Pregnant cat...

[MJ]

Feel free to move this topic if you don't think it's QUITE appropriate for the feline health board... I just kind of guessed here. :P

So my mom has a bit of a problem. And she wants to make a good decision here. I'm trying to help her out.

For a short background, my mom and dad are both unemployed with very little income and living in a trailer. The kind that can easily be towed behind a car or truck. Neither roomy nor glamorous, and they really have no money to spare for anything.

They live out in the country in an area with a very long history of dumped, unwanted animals. Especially cats. Especially pregnant cats.

Because of their living situation, because they could not keep a cat indoors only and because there are many dangerous wild animals around... My mom has personally seen coyotes and even a wild boar in her trailer area... They don't own any cats. Which is a good decision.

But she's suddenly been adopted against her will by an apparently stray cat. She's already asked her immediate neighbors, and it doesn't seem to belong to anyone. In typical cat fashion, it wandered into her life demanding food and attention, and she gave in.

And it turns out that the large, friendly male cat she thought had become friends with her is actually, as far as she can tell now that she realized by looking more closely at its tummy... A very very pregnant female cat. Kittens are very imminent.

Of course, part of her is attached and vageuly tempted to keep it... But she knows that it would be a bad idea. She's particularly worried about the kittens being eaten by wild animals. She would be very upset if that happened. So, more likely than not, she will try to find some way to put this poor cat in a better situation.

But I'm kind of having trouble knowing where to start. Obviously I don't want to help her give the cat to a reguar, kill shelter. I already tried the only local organization I know of that takes in abandoned animals, and they said they're not currently accepting new animals.

Are there any good national organizations that I should try a local branch of?

Of course, unfortunately, money is a factor. A place that would take the cat for free or very cheap is highly preferred over a place that would cost a lot. If it came down to a lot of money, I'm afraid she would keep the cat and kittens instead.

We also definitely don't want to give her to a place that may just fix her and abort the kittens... Though I don't know whether or not they can't do that once a cat is this far along.

Part of me wishes I could just foster her myself, but... With a one bedroom apartment with a lease that says I can only own two cats, which I already have... And them being very easily upset... And nursing mothers often being rather aggressive... It would be a pretty bad idea. Aside from the fact that I get attached to cats too easily. :P

Any helpful suggestions are appreciated.

[Traci]

Are there any rescue/adoption organizations in your area? Have you called your local or regional Humane Society for references to animal resuce orgs in your area?

[MJ]

Are there any rescue/adoption organizations in your area? Have you called your local or regional Humane Society for references to animal resuce orgs in your area?

I already tried the only local organization I know of that takes in abandoned animals, and they said they're not currently accepting new animals.

The Humane Society does sound like a place that could be good for getting references from though, yeah.

I'm kind of afraid that, it being on the butt end of heavy kitten season, everyone will be full. But I'll definitely try that. :P

[Traci]

Yes, I noticed that part, but didn't know if it was the HS for sure. Usually, your local regional HS can give you references or has a list in which one can contact for private organizatons that help animals. You could also ask the local animal shelter for resources or even other resources in neighboring counties, etc.

I feel for the situation, it truly would be best for the kitty to be placed by a rescue organization who's primary goal is placing into a responsible home, home checks, etc. Rescue orgs oftentimes also have a network of foster parents available too, especially for pregnant cats and their newborns. But, equally as important is kitty's health and attempting to get her to a vet for a health exam, and determining how far along she is, if she is at risk during delivery, etc.

[MJ]

Wood's Humane Society and the local county Humane Society were both no gos... Totally full up.

I got referred to 3 different volunteer associations in the area that are also full up... Not accepting new animals, period.

At least one lady from a 4th place took down my number and said that she would call me if there were any openings... She seemed duly concerned with the situation for the safety of the mom and kittens.

One thing I should make sure is that the cat absolutely is pregnant... My mom is pretty good at telling those things, but things would be easier if it wasn't pregnant... Haha... And I dunno. I guess she could try to force the cat to stay in her trailer, but it wouldn't be easy.

And it would be nice to have dependable friends who could watch the cat in their home for her, but... Ehh.

Pretty frusrating... This is a very small area with a combination of a lack of organizations/funds/volunteers and a very serious stray animal problem because people love to dump animals out in the country thinking it's good for them.

I'm glad to at least be making these calls for my mom because she's easily upset and would probably be really pissed about now.

Oh, and... I don't really know how leukemia tests and such work... Can a pregnant momma cat be safely tested for it without danger to the kittens, or..?

[Traci]

Tested, yes, it only requires blood drawn, and only a couple drops are necessary to perform a snap test for FELV/FIV. Kittens cannot be tested accurately until around 10-12 weeks of age, and the test should be repeated at least once after at least two boosters of the FELV vaccine have been given (to afford immunity, and to rule out maternal antibodies, which could interfere with accurate results)

[MJ]

How sadly well I know that you have to wait that long to have kittens tested...

I helped foster and bottlefeed a batch of kittens from two days old... And loved them very much... And they tested positive once they were old enough and were put to sleep.

I had no choice in the matter, since I was only helping raise them.

I miss them a lot. ;_;

Anyway, it's good to know that the momma could at least be tested first before she was placed in any temporary home if we can find one.

[Traci]

FELV isn't a death sentence, and all vets need to be conscious of that fact. Testing at least twice often produces negative results, depending on the environment, exposure risks and actual health status of the kitten(s).

If the mother is negative, chances are, the kittens will be healthy. The vet may choose to vaccinate her as a preventative measure, but you'd have to ask him how feasible it would be to vaccinate, depending on how close to delivery she is.

[MJ]

Yeah, I found out after the fact that my kitten could have lived with leukemia... Or even maybe not have had it after all... Needless to say, I have a lot of lingering bad feelings about that whole situation.

Well, I feel like I've done all I can for now... Sadly... I called every number I could find... And considering that talking on the phone upsets me due to a variety of issues... I feel pretty worn out right now...

It also doesn't help that my mom doesn't have a phone, so I can't contact her and have to wait for her to call me from someone else's house to talk to her about the situation...

I guess I'll ask my husband if he can think of anything when he gets home... And try to brainstorm in general in the meantime...

Sadly, I can't guarantee in any way that my mom will take this cat to the vet for anything. If she kept it she would get it fixed, and any kittens that she kept as well, but that's about it. In the end, she'll see it as not really her responsibility... Even if she'll feel bad about it.

If it comes down to it I'll try to at least come up with ideas for how the kittens could be slightly safer and less exposed if they're born outside... Sigh...

My mom doesn't have any responsible friends, and I don't have any friends at all. So I'm not sure where to turn.

[mamabear]

I know this is a long shot BUT its worth a try....have you asked hte vet's office or the shelters if there were volunteers or private people that would be willing to adopt privately or care for the kitty and adopt her out after she has given birth and weened kittens? Some do this but you have to ask.

Also when you spoke with the shelter did you get the feeling you were being blown off? Is so then call back and ask to speak to someone else and ask again about if they are accepting new felines. I say this because "some" people that work for shelters say this when in reality it isnt true.

Kitty "chose" your mom for a reason, if that means that it was for you to call around to get her home then that was the reason...Things happen for a reason and I am so proud of you for trying your hardest to find a home for her....

That being said I have to say this and hate to say it....but must.. Could this kitty not be pregnant but have FIP (feline Infectious peritinitis) instead? It causes tummy to look big. Not saying your mom isnt right, just trying to make sure she is pregnant first.

I'll pray this is figured out dear. Thank you for careing