Pregnancy in a Cat

We recently had a stray cat come up to our porch. She is beautiful. We have fed her and taught her how to use a litter box on the porch. I think she may be pregnant. When I pick her up her nipples are very large and she has a huge mass in her belly. But when I try to palpate the mass nothing happens. No movement or anything. Could she be ready to give birth or could it be a tumor ? We have seen her around the neighborhood for about 8 months yet no one will claim her. I do not have the money to take her to a vet yet. We will take care of her the best we can. As a side note I already own 2 female cats and they have not been mean to the newcomer. (Midnight) Neither has my dog who only likes the 2 cats he grew up with. She has tried to get into the house several times. If in fact she is about to give birth I would like to make a comfortable place for her. How do I do this ? My cats are fixed. Any help you could give me would be great. Thanks.

Hi,

It certainly sounds like she could be pregnant. You would not be able to feel kittens in her uterus unless she is between 21 and 28 days. Before that, it's too early, and after that, the kittens and uterus have enlarged and you can't feel each individual kitten, but just a round belly. Prominent nipples are certainly a sign as is an enlarged abdomen.

Unfortunately without ultrasound, your question won't be answered until you see if she delivers within the next month or not.

As far as preparing a place for her, cats like to choose their own nesting places, but you may be able to encourage a certain area by putting towels or blankets or a large basket with soft bedding in a quiet, private, dark area.

Good luck. Let me know if you have further questions. There are other questions and answers about pregnancy on this site that you may want to read.

Thank you for writing,

Dr. Neely