Duchess: The Pregnant Foster Cat

by Missouri Foster Cats
(Missouri)

Duchess Eating (5 weeks pregnant)

My husband and I run a foster/rescue group for kittens and cats. We live in a small town in Missouri, and the closets animals shelter is 35 minute drive away. Even then, the closest 'No-Kill' shelter is more than an hours drive away. Being animal lovers, we have always done our best to help the animals in need.

A few years ago, we got the chance to do more on our part. We bought a house with a spare bedroom. We have turned that bedroom into a 'Cat Room'. There are litter boxes, food & water bowls, climbing trees, beds, toys, hiding spots, and everything kitties love!

We put a window in the door, so even when the door is closed, we can always see the kitties in the room. Now we are able to foster/rescue cats and kittens in need. We even teamed up with the local vet, and take cats off their hands when they get overcrowded.

Anyway, we have dealt with many cats and kittens. We have read just about every book there is about cats, etc. But actually being there to experience something is the best way we have learned.

A few weeks ago, we received a foster cat. This particular cat had been dumped in a field. She was obviously pregnant. Luckily, a nearby family found her and brought her to us.

We can now tell, a few weeks later, that she is very near her due date. She has literally doubled in size in the last 2 weeks, and is a very sweet natured girl. We have named her Duchess.

The last few days have been interesting with dealing with a cat pregnancy. Although I have read a lot about it, having hand-on experience is great. I can actually feel the little kittens kicking inside! It's amazing!

Today, she has become a tad restless. Her belly seems lower, and I think it will be any day that she has her kittens.

We have had her checked over by the vet, and estimate that there are about 3-5 kittens. We didn't want an x-ray done, because everything seemed okay and we didn't want to risk it. And not knowing what the daddy-cat looked like makes it even more exciting to see what her precious babies are going to look like!

Once the kittens are weaned, Duchess will be getting spayed and placed for adoption. And once the kittens are ready and proven healthy, they too will be placed for adoption.

We have seen many foster kitties come and go. However, I think parting with the soon-to-be kittens may be difficult, as I have literally been here for them since before they are even born!

Any day now, I just can't wait!

Our email:
missourifostercats@yahoo.com
We also have a MySpace and Facebook page! (Under the name: Missouri Foster Cats)

How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat answers all your questions about pregnancy in cats and kitten care.