pregnant cat advice please

[bernhund]

My cat is pregnant and I'd like some advice on protecting her from my dogs etc. Though both my Bull Terriers are her best buddies, I know for sure that if kittens were born on the floor during the day when we are at work, there wouldn't be any when we got home!
I can shut her in the bathroom, give her a cardboard box full of towels and hope for the best. But I don't know how many weeks she has and she wants to go out and about a lot too. I could put a litter tray in there I suppose, but this could be for weeks for all I know.
Your thoughts are welcome.

[Jasandjules]

Frankly I'd remove the dogs from the house until the kittens are born to be on the safe side.

[bernhund]

That's a thought, but is probably easier said than done. I have B&B guests who come and go from an outbuilding in the garden that I simply could not rely on to close gates etc. as well as not wanting dog/guest issues!

[Jasandjules]

I was thinking more friend/relative or doggy day care type place..

I would say the cat could go somewhere else but I think the stress would not be suitable at this point.

[bexVN]

When was she calling?, you must have some idea roughly? How old is she. Is it her first litter. I'd you have no idea at all on due date a vet may be able to give you a better idea.

If she is imminent then she needs to stay in and yes confined somewhere as she will find the oddest of places to have them! Though bathroom isn't ideal. You could buy a decent sized dog crate for her for near when she is due.

[bernhund]

She's only just a year herself. No previous litter & we first noticed a bump about 4 weeks ago. We do have a Bully sized dog crate we could use.

[bexVN]

Ok, age and previous litters can alter how well they cope. I think a crate would be a good idea as she will be inexperienced and wonder around the house having them!

Gestation is 9 weeks. Abdominal swelling and teats looking more prominent usually occurs from 6 weeks (aswell as increase in appetite). As I said a vet ck would be a good idea will give advice aswell and when to be aware if she is in difficulties etc.

Get her spayed once kittens are 8wkz old. She will get pregnant very quickly once the kittens are weaned (if allowed out she could mate again even when still feeding the kittens!

[bernhund]

bexVN said:

Ok, age and previous litters can alter how well they cope. I think a crate would be a good idea as she will be inexperienced and wonder around the house having them!

Gestation is 9 weeks. Abdominal swelling and teats looking more prominent usually occurs from 6 weeks (aswell as increase in appetite). As I said a vet ck would be a good idea will give advice aswell and when to be aware if she is in difficulties etc.

Get her spayed once kittens are 8wkz old. She will get pregnant very quickly once the kittens are weaned (if allowed out she could mate again even when still feeding the kittens!

I noticed teats more obvious this week and abdominal swelling makes her look like a goat! As for appetite, alarming. If I open the fridge she appears from nowhere making a lot of noise. She's tired too.
We have a vet who does house calls, so will get in touch with her next week.
In the meantime I'll get the dog crate out and perhaps cover it with a blanket so she feels less exposed.

[bexVN]

Ok though she would cope with a trip to a Vets unless your vet is cheap with housecalls. Don"t want you thinking you have to spend lots of money for house visits!

[bernhund]

bexVN said:

Ok though she would cope with a trip to a Vets unless your vet is cheap with housecalls. Don"t want you thinking you have to spend lots of money for house visits!

Haha, thanks for thinking of my pocket! This vet is mobile only as we are fairly rural.

[bexVN]

[8bit]

Can't offer any advice but good luck to you, the cat and kittens. Post pics once they arrive!

[bernhund]

8bit said:

Can't offer any advice but good luck to you, the cat and kittens. Post pics once they arrive!

Thank you. Fingers crossed all will go well.