Litter mates

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I have two Bangels, one male and one female which are litter mates. My male, Sebastian was scheduled to be neutered in April and Holiday a few weeks later. Well he was neutered on time and we found out she is pregnant when it was her appointment. This being my first time having kittens/cats I didn't realize they could mate so young. She never acted different nor did she howl or anything like that. I feel awful for this happening to her so young. At this point she is close to delivery. Her milk has come in and she is sleeping and eating alot. My question to you is: what can happen to the kittens since both the cats are brother and sister? Are they going to come out right? Is there a higher chance for the kittens to be still born etc?

Thank you for your time,
Julie

ANSWER: You may have no problems with the female. this is the type of mating some breeders carry out as part of their line chasing. But remember and kittening is always fraught with mishaps. No delivery is absolute. If you know exactly when she is due just monitor at that day. If she seems in distress then a quick trip to the vet may be called for. She may well just deliver the kittens on her own, but this is her first litter so it is always quite fraught.
Once she has had the kittens then make sure you arrange to early neuter any male kittens born in the litter as soon as a vet will carry that out. If the vet cannot carry this out until the kittens are over 13 weeks then once the kittens are weaned you must separate the males until they are neutered to prevent a repeat
Good luck

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,
Thank you for your response. I have a few more questions..... Do you always seperate your queen from all other cats before birth? Right now the three of mine are still together. I keep thinking she will deliver any day now but still nothing. When the milk comes in does it feel like little pillows behind her nipples? Thats what I've felt for 7 days now. They do feel fuller as of yesterday though. I really really want to be there for her delivery and wish she would just have them already :) I've been getting up and checking on her numerous times every night for a week now. I dont know exactly when they mated so I am trying to pin point the signs of labor the best I can. Any advise would be great!!

Thank you!

Answer
There is no need to separate the queen from the others, when she is due she will disappear into a cosy place to deliver, so watch her and watch where she goes, especially under beds or in cupboards. Don't let her get too deep in any area or else you will not be able to get to the kittens when she starts to deliver. Just before she is due she will begin to cling or become very quiet. Her breathing will increase and she will pant, that is her going into labour. Cats usually deliver at about 2.00am lol. Just keep checking her tummy to make sure that you can feel movement of the kittens in the womb.
As I said pregnancy usually goes from 60-65 days so there is some lee way here.Only if she becomes very distressed and calling should you consult the vet. He may well give her Oxytocin to encourage the birth if and only if he believes the queen is in distress. This is what kittening is all about, stress and worry and then hey presto as if by magic out pops the kittens and the queen then looks at you as if to say 'What was you problem'
Just stay close and things will happen I am sure