It happens all too often. A family or cat friend gets adopted by a stray cat. And after a few weeks it turns out she's pregnant.
In the US alone there must be millions of sweet but homeless cats. And many of them get pregnant several times a year. Nobody really knows why, but pregnant strays often adopt a family instead of the other way round. Maybe they search for support or a good and warm home for their kittens.
Now, perhaps you don't have the space or time for a cat family. Or there's another reason that makes it difficult to have these kittens. But you don't want to throw this stray out. She's expecting babies, isn't she?!
Now what can you do?
You could take her to an animal shelter. That's not always a good idea.
Don't get me wrong: I value the work of animal shelters. In fact, I got my current cat from one of them, and I'm pretty sure the next will come from a shelter too. But some animal shelters reportedly put a pregnant stray to sleep. You'll blame yourself forever if you hear the cat you brought in, was killed.
Other shelters will spay her. They've got a good reason for that. The kitten population is astronomical and the last an animal shelter wants is put five more homeless cats in this world.
But maybe you have objections against spaying a pregnant cat ? after all, it's abortion at the same time. Then a far better idea is bringing a pregnant stray to a local rescue group. In the US alone dozens of rescue groups are active. Not all of them, but many let the queen have her kittens, and search a home for them.
But in the end, perhaps the most satisfying alternative is to keep the cat yourself and let her give birth. Take good care of her. Have her examined by a vet to see if she's in good health. And get the right information so you are prepared for complications.
And remember: strays are used to go wherever they want. So keep your doors closed. Otherwise she'll adopt someone else.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marc de Jong runs an acclaimed web site on cats and is the author of the book How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat, available through http://www.pregnant-cat-care.com The book is filled with insider tips and tells you how your cat can deliver and raise a healthy litter - with your help.
to o hare transportation Riverwoods .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareDog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs... Read More
Boxer dogs are an all around great breed, especially skilled... Read More
Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More
Dog DoorsWhen we think of dog doors, we think of... Read More
You've seen them in movies and on TV shows, and... Read More
Pet DoorsAre you considering installing a pet door for your... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More
Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we... Read More
The first thing a cat owner should know about home... Read More
Electric Dog FencesIs an electric dog fence something for you?... Read More
Let me introduce my dogs. I have 3, Nikki and... Read More
Who let the dogs out?Remember this song which gave birth... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More
You may have heard that pets have been scientifically proven... Read More
There are thousands of local and online Pet Stores but... Read More
Newer doesn't always mean better.Adopting an older dog may be... Read More
The other day, I was invited to see my friend's... Read More
What is Canine Distemper?Canine distemper is a highly contagios disease... Read More
The performing of dog tricks, while not a necessary part... Read More
Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More
Did you know that your goldfish can live for over... Read More
On the surface playing Frisbee with your dog may seem... Read More
Many people feel that taking the time to train their... Read More
If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or... Read More
Cadillac Escalade rental Beaverville ..Did you know that dog toys are actually good for... Read More
Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More
In the animal kingdom there is a pecking order. Richard... Read More
"Your cat has feline diabetes." If this is your vet's... Read More
Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More
The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More
Many people think cats are asocial, but in fact they... Read More
When I carried him home, he was this tiny little... Read More
Keeping a fish tank is a wonderful and relaxing hobby,... Read More
The idea of picking up a horse's hooves can intimidate... Read More
Do you want a Westie as a pet? What are... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More
Are you considering buying a dog for your child or... Read More
Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese,... Read More
The shutting and opening door trick can be taught to... Read More
Do I Need A Quarantine Tank?Ah, yes, the often dismissed... Read More
Some sources seem to indicate that living with a serval... Read More
If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or... Read More
Pet DoorsAre you considering installing a pet door for your... Read More
The proper selection of a training collar can have a... Read More
As you likely know already, horses have at least 10... Read More
Oscar is kind of a funny name and it fit... Read More
Just like humans, dogs are subject to diseases and illnesses.... Read More
Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely ManageableCanine... Read More
Pet |