reorganization. I don't want to get to excited & come to find out its something else. Can you please give me the answer?

Answer
Hi Erica,

Cute kittie! She may be pregnant or she may be sick. You need to answer some questions to help figure out which. Was she in heat and got out? If yes to both then she is pregnant. If you are not sure you need to take her temperature. If she is running a fever she is sick and needs to be seen by a vet. Here's a good video showing what you need to know.

http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/Taking-Your-Cats-Temperature/Entire-Video

Here's a good article about things that can happen when giving birth and what to look for.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Cat-Pregnancy-and-when-to-Call-the-Vet

And here is another article that you should read.

http://www.2ndchance.info/felinelabor.htm

The thing I would worry about is her being sick. There is a very serious illness that mimics a sudden cat pregnancy. It is called Pyrometra. It is an infection of the uterus. This is something that can kill her.

Call your vet if her temperature is high. You really should get her to the vet to be on the safe side. The vomiting and diarrhea are what worries me. Try to get her to a vet. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

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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