A stray tortoiseshell mother cat—unknown when she got pregnant, belly has been huge for at least four months but no signs of labor. What should I do?

A cat’s pregnancy is normally only about two months; even purebreds deliver at 65-69 days. So a cat pregnant for four months without giving birth is abnormal, and the cause may be one of several conditions: 1. Ascites, from diseases such as FIP, cardiac ascites, or liver ascites. 2. Digestive issues, such as constipation or intestinal blockage causing gas, foreign objects, or feces to build up.

3. Obesity, from high calorie intake and low exercise leading to abdominal fat. 4. Abdominal tumors, more common in senior cats and possibly growing. 5. Hypoalbuminemia, from chronic liver disease, glomerulonephritis, or parasitic malnutrition. We recommend taking the cat to a vet promptly for examination to determine the exact cause.