I do not want my cat any more, she’s driving me insane

Cats
1

About 4 months ago, I picked up a street cat (probably 1 or 2 years old) who seemed very calm and loving, and she was for about a month and a half. After a few weeks, I discovered she was pregnant, and when I took her to the vet to get spayed, they refused to terminate the pregnancy. So, I was stuck with her and however many kittens she’d have. The kittens are not the problem—I love them. They are perfect angels. The mother, however, has changed drastically after having the kittens. She never stops meowing, has become much more food aggressive (constantly trying to steal food, even though they all have separate bowls), and no longer wants to play or cuddle. She claws up my walls and creates chaos while I’m asleep or not in the room, knocking things over and rummaging through the trash.

The most unbearable part is the non-stop meowing—she screams all the time, and it’s driving me insane. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in weeks, and even my girlfriend doesn’t want to stay over anymore because of the noise and chaos. I feel bad because I took her off the streets, but I don’t know what to do anymore. The kittens are old enough now (about 10-11 weeks), and I’m wondering if I’d be horrible for rehoming her. I feel like she doesn’t even enjoy living with me. Any advice would be appreciated.

2

Is it possible she’s back in heat again? Get her spayed. She may just need some space after dealing with the kittens. If this was her first time giving birth, she could be overwhelmed, not to mention the trauma from living on the streets.

3

@Oli
Can she breastfeed and be in heat at the same time? I thought they went into heat after they were done nursing. She’s still nursing, and this has been going on for a while—longer than a typical heat cycle.

4

@Yan
Yes, she can. She can even get pregnant again without weaning the kittens. She needs to be spayed as soon as possible.

5

Wynne said:
@Yan
Yes, she can. She can even get pregnant again without weaning the kittens. She needs to be spayed as soon as possible.

Okay, I will get on that ASAP. Thank you.

6

Yan said:

Wynne said:
@Yan
Yes, she can. She can even get pregnant again without weaning the kittens. She needs to be spayed as soon as possible.

Okay, I will get on that ASAP. Thank you.

Good luck! I hope everything works out, whether it’s finding her a new home or the spay fixing things. Either way, you’ve done right by taking her off the streets.

7

Yan said:

Wynne said:
@Yan
Yes, she can. She can even get pregnant again without weaning the kittens. She needs to be spayed as soon as possible.

Okay, I will get on that ASAP. Thank you.

You are awesome for caring for her and her kittens. It’s so sad that someone abandoned her to live on the streets.

8

@Gordon
Thank you. She was very comfortable with people, so I think she had an owner before me.

9

@Yan
There are low-cost spay and neuter clinics in many places. Check out your local cat rescues.

10

Greer said:
@Yan
There are low-cost spay and neuter clinics in many places. Check out your local cat rescues.

Yes, there’s a clinic near me, but they were booked when I called. I’ll try again Monday to set an appointment.

11

@Yan
Good for you! Keep at it, and maybe ask if they can recommend other low-cost clinics. You’re doing what’s best for her.

12

@Yan
Yes, she can be in heat while breastfeeding. If there’s an intact male nearby, being around them can send her back into heat. How long ago did she give birth?

13

Stevie said:
@Yan
Yes, she can be in heat while breastfeeding. If there’s an intact male nearby, being around them can send her back into heat. How long ago did she give birth?

About 10 weeks ago. And yes, there are some intact males in my neighborhood. I’ve thought about asking my neighbor for ‘child support’ because I’m pretty sure one of his cats is the father. :joy:

14

@Yan
You might want to report those outdoor cats to a shelter, especially if they’re not chipped or neutered.

15

@Yan
Yes, she can be in heat and nurse. Hormonal imbalances can mess with her schedule.

16

Luca said:
@Yan
Yes, she can be in heat and nurse. Hormonal imbalances can mess with her schedule.

Good to know!

17

I’m sorry to hear this. It’s tough when an animal isn’t a fit. Her behavior might change once the kittens are gone. Are you planning on keeping any of them?

18

Val said:
I’m sorry to hear this. It’s tough when an animal isn’t a fit. Her behavior might change once the kittens are gone. Are you planning on keeping any of them?

If I end up rehoming her, I’ll keep one of the kittens. Otherwise, I can’t handle having two cats and her behavior.

19

@Yan
That makes sense. Maybe start looking for homes for the kittens, and see how she behaves when a few are gone.

20

This sounds like a hormonal issue or possibly postpartum stress. Our dog was miserable after having puppies, so your cat might be experiencing something similar.