Is my cat pregnant or poorly?

soobi · 16-03-2011, 21:28

i have recently got a 3 year old cat, she was a stray before her previous owners got her and they wernt sure if she had been spayed. they had her since last summer and she never had kittens so they thought she must be spayed. however, her stomach is really big and her nipples too, she doesnt like to be touched on her tummy. she is a big cat though so am just a bit confused

could it be a phantom pregnancy?
is there a health issue?
or maybe she is expecting?
any help would be appreciated

medusa · 16-03-2011, 21:35

Get her to a vets- if she's not pregnant then she could have a condition called Feline Infectious Peritonitis (otherwise known as FIP) which is, unfortunately, fatal and for which there is no treatment or cure, or she could have a tumour. It's not likely to be a phantom as phantoms in cats are a lot rarer than in dogs and don't generally result in a big belly.

If she is pregnant then you need to know approximately how far along she is so you can plan for when she has the babes and for having the right kit available etc, and if she isn't then she may well need the vet a lot more than either of you would hope.

Lotti · 16-03-2011, 21:37

I'd advise a vet visit to be on the safe side to be honest... if it's very recent and her tummy has suddenly got bigger, it could be due to a medical problem or some sort of trauma. It could be nothing or it could be serious, I'd certainly be seeing the vet if she was mine. Sorry I can't be more helpful!

soobi · 16-03-2011, 21:47

thankyou both very much. one other thing is that the previous owner said its happened before, the big stomach then gone away.
i will definately get her booked in to the vets though

berlingo · 17-03-2011, 08:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by soobi

thankyou both very much. one other thing is that the previous owner said its happened before, the big stomach then gone away.
i will definately get her booked in to the vets though

That sounds very fishy? maybe she isn't spayed and she just keeps getting pregnant, having the litter outdoors and the other owners never noticed?

I think the vets is the best place to go to be sure.

SpeedDemon · 18-03-2011, 20:47

Surely she would be ill if she had FIP?

Lotti · 20-03-2011, 18:21

soobi, what came of this??

soobi · 21-03-2011, 01:26

hi all, sorry i havnt been in touch, my internet has been down.
good news (in a way) my evie is very healthy, but they have said she is pregnant!!
kittens due in approx 2-3 weeks.
i have nearly got over the shock but so pleased my girl is healthy, and before anybody starts - i will be getting evie spayed asap after the kittens arrive, and i will find only the very best homes for the babies.
xx

berlingo · 21-03-2011, 08:02

I had a feeling that was going to be the case, glad she's well otherwise :-)

smudge74 · 21-03-2011, 09:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by soobi

hi all, sorry i havnt been in touch, my internet has been down.
good news (in a way) my evie is very healthy, but they have said she is pregnant!!
kittens due in approx 2-3 weeks.
i have nearly got over the shock but so pleased my girl is healthy, and before anybody starts - i will be getting evie spayed asap after the kittens arrive, and i will find only the very best homes for the babies.
xx

Get some details on as soon as they are born and we will help as much as we can with getting them a new home

medusa · 21-03-2011, 09:35

Big surprise as it is, it's the most healthy option it could be, so that's great

Lotti · 21-03-2011, 12:09

Thank Goodness she's ok!!

It wasn't your fault though soobi you weren't to know she hadn't been done - at least she'll receive the care she needs

soobi · 21-03-2011, 19:39

thankyou everyone

details to follow when babies arrive xx