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Pregnant stray cat with infection: Will labor be safe without vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 11 lbs

I found a stray cat outside a few weeks ago. We took her to the vet and got her some antibiotics and an untra sound. The babies where fine when they look at them. She has been on anti biotics for the infect around her nipples and will be going into labor soon. Unfortunately, I am in a financial situation and can not afford to take her to the vet again. When she goes into labor, is there any chance the infection can turn septic or make the babies sick? What should I do?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 26th, 2018

Poor girl. If the infection is localized to her skin, then there is a low chance of spread to the kittens. Also this infection does not look particularly infectious (able to spread to other people or animals). However, her skin looks necrotic (dying), and I would hihly recommend having this looked at again if there is no improvement within 2-3 days. It looks like the skin needs to be cleaned and a stronger topical antibiotic (i.e. Mupirocin) +/- an alternative oral antibiotic will be needed here.
Here are also some financial resources that may help you afford to take her in for follow up care of her skin if needed.
Red Rover: https://redrover.org/find-financial-assistance-veterinary-care

Best friends: http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets

AVMA: https://www.avma.org/public/YourVet/Pages/Financial-assistance-for-veterinary-care-costs.aspx

HSUS: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html

PAWS: https://www.paws.org/cats-and-dogs/other-services/help-with-veterinary-bills/

Your dogs friend: http://yourdogsfriend.org/we-recommend/need-help-paying-vet-bills/

AFRP: https://www.animalfriendsrescue.org/financialassistance.html

Speaking for Spot: http://speakingforspot.com/?p=Financial%20Assistance%20for%20Veterinary%20Care

3 options for financing include www.carecredit.com, www.scratchpay.com and www.vetbilling.com. The first two companies have low interest APR rates (starting at 5%) and allow you to pay for a vet bill over 6-24 months. The last company offer a billing option for veterinary clients through automatic bank account drafting on a predetermined date at the time of service. Care Credit checks your credit but Scratch Pay does not, making it a good choice for owners who may have been declined for Care Credit in the past.

Best of luck with your stray cat and her kittens. Take care!
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