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Post by lumpyblue on Jan 31, 2010 23:42:03 GMT 1
took delivery today of a year(ish) old puss, who is heavily pregnant with a second litter. Are there any special dietary requirements I should know about? Have put her into 'isolation ward'!! ( Spare room ) Gestation is 6weeks? so I am expecting to see babes soon. Last litter were born Nov. I was planning a visit to the vet, for a spey etc, but she is very close to birthing I think. Also any 'signs' I should watch for, that might indicate she is having probs?? Sorry, very ignorant in these matters. And I will be rehoming the kittens, and her, if poss thru a rescue. Not putting up a 'for sale' sign!!
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Feb 1, 2010 0:47:02 GMT 1
Goodness! Poor little thing, bless her. I'm not very familiar with cats, but seem to recall my mother - who helps a local cat rescue - saying that it helps to offer a few choices of suitable boxes tucked away in quiet places for the cat to choose a nesting site. Also that they can become uneasy and unsettled and pace a bit once labour starts. The gestation period is about 63 - 65 days, I think. As for diet, best ask a cat expert...
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Post by lumpyblue on Feb 1, 2010 1:28:33 GMT 1
Thanks Al. At the moment she has a travel crate, door off, which she seems happy in, but perhaps an open box would be better? She seems settled, but she is LARGE and teats are balded already, so think a few days??? to go. Will keep you updated. And will speak to my vet 2moro. Bit niave, considering I have kept cats for more years than I care to disclose!! but they have all been 'done' so not had this situation to deal with. And panic! (due to the fact that I was told she wasn't pregnant!!) has made my mind go blank with regard to anything I might know!!
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Feb 1, 2010 2:16:11 GMT 1
Years ago, when rained out of a tent camping on Dartmoor, a farmer let a friend and I sleep in his haybarn. In the early hours a farm cat joined us, and decided to have her kittens down my sleeping bag! What a wailing noise she made when doing so, too! She was very vocal indeed!
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Post by brackensmum on Feb 1, 2010 13:32:21 GMT 1
you could always hop onto cat forums and ask, Pinkpaws rescue have had a few pregnant cats through their doors, not sure if HWAR have or Friends of the Animals (they've had pregnant dogs through lol) maybe worth an ask on any of those?
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Post by alfie1 on Feb 15, 2010 3:18:20 GMT 1
Hi Has the poor girl given birth yet? Gestation is around 9 weeks and there are some good foods out there specially formulated for lactating/pregnant/nursing queens that are also suitable for kittens. Royal Canin do a great food for pregnant queens which is actually kitten food www.petsathome.com/shop/royal-canin-kitten-instinctive-food-pouches-85gm-12-pack-14783Thee are some dry foods as well that contain all the essential nutrients. The pregnant queen will eat like a horse up until she is due and then will go off her food close to the time. She will have a different tone to her 'meows' and will become more affectionate. ASs has already been said, offer plenty of hiding places. They usually choose somewhere darkish that is warm, so cardboard boxes with plenty of blankets/old towels in a wardrobe (with door open) or corner of a room. She will choose where she is the most comfortable. Some cats like a person to be close at the time of labour whilst others would prefer for you to watch from a distance and be ready to jump in if help is needed. Always check that the cat has removed the whole sac from the newborn kitten to avoid suffocation (if she doesn't, don't be afraid to help). Cats will naturally chew through umbilical cords, if the cat doesn't then assistance will be needed. The cord will need to be tied of and cut about 1 inch away from belly. You could use a spray antiseptic just to spray lightly onto the end of the cord to avoid infection. For every kitten born, there should be a placenta that follows. Remember to count or watch for the placentas as any left inside the cat will cause infection and can kill the cat. Before touching any of the kittens if your help is needed, put on some thin (like the medical) gloves. If your scent is all over the kitten when mum checks and sniffs them, she will have nothing to do with them as she will think they are not hers. Hope this info helps and good luck
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Post by lumpyblue on Feb 21, 2010 3:11:49 GMT 1
Thanks for the advice, but very sadly, she gave birth to 5 babes and they all passed away. They were unable to breath properly and only lived for a very short time. Minutes. The woman with Cats Protection thought they were prem or something had gone wrong during the pregnancy. It was very upsetting, especially for the G-child. On the brighter side, she is doing ok and will be going on soon to be rehomed and 'done'!! so she will never have to go thru that again.
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Post by Whizzie on Feb 21, 2010 10:27:57 GMT 1
I'm sorry they didn't make it. Run free little ones
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Post by Old Dragon (Al) on Feb 21, 2010 11:23:46 GMT 1
I'm so sorry to learn the little ones didn't make it, and feel for your g-child and the mother cat. Let's hope she soon recovers and goes on to find a wonderful home and good life.
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Post by worm100 on Feb 21, 2010 13:13:26 GMT 1
Poor little kitties ..hope the Mum cat finds a good home
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