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Question
I have a cat who is 14 months old i got her from a rescue centre and she had been spayed about 6wks before i got her, i dont over feed her but she has put on alot of weight and seems to have developed large nipples, to look at her she looks pregnant can you help
Hi Julie,
Pseudopregnancies are extremely uncommon in spayed cats, but not impossible. Spaying can alter the metabolism of a cat at times, which can make some cats more likely to put on weight. As hormones balance out, the cat's weight will typically stabilize, and many cats will drop off some of the extra weight, but some need encouragement. This is best done through exercise (through interactive play) and using an appropriate diet. Rather than cutting back or using a low-calorie diet, I recommend going with a high-protein diet. Most grain-free diets are naturally high-protein.
If your kitty exhibits other signs of a pregnancy, such as nesting behavior and lactation, then you usually just have to wait it out. The "pregnancy" will most often end around the time that she would normally have delivered if she was actually pregnant. In cases where the pseudopregnancy continues on, you should have her checked out by a vet. Some cats require treatment with bromocryptine to help end the condition.
Good luck!
Jessica
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Answers by Expert:
Jessica
Expertise
The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.
Experience
I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.
Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience
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