Since the other thread has run it's course apparently, as suggested I made another regarding all the updates on the stray little darling that I took in a mere 20 days ago.

Bella seems fine. She eats more then she did in the beginning. She also sleeps more. Her nipples are pretty pink and the fur around it has receded in perfect little circles. Her tummy is big but not as big as I have seen around the internet. Rather then looking like she swallowed a melon she looks more like she went for a grapefruit

She hates me for not letting her out. She would sit on the windowsill and look out, paw at the glass, cry and occasionally throw me a hateful glance.. or a pitiful one, depending on her mood. She doesn't want to go out right now tho. There is a storm, and she'd rather curl up against me...

At the head of my bed I have a stool sitting, and on it a folded up blanket for extra cold nights, tho never seem to use it. That's where Bella decided is her spot to sleep, cause she can't sleep with me - we tried it, I move around too much but like this she can occasionally play with my long hair or get a drowsy snuggle and a belly rub.

As far as I can see she is not dangerously near labor. She is very relaxed and mellow. She does occasionally look a little uncomfortable, but that is always when the kittens decide they want to throw a party in mommy's belly - they have the most intricate dance moves I tell you ...

She has a birthing box ready, she showed some interest in it, she rearranged the blankets and one night she even slept in it, but so far that was it. I have cleared out a linen cupboard since.. she is a cat... she needs options
She also likes to climb INSIDE the bed where the extra pillows and blankest are stored... there is a tear in the fabric that has been there since before I moved in, so she just made it a little larger....
Let me tell you, there is nothing, NOTHING quite like being awoken by the feel of something running around inside your bed and making you think the whole bed is shaking. First time it happened I was not really sure if I was awake or still dreaming.

Bella was left alone for one and a half hour today in the morning. Before I went I checked if she seemed stressed, in pain or for any indications for labor. There were none. When I got back she was stretched out on my bed, looking as tranquil as only a cat can be. When I entered she looked up, yawned and rolled onto her back so I could give her a belly rub.

She has me trained sooo good

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On a not so different note. I would like to thank everyone who was and is supportive and helpful to Bella and me It means a lot to us

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I think it's you that should be thanked for taking care of Bella and her coming babies. She sounds very contented and calm. We look forward to sharing the remainder of her pregnancy and hearing about the kittens.

Cool update hun.

Lots of fab info and fantastically descriptive.

I can't wait to read more as the days go by......

Thank you Cara-Mia.

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Oh I nearly forgot. Today for lunch I had a sandwich with lots of veggies and salted and smoked ham... of COURSE Bella showed interest in it. She was drowsing and when she heard the wrapper her ears perked up, and suddenly she was sitting beside me on the bed, giving me soulful eyes and making the tiniest noises. What can I say, I melted like butter in the summer sun and gave her a little. Not too much, since it can not be good for her, but she was so cute and polite, she HAD to get a little treat LoL

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I don't know what the norm is for short-haired cats, but I brush Bella at least every other day. Not only doesn't she leave her fur all around and on my clothes, and make me feel like I swallowed a handful of them, but also her fur is soft and shinny AND it is a great bonding time for us. By now she knows what the brush means, she will lay on one side and let me brush her, roll on her back and when she deems it an appropriate time will stand up and change position so I can brush her other side too. LoL

She is so smart

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Ah, she sounds a darling and I can't wait to see all the updates on the kittens when they come along.

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Nellie Paddy Mitzy Milo Peggy Murphy

Millie and Monty, the White Devils!

I want to concur with previous comments:

What a wonderful thing you've done taking on this young cat and her impending family! And thanks for the details. I almost feel like I'm there and I can't wait to hear about the birth. It must be quite exciting for you. We took in a stray nearly two years ago, who was about 6 months old at the time and who the vet thought could be pregnant. Turns out it was either a phantom or reabsorbtion, but I remember all the preparations, just in case. It's nerve-wracking but exciting.

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My babies
Aber, Ragnar, Kelso (the corgi trio), Daisy (our rescue mystery-mix puppy), Ellie, Henry, Gwennie, Jezebel (the kitty quartet), Blake, Chaucer, Molly and Milton (the kittens), and Bingo the African Grey parrot

Over the Bridge:
Pippin: 1/6/08-17/5/11
Freja: 11/8/10-30/10/10
Kirby: 11/8/10-1/11/10

"Praise liberty/The freedom to obey/It's a song that strangles me/Well, don't cross the line" Billie Joe Armstrong

Cara mia,

Because i dont know anything about cat pregnancies, all i done was just read your previous thread and the comments

I think what you are doing to help Bella is great xxx

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One day i'll learn where the spellcheck is on my phone, so sorry for any mistakes

Thank you everyone for your support and kind words

Yes I am very excited. I always wanted to have a cat, but never got to have one. Tho there are a few cats who come and go in at home, they are more rodent hunters then pets. And I always wanted a PET, who I can love and cuddle and spoil. hehe

It will be certainly interesting to see what my parents' reaction will be when I take Bella home. Dad had a cat growing up, mom didn't. She doesn't think of cats as something to be cuddled... but she will change her mind when she sees my beautiful Bella, all clean and shiny and healthy - all her shots taken care of, jingling collar around her neck.

I had no idea purring could be so relaxing. It just makes me feel content and calm.
Heheh Mom has high blood pressure, so I can tell her Bella can help with that

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