u/lc48012

On Friday I took in a pregnant stray. Monday I took her to the vet and an x-ray showed 5 babies, all of which she delivered (including 1 placenta each) by 1:30am Tuesday 5/19. Unfortunately 1 didn’t make it despite initial movement and breathing.

I do not have experience with cats, let alone cat birth. Since birth she has eaten wet food mixed with water and used her litter box. Her walking is confident and easy, she is grooming her babies, grooming herself, and is alert. However, her breathing pattern seems labored. The room she is in is about 75 degrees (trying to cool it down but it’s very hot today)

This video is heavy breathing 15 hours after labor, and typically what I see when the babies nurse: https://imgur.com/a/nbkanj2

This is the calmest she gets 17 hours after labor: https://imgur.com/a/MkqVIE3

Should I take her to the emergency vet or is all of this normal? I’m trying to weigh the urgency given I will need to disturb both her and her babies. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I posted the other day about a pregnant stray who followed me into my home. I ended up getting her to the vet because she had a bit of discharge that I couldn’t tell was from labor or an issue. She was alright and an x-ray showed 5 babies, all of which she delivered (including 1 placenta each) last night. Unfortunately 1 didn’t make it despite initial movement and breathing.

Second photo is her a couple hours before labor. My biggest concern right now is her breathing.

This video is heavy breathing 15 hours after labor, and typically what I see when the babies nurse: https://imgur.com/a/nbkanj2

This is the calmest she gets 17 hours after labor: https://imgur.com/a/MkqVIE3

Everyone was so helpful last time I’m hoping I can lean on you again — should I be concerned about her breathing? She is eating well and used her litter box once. She’s only drank independently once, else I’ve mixed water into her wet food. I’m trying to decide if I should put her and her babies through transport and a vet visit.

Minor update in comments — I tried to feed a stray I’ve never seen on my porch before. When I opened the door, she immediately ran up to me and followed me around. She looked like she might be pregnant so I let her in.

I called a cat rescue that’s too far away to go to. They think she might give birth tonight or tomorrow. I am completely out of my depth - only ever owned dogs. What should I do? I got her kitty litter which she used, she ate cat food, drank. Now she’s found a nook that she’s sleeping in. I gave her a blanket and also a box padded with towels near where she’s sleeping.

Would you let her rest or take her to the vet as soon as it opens? She follows me everywhere and I don’t want to stress her.