Found a pregnant momma? Here is what to do!
Oh no! I Found a Pregnant Stray Cat! What should I do?
Encountering any stray cat can be perplexing. But when a cat appears to be pregnant, knowing its situation becomes urgent.
Regardless of the cat's disposition, its future may depend on you. Are you the type of human that will help an animal in need? If so, keep reading. Being a hero to a feline momma and her coming litter can be easy and is an incredibly rewarding way to help make the world a better place.
The first step, try to find out if the cat belongs to someone nearby by asking neighbors, distributing posters/flyers, and posting on social media. Be sure to take a couple of pictures and note any identifying features, such as coat description (white paws, whisker color, tuxedo, etc), approximate size, and fur length. If you are unable to find an owner, move on to step two.
Determine whether the cat is a domesticated cat or feral. A domesticated cat may be scared, shy, or skittish, but will usually let you know that it has had previous contact with a human by meowing, staying just out of your reach, or engaging in eye contact. A true feral cat has never been socialized to humans and will not let you touch them, get remotely close, or maintain eye contact. Both will welcome any food you leave out, but the feral will not approach you; while the domestic can usually be coaxed with food incrementally, and may even come to you. Either way, unless mother-to-be seeks out your attention, it’s best to avoid contact as she may be more stressed than usual.
Once you have determined the temperament of the pregnant stray, make a plan to care for her. Pet Haven staff is always happy to provide guidance.
Provide a quiet, safe, cozy, nesting place. Depending on the weather, this can be indoors, garage, shed, cold weather house, or something that meets her nesting needs and is away from other pets.
Establish a consistent feeding time and a safe, sheltered area for her to eat. Provide daily fresh food and water. This will begin to establish her trust in you. Momma cats have a big appetite and need high-protein food while gestating and nursing.
Consider a trip to the vet. If the cat is friendly, get a wellness check or scan for a microchip.
Prepare for the birth. Momma may be more nervous as the birth approaches or try to get into your home or garage.
Delivery day. Keep your distance but watch for trouble signs that may need veterinary care: Straining for over 40-60 minutes, a kitten seems to be stuck, mother seems overly stressed, overly lethargic, bleeding heavily.
Kittens have arrived! If Mom is domesticated and the babies appear to be heathy, try not to handle them for the first few days. If momma is feral, hold off until she’s ready to introduce you. Handling them too soon could result in the feral momma abandoning the kittens. If anyone needs a vet visit, take them all. Separating them can be stressful and may result in the possibility of abandonment.
Watch the calendar. Kittens have a developmental window for becoming socialized. Try to handle them while they are still nursing. However, take care if momma is feral. If she associates you with providing food and water, often she will allow you to handle her kittens (do not try to handle her). Carefully take the kittens out of the nest and hold them (you can use a glove or even a clean litter scoop for safety). Then place them back with Momma.
Weaning time. Once the kittens are weaned around 4-5 weeks they can be separated from their mother and continue the process of bonding with humans. If mom is friendly, the kittens should stay with her for 8-10 weeks.
What about momma? At this stage, Momma cat can be separated from the kittens. If she is feral, arrange for her to be spayed before releasing her. If she is friendly, arrange for her to be re-homed or surrendered to a shelter.
Set up a kitten area. This is where the kittens will become accustomed to human contact. Use a small room or a playpen to keep them contained and safe. If you use a room, be sure to kitten-proof the area. Kittens can squeeze into very small spaces so close off any gaps. They will find any nook and cranny to slip into.
When the kittens reach 2 pounds, they are grown enough to be spayed or neutered and receive their first vaccines. 12 weeks they are ready for their Rabies vaccine.
At 8 weeks or older, the next step is for the kitten to go to his/her forever home.
Mom-cat will need to be spayed. The timeline will depend upon her disposition and risk factors. This is such an important step as it prevents this scenario from playing out again and again, saving lives.
Congratulations! You have saved cats’ lives! You are a foster hero!
