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Pregnant Cat
At the thought of a litter of kittens, most people’s faces will light up with delight. Nothing is more charming to cat folks then a squirming pile of healthy kittens lined up at the milk bar. But the reality of pregnancy is this; unless you are a registered, ethical breeder, doing controlled breeding sessions, your cat should not become pregnant. Your cat should be spayed. During backyard breeding (uncontrolled mating outside) the mating ritual can become a game of Russian roulette. Without knowing which or how many tomcats mated with your cat, you will have a litter born with unknown parentage and perhaps genetic or health issues. For the most part, cats are able to accomplish birthing kittens without human intervention. This article will concentrate on what you need to know should something unexpected occur when your cat is giving birth. Any breeder will tell you that breeding is not easy. It is not a game played by chance, for there are careful calculations made and genetic and health factors to take into consideration. It is not a time for amateurs. Pregnancy PeriodThe female will stay pregnant up to 65 days. Her nipples will become large and pink as the milk starts coming in. There have been cats that have gone longer in terms of waiting to give birth. If you are concerned about when the kittens are due, your safest avenue would be to take your cat to the vet and have an ultrasound done. Once you have determined that your cat is pregnant, pay special attention to the cat’s diet. Talk with your vet about what supplements to give her. Bring your cat inside your home immediately (if she is an outside cat). Keep her safe from the hazards of giving birth outside. The cat is getting ready to have her kittens when the following signs appear:
Assisting in the birthingHave your vet’s phone number nearby along with the following items in case you have to assist in the birthing.
Mary Anne Miller is a freelance writer, website content provider and member of The Cat Writers’ Association. Her expertise lies in feral cat socialization, bottle babies and animal abuse issues. |
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