UrbanAnimal

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Dear UrbanAnimal,

My young daughter found a stray cat and, after placing ads in local newspapers and posting notices, nobody claimed her. She's a lovely little cat and our veterinarian has estimated her age to be about five months, which is why we were surprised to learn that she's pregnant. Rather than have her spayed (and the kittens aborted), we decided to allow her this litter because she's just a few days away from giving birth and a number of friends and relatives have offered to adopt the kittens. When they've gone to their new homes, we'll have "Miss Kitty" spayed. I kept a journal of events and have attached it for your interest.

Donna

When I received Donna's e-mail, I immediately contacted her to check on Miss Kitty's progress and I'm pleased to report that four healthy kittens were born and Miss Kitty has taken to motherhood like a pro.

It does seem surprising that a five-month-old kitten would be pregnant but according to cat experts, it can occur as young as four months. The embryo implants in the uterus 10 to 12 days after conception and the cat gives birth about 64 to 66 days later. Just like people, each cat has its own agenda and a pregnancy lasting only 52 days or extending to 70 days is not uncommon. And yes, littermates can have different fathers.

A veterinarian confirms a cat's pregnancy through palpation of her abdomen and, depending on how far mom has come along, the size of the litter can also be determined.

Cat breeders often ask for X-rays and ultrasounds to further examine the kittens and check their heart rates. In Miss Kitty's case, her veterinarian's primary concern was to check her health and make sure Donna had all the information necessary to help her deliver a healthy litter.

Miss Kitty was also checked for parasites such as fleas and intestinal worms and the vet advised Donna on the best diet for an expectant mom. During the last half of the pregnancy, the kittens grew rapidly and Miss Kitty needed lots of nutritional support to maintain her own vigour as well as providing sufficient nourishment to her kittens.

During the last few days prior to birth, Miss Kitty began searching for a warm, safe place to deliver her babies. In order to prevent her from giving birth on Donna's favourite duvet, the vet suggested that Donna provide a "queening box," which consisted of a cardboard box or similar container with low sides, lined with old blankets, sheets or towels.

Like most animals, cats know instinctively how to give birth and take charge of their babies, and Miss Kitty was no exception.

Donna provided her with lots of privacy and took the advice offered by cat experts by resisting the urge to pick up the kittens within 24 to 48 hours following their birth. Miss Kitty cleaned and groomed the kittens on her own and looked after their nutritional needs and Donna didn't rush to change the sheets and blankets in the queening box, which allowed her to relax, bond with her kittens and enjoy motherhood in an undisturbed atmosphere.

It sounds as if Donna and Miss Kitty are indeed a team and I'm sure she appreciates everything she's done for her and her kittens. As I write this, each of the kittens is now happily bonding with new families, veterinary appointments have been made for upcoming spay/neuter procedures and Miss Kitty can relax in the knowledge that she's also been spayed and free to enjoy a carefree life in Donna's loving home.

Readers: Donna's decision to allow the cat to have its litter was based upon Donna's concern (and her veterinarian's agreement) that a spay procedure at such a late date may have resulted in medical complications for Miss Kitty. Thankfully, the litter was small and Donna had adoptive homes arranged in advance, all of whom agreed to have the kittens spayed/neutered as soon as possible. If you find yourself in a similar situation, please ask your veterinarian for guidance.

E-mail jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.