Cats in heat

Question
I took in a stray female cat about 6 weeks ago and the week after she had 2 kittens. She has been meowing a lot and seems to be searching for a male (luckily there are no males around.) I think she is in heat and has been so for about 3 days. I want to spay her very soon, but don't know the exact time. I know that there are also risks if I would choose to leave her unspayed, but I really do want her spayed. Please help as soon as you can. Thanks!

Answer
Laurie,

Mommy can't be spayed until she's weaned her babies... For the social and physical wellbeing of her babies they should remain with her til they are roughly 12 weeks old. She most likely is in season and she will continue to cycle in and out until she is spayed... Once she has weaned her babies you will need to wait 2 weeks for her milk to dry up for her to be spayed. Most veterinarians will not spay her without her core vaccines which I don't believe she can have while she's nursing. I would consult with your veterinarian and see what s/he thinks is best... The babies will often start eating solid food by watching their mom so be sure to provide extra food! If you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to contact me again at any time - I'm more than happy to help in any way that I can.

Kind regards,

Ali

PS: If mom does get outside she most likely will return pregnant!