Poor Kitty- Any advice MUCH appreciated :)?

Question

Hi there- this is a long one, i'm afraid!
Three days ago, I adopted a young female cat- she was one of many abandoned by their owner on my street. Judging by the size of my other cats, i'd say she's about 8-10 months old (though my others are part abyssinian, so they are quite small for their 15 months). We know she's had kittens quite recently, because a neighbour bought one of them, but i don't know how long ago.
Obviously, with her being abandoned, we'll be trying to get her checked over asap, but we're on a very low income at the moment, and neither of us drives, so i thought i'd try here first. here are the things i've noted-
*she has quite pronounced nipples- my neighbour (who found her and has kept cats for years) says they're not giving any milk, so we don't think she's still breastfeeding.
*she also has quite a swollen belly- not sagging down, as i imagine it would after birthing, but outwards, and it's rather firm to touch. she doesn't appear to have any problem with me stroking/ applying pressure to her belly.
*the first time she used her litter tray for a #2, she sort of squeaked- not mewing, but it seemed she was straining. this has since stopped.
*when urinating, i've noticed that she seems to only be passing a very small amount- she leaves a wet patch only the size of, say a 50p piece.
She is eating well- very well, in fact, but i would expect that having been on the streets previously. she's not vomiting, she's not drinking excessive amounts of water.
basically, i'm sure she can't be pregnant, having recently had kittens, but i don't know how long in between litters they would usually leave, but i'd really appreciate any advice you can offer, if you think she is knocked up, or if these signs could be pointing to something more sinister.
Thanks so much in advance,
Liz

Answer 1

When you put your hand on her tummy, do you feel anything moving or small lumps? Kinda sounds like she's pregnant.



You need to keep her seperate from your other kitties though. Not only may she be carrying parasites, she may have an illness or disease she can pass to the other ones. Feed from seperate bowls as well.



I recommend getting her to a vet to be checked over. Call every vet and sheltr in your phone book and see what they can do. Sometimes you can get lucky and find a cheap vet or one that'll do a payment plan.



I personally don't think anything is horribly wrong with her. Keep an eye on her food,water, and droppings and make sure they're okay.



Catster.com is a good resource, make sure her tongue, eyes, etc look normal.

Answer 2

Sadly you could well be wrong about her not being pregnant again already. A queen (breeding female cat) can and will often call by the time the kittens are only 5-6 weeks old, so since she's been abandoned I take it as more than a little possible she's once again pregnant. If this is the case you're going to need to make sure she has sufficient calcium in her diet - kitten food is the best source of this and will give her more calories per mouthful again highly desirable if she's pregnant. Keep an eye on her belly and as soon as you see kittens moving you have about 14 days to go until they're due.



Without sufficient calcium she will rob it from her own bones causing osteoporosis in later life, it can also lead to insufficient contractions that will cause the need for a c-section even in a cat who's kittened before.

Answer 3

Geeze, I applaud you for trying to help this lovely creature in need. :)



But there are some real issues to think about. She obviously has some problems as you have noticed that do need to be addressed.



A swollen stomach is not normal. It could be anything from a severe infestation of worms, to a deadly cat disease called FIP, to her being pregnant again or something else. Worms can be deadly if left untreated and I tell you this because you mention $ being an issue - Do not waste it on any medications anywhere but from a vet. They do not work and some can make her sicker.



FIP - Please look it up on line and see if her symptoms match, if so, do the right thing. Take her to the vet or shelter and not let her suffer.



Pregnant - Yes it is possible, they can continue to have litters one after the other. It is common and deadly for the mom and unfair to the kittens. She needs to be spayed ASAP.



A bladder infection is painful and also requires antibiotics (only from the vet).



I know that you mean well, but this beautiful kitty needs medical attention. If you truly care - And it sounds as if you do, there are rescue groups set up just for this purpose. They do not judge. They understand and have been created to those who care about animals that just can not afford it right now but want to do the right thing. Please consider this option. xoxo



Best of luck to you both and prayers be with you.

Answer 4

Based on what you wrote, I think she may have a stomach infection causing her stomach to be swollen. Try giving her grass from outside and see how that works. My kitten does the same thing when she goes #1. She pees a tiny bit then leaves. I really hope your kitten is doing better. :)

Answer 5

hi liz,just got your message,,i would defo get her to the vets asap,,she could have a lot of worms,,hence swollen belly,,also cats,as soon as kittens are old enough to leave mum,,they tend to mate again quite quickly,,thats why its always best to get them spayed,,as for her weeing,,could be kidney infection,,ive always had cats and dogs but certainly no expert!,with her crinking a lot,,get her checked out!dont kno where you live but if your on benefits,the pdsa or similar organisation will help with help costs,,,its kind of you to give her a home :)good luck with her,,bet shes a sweetie :)my email is [e-mail] if you want to get in ouch to let me kno how it goes,,,,prob didnt helpmuch ,,,best wishes,,mary

Answer 6

there are various element s that would desire to reason this kinda reaction. setting up is between the main complication-loose reasons, it might desire to be in simple terms considered one of those issues and with any luck it won't ensue returned yet shop a particular eye on her, if she does the vet would be waiting to medicate her so as that they do no longer ensue returned. whilst my kitten became tiny he fell off the returned of the settee whilst fidgeting along with his mum, he landed squarely on his head i became devastated yet he became alttle greatly surprised for a on an identical time as yet in no way reacted such as you defined. You suggested that it became a pair of days in the past so it style of feels that there are no lasting outcomes from in spite of it became. For peace of innovations you would be able to desire to pop her to the vets or provide them a decision and notice what they say.