Pregnant barn cat *update* We have kittens!

[maizy'smom]

Makes sense. This is turning out to be much simpler than I thought. Thank God!

Amen to that!

mm

 

[ailurophile23]

I agree that the momma kitty should adapt to a litter box fairly easily. Use something for her that is big enough for her to stand in with all four feet - lasagna pan might work since she isn't a big kitty. I have used plastic bins and cardboard boxes (usually lined with a plastic bag to prevent leaks) in a pinch. For the kittens, I would use something more kitten sized - a shallow cardboard box or plastic bin or even one of the disposable recycled paperboard kitty litter pans available in some stores (I think they are fairly cheap). And yes, probably by 4 weeks or so (once they are moving around and investigating), you can put out their litter pan - they will probably play in it first but they will figure it out eventually.

So glad someone mentioned kitten-proofing. Definitely look down and around the floor for issues but don't forget that kittens are climbers too and be sure to look up as well. We have had kittens climb curtains, furniture, beds, and even people - anything they can get their little sharp claws into and they will scale it.

 

[ChickenPrnces]

Ok, will do. Thank you. I put it in so she could find the food for now, but I probably would have left it in for the birth. Will I have to take out the paper?

No! Leave in the paper or smething else softish that you intend to throw awy after for her to give birth on!!!! It can be a messy process i'm told!

 

[LaynaDon95]

No! Leave in the paper or smething else softish that you intend to throw awy after for her to give birth on!!!! It can be a messy process i'm told!

I just meant would I have to change it after the birth. Kind of a dumb question, but I'm a noob. I have shredded paper in there and a towel. I have another towel and that sheet for backup, and an endless supply of shredded paper.

 

[ChickenPrnces]

Sounds like you got it all covered! Now just sit back, relax and wait for your little fuzzy cuties!!!!

Oh, and for all of us that just can't get enough of baby pictures, please post us some when the time comes!

 

[LaynaDon95]

I will be sure to post pics. It's looking like she might be further along than we thought... I'm about to look a few things up and see.

 

[LaynaDon95]

She's been licking herself like crazy for the past day or two and I just noticed some clear discharge around her vaginal area. Her belly is really big but she has eaten recently. Her nipples are bigger than last I checked they are really prominent when I pet her belly and they weren't so much before. I'm not really sure what's going on for Mama right now but I'm keeping her inside for the night. We'll see, I guess.

 

[Squawkbox]

I'd say she is further along than you thought, like you said! You might have some kitties soon

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[LaynaDon95]

That's what I thought! But if so she would have had to be pregnant when she showed up or immediately after. She slept well in the laundry room last night. I have noticed that she has been much more comfortable being petted and held, even asking for it sometimes and "talking" more than usual. She's shown no signs of nesting. I'm keeping a pretty close eye on her right now. I have a friend that works at a vet's office so I'm going to ask her to come over and take a look at her. Maybe she'll be able to help determine how far along she is.

 

[ailurophile23]

Sounds like the kittens won't be feral! Great work on socializing momma kitty and how terrific that she seems to tolerate the laundry room - especially since it sounds like the babies will arrive sooner than thought.

Can't wait to see pictures.