My cat is almost due to have kittens. What should I do?

Question

She's due around the end of this month. I've never had a pregnant cat before, although I have worked with kittens... I just don't know what to do for her. Is there anything I should/shouldn't do? Also, how do I know when she's going into labor? And if she ends up giving birth in the garage (and if I'm away from the house) will the kittens wander off or stay at the place of birth? The reason I ask is that our garage is quite messy right now and there's a lot of dangerous areas. Please advise.

OK... to all of the people going on about why isn't she spayed, etc., the breeder gave me the wrong info on her age and I thought she wasn't old enough yet. She's an indoor cat, but when she went into heat, I called the vet to make an appt to get her spayed for the next day, and go figure, that night she managed to get out and no one knew. So she got pregnant; it wasn't intentional. AND as a matter of fact, we're planning on keeping two and giving the other to family members... and she's getting spayed after she delivers.

Answer 1

First of all from the sound of things it sounds like your cat is an outdoor cat and thats ok but i do reccomend on putting her in the house just until the kittens are old enough to be given away (6-8 weeks or longer) then you can put her back outside.The first thing you need to do is get rid of her fleas so the babys won't get fleas (this is only if your mama cat has fleas though) shred a few lemons (whole) depending on the size of your cat and soak them in some water over night (half and half) and the next day wash her in dawn dish soap (it will get rid of her fleas but also not hurt the babies) and rinse her with the lemon juice then dry her off then get her a box a big box preferably a high box so the kittens won't get out and with some floor space. Then get her kitten chow (kitten chow is good for mama cats too) and lots of water always then in the box put a towle, sheet or a small blanket but something that is comfy and you can wash. and give her lots of love then she will have her kittens. you don't have to do anything yourself mama will take care of the rest basicly that is it for the first rownd. Then when the kittens are born mama will feed them and everything when you come in is about four weeks when the kittens need to be weaned you need to get them on kitten chow (but always let them get a sample of mama's milk. Mama will know when to stop feeding them) put some warm water in kitten chow (to help them to not choke) Then put there noses it it and encourage them to eat. Drinking is the same (kittens watch there mama eat and drink so they will catch on) then at six weeks you need to bring them to the vet and the vet will give them six weeks shots then if you want you can give them away (i like to keep my kittens for about 12 weeks so they will have all there shots and get fixed) but you can keep them for however long you like. You can put out fliers or knock on your neighbor doors or you can give them to a no kill shelter they will be given to a very good family. I do think that you should spay mama though it will help you alot and you won't have to take care of kittens (it's a whole lot cheaper that a litter of kittens):) hope that helped Good luck!

Answer 2

I'm assuming there's a reason you haven't had your cat spayed? You can stop this cycle of unwanted litters by getting your cats fixed. If it's a money issue - sometimes your local humane society will give discounted prices for spays - or can direct you to a program who gives discounted prices. In terms of the kittens - you have a few options. If you don't want to put an ad in the paper - make some fliers and put them up in your local stores and community boards, etc. Post on Craig's list, and Petfinder under classifieds and anywhere else that lets you post for free for adoptable pets. You can contact local rescue agencies and ask them if they have room to take in kittens. If they don't, see if you can come to one of their adoption events with the kittens. You can display them, and people can fill out the adoption paperwork through the agency - lots of people go to those events. Talk to family, friends, schoolmates, co-workers, whatever and have them spread the word that you have kittens - someone might pop up looking for one. In the end, if you still have some left over, take them to a no-kill shelter where they can be adopted out - before they are able to breed! The younger the cat (can separate from momma at 8 weeks) the easier to adopt out so you must plan accordingly. And spay your cat!

Answer 3

Don't know the answers to some of these, but do know she will choose her own delivery location regardless how you invite her to a specific one. You might prove me wrong by showing her a back corner of your closet, readied with rags, and it's worth a try. Each cat though having much in common can also surprise you. You'll know when she's going into labor when she disappears. Don't continue to call her; let her be. The kittens will not wander off, and she will appear when she's hungry, thus leading you back to her chosen location. I would start denying access to your garage in about two weeks, and show her with hope, to that dark corner. Likely will take place under a bed, and would behoove you to prepare with a blanket or towel there. Give her complete privacy and quiet, and ideally, very low light.

Answer 4

Your cat will keep the kittens from wandering. Have a box with soft towels/blankets ready for her to go nest in and she'll handle the rest herself. She may even decide not to use the box and birth under a chair or anyplace she can have some privacy. Keep an eye on her though. My mom's cat ended up having a kitten stuck 1/2 in 1/2 out and breach and had to have an emergency C-section. Rare, but it happens.

Answer 5

She really needs to be indoors so she can make a nest safe from predators, male cats, and dogs. These can and will kill kittens if they find them. Make her a place somewhere quiet and out of the way. Close off anywhere you don't want her to have them. Cats react differently to labor-some are vocal about it and some just go have their babies. The kittens won't be able to go anywhere for 3-4 weeks because their eyes will be closed and they can't walk. They will crawl around where they smell thier mother. When they are 8 weeks old, take Mom to be spayed.

Answer 6

either clean up your garage, or find her another place to be... give her a box (if it's a more than a foot tall, that might be best and it should be about 16 x 16 or a little larger), and have some old, clean towels and/or blanket in it... put her in there a lot starting now... and make sure it's in a corner somewhere out of the way of confusion or a lot of people... somewhere "safe".....

if you keep putting her in the box, she might just use it to have the kittens in, and then you won't have to worry.

i hope it works out... she should have the kittens just fine on her own.

Answer 7

Nothing. Just keep her confined to a general space where you want her to have the kittens. Chances are that if you set out a box or towels or anything like that, she wont use them anyway. Just cover a small space with some newspaper or something that will protect the floor from the mess. And just patiently wait! Have fun!!

Answer 8

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_giving_birth_to_kittens.html

This site has some good information. The info you're looking for starts at about half way down the page.

May I add my two cents?
1) For the most part, let the mama kitty take care of the kits by herself. You support the mama cat and the mama cat supports the kits! (Handle them as little as possible until they are up roaming around a bit.)

2) Please, let the kits stay with mom for at least 8 full weeks. I believe 12 is better! Kits learn a lot about being a cat from their moms and siblings. Just because a kit is weaned, doesn't mean its time for him or her to be on his own! For their psychological well being, please let the litter stay in tact for a while! : )

Answer 9

Please--get your cat spayed. ARe you willing to keep all of the cats?
Have you ever been to a shelter or seen cats euthanzied? This is what happens to them when the shelters can't find homes for all of the " little kitties".
Get your cat to the vet and have her spayed after she has given birth. You would be doing yourself and your cat a favour.

Answer 10

With all the cats/kittens being put down in shelters why in the world isn't your cat spayed for God's sake???????????

If your worried about the cat having kittens in the garage, you let her out. If you made an appointment to have her spayed you should have kept it. There are way, way to many kittens because of irresponsible people like YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!