Page 85 - Complete Cat Care: How To Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy

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pregnant queen can cause damage her in a quiet corner. This can be △ Ultrasound scan Breeding and pregnancy
to both the mother and her bought ready-made, but a sturdy The vet may use an ultrasound scanner to
confirm whether your cat is pregnant. The
developing kittens. cardboard box serves just as well. developing kittens can be seen on an ultrasound
It should be open at one side to scan within 3–4 weeks of pregnancy.
Prenatal care give the queen easy access, but
An expectant cat needs plenty not so low that newborn kittens
of nourishment and her appetite can roll out. A thick lining of
will increase toward the end of newspaper provides warmth and Unplanned pregnancy
her pregnancy. Your vet can give comfort, and is easily replaced Accidents happen—perhaps
you guidance on feeding, and when soiled. Encourage the queen because neutering (see p.89)
will suggest suitable supplements to spend time in the box so that is delayed or a queen destined
to add to your cat's diet if necessary. she feels at home in her kittening for a pedigree mate escapes
It is also vital to have your cat area and, hopefully, will go there vigilance for a few crucial hours.
Ask your vet for advice as soon
checked for parasites, which she when labor begins (see pp.84–5). as you suspect your cat is
could pass on to her kittens. If your cat is naturally active, pregnant. Pregnancy could
The vet may ask you to bring a there is no need to stop her compromise your cat's health,
sample of your cat's stools to test from jumping or climbing, but especially if she is not fully
for intestinal worms, and can she should not be allowed mature. If a queen mates with
more than one tom during the
also give you advice on which outdoors during the last two weeks same heat cycle, the kittens
flea treatments are safe to use of pregnancy. Avoid picking her may have different fathers. Your
during pregnancy. up unless absolutely necessary, vet can help with advice on
Well before your cat is due to give and ensure that children handle re-homing accidental litters.
birth, prepare a kittening box for her gently when they play with her.

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