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Cats/Cat pregnant for 2nd time?

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Expert: - 7/7/2011


Question
Hiya,
I have a 1 yr old cat called Smudge and she gave birth to 3 kittens on the 4th March 2011.The kittens are healthy and fine and one has been rehomed with a family friend.The kittens are now 4 months old. Since the past week or so, i have been noticing that their mother (Smudge) has been hissing at them and tries to scratch/hit them with her claws whenever they go by her.Is this normal? I am suspicious that Smudge may be pregnant for the 2nd time, therefore is acting this way. Apart from taking Smudge to the vet for a check up, are there any signs that i can look out for to check if she is pregnant again?
I hope to hear from you soon.

Answer
Hi Humayah,

Yes the hissing and such can be normal. Especially if she is pregnant. The only way you can really know for sure if she is pregnant is if you know she was in heat and got out. But here are some things to look for. At about 3 weeks you might see her nipples begin to change. They will get larger and begin to pink up. At about 4 weeks she will begin to plump up in the abdomen. She will look pregnant. At this time your vet will be able to tell for sure.

If she is pregnant I would suggest that after this litter you get her spayed. And as FYI, cats can get pregnant almost immediately after giving birth. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

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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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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