How can i tell if this stray cat is pregnant?

Question

i found a stray cat that has really hard nipples. i would actually describe them as being engorged. i have a feeling that she is carring kittens, but i am just really worried that she could have had them already. it is friday night and i cant get her to a vet until monday. my problem is that i don't want to keep her in the house if she has babies to feed but at the same time i don't want to put her back into the street and take the risk of her giving birth without a proper home. this is keeping me up because I'm worried if she already had babies they will die because i kept her away from them. any suggestions on how to handle this? thanks

Answer 1

If you can handle her put her in a spare room or the garage until the vet appointment.  Give her a clean enclosed space with a towel inside to snuggle the babies if you find them or if she gives birth over the weekend.  Borrow or purchase a large airline carrier or crate to carry her and babies to vet.

If you really think she is that close to giving birth you really should catch her ASAP.  If you think she's already had them, simply observe and follow her...you will find them.  Best of luck to you.  Ask the vet to cut you a $ break on spaying her when kittens are 8 weeks old.  Keep her inside until then or she will become pregnant again immediately.

Answer 2

Cats with damaged nipples indicate cats who are breast feeding or about to. Also, you can press gently on her belly to feel if it is hard or tough. If it is, she's with kitten. When they are about to give birth they find a closed in dark space and begin to stretch their hind legs. If were you, I'd check her stomach and watch her actions to see if she's pregnant. If she isn't, then don't hinder her from leaving. You have to make sure she knows she can go. Also, she may be awaiting a meal from you or some form of support and is planning on going. She won't abandon them for a warm home, she'll go back for them.

Also, if she's friendly with you, then it makes it all the more easy to allow her to go. Follow her or continue to show her love and you'll more than likely find them or she'll bring them to your home, somewhere close. I've had a cat pull her kittens to my door step on a stormy night.  Trust her and yourself.