Help!

[15Aug2009]

We found a female about 4 weeks ago in our garden and was unable to trace an owner. We opted to home her as my 6 year old disabled son really gelled to her. Unfortunately she must have just come off heat (obviously not neutered) and I now believe she is pregnant! I was going to make plans to have her neutered but then noticed her swollen tummy and enlarged nipples so there is no doubt she is with kittens. My son has to undergo life saving open heart surgery at the beginning of July and myself and my husband will be residents at the hospital for the duration if his stay and recovery. Obviously there will be nobody at home to tend to the cat and kittens. Any ideas anybody? PLEASE?

[meriad]

In all honesty - and I know some will disagree - if she's only just started her pregnancy I'd get her booked into the vet asap and have the pregnancy aborted and her spayed.

First port of call would be a vet asap to confirm if she is indeed pregnant and if yes how far along. And then the decision can be made from there. But as said, if that were me (and sorry to those who disagree), I'd abort and neuter

never nice but in the long run best

[meriad]

Oh and meant to add; good luck for the surgery when the time comes - what a worrying time ahead for you all

But just wondering - who will look after the cat whilst you're in the hospital with your son? Even a single cat (kittens or no kittens) will need care and attention.

[15Aug2009]

In all honesty - and I know some will disagree - if she's only just started her pregnancy I'd get her booked into the vet asap and have the pregnancy aborted and her spayed.

First port of call would be a vet asap to confirm if she is indeed pregnant and if yes how far along. And then the decision can be made from there. But as said, if that were me (and sorry to those who disagree), I'd abort and neuter

never nice but in the long run best

Surely though she must be 5 weeks or more. ?

[Walesgang]

Hello and welcome

I would certainly get her to a vet as soon as possible. Have you checked for a microchip to trace her owners?

A vet will also be able to advise whether she is pregnant and how far gone.

Cats do cope well with aborting kittens and neutering - but a vet can advise on this.

If the vets advises against it, or you decide to let the pregnancy continue, when are the kittens due? Presumably you had given some thought to what you were going to do with mum when you were away with your son for his op?

Please keep us posted and thank you for looking out for this girl

[15Aug2009]

If it wasn't for the upcoming surgery there would be no problem going ahead with the pregnancy. I would definitely take steps to have her neutered straight away.

[SarahT1 [PLLE]]

Where do you live, August?

[15Aug2009]

I'm in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.

[Cussypat1974]

If there is obvious swelling of the abdomen and development of the mammary glands, the pregnancy is pretty well established. A vet can examine her and give you a reasonably accurate pregnancy stage.

However..... Spaying her now is still very much an option. Yes, it would abort the kittens. If you go that route, the cat will have the exact same operation, but with a slightly bigger incision. She won't be at any risk from the pregnancy or birthing process, and the kittens will follow the natural course and be born. If you decide to spay her now the kittens will die. The cat will not be at risk of any co privations of pregnancy or birth.

If you decide to spay her now, she will have a general anaesthetic, which will pass to the kitten foetuses and they will not feel any pain. They will remain in the uterus as it is taken out of the cat, will be asleep and will never wake up. I have seen this done multiple times.

The decision after that is yours. You have an awful lot to cope with at the moment. You also seem like a woman who DOES cope! She may have 4 kittens or more, and you will need to care for them for a few months before finding homes, which is far from easy. Given your situation with your son, this is an awful lot to cope with.

In your position, I would spay her now. In fact, I would spay her now and have done so in similar situations just because there are not enough homes for kittens. But there is no right or wrong. Whatever you decide is the right decision for you, and I just wanted you to be aware of how blooming difficult it is with a gang of kittens in the house, nevere mind finding homes for them. and I don't have children! They trundle everywhere and get under your feet etc. best to have them confined to a room, but as they grow you need to be there to let mum in and out..... It is hard work!

I send every positive wish to your family and your son. Whatever you decide about the cat, we are here to advise and offer help where we can. That is what catch at is for. X