how can i tell how close my cat is to giving birth?

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I wasn't sure how close my cat is from giving birth. I haven't taken her to the vet to get an ultrasound. She is a calico and is about a year old this is her first litter and I have no idea how to take care of her during her pregnancy. Her nipples are a little pink and we can feel lumps under them and we're not sure if that is milk that she is producing or not.  If i put my hand on her belly I can feel little bumps hitting the bottom of it. How far along is she do you think? What should I do to prepare? How do I take care of her during her pregnancy? What if she doesn't like the box i put down for her? I know this is alot of questions, but any answers to these questions are tremendously appreciated! thankx!
         Nikki


ANSWER: Hi Nikki, Once you feel movement in your cat, it is usually about 4 weeks after that they give birth. have you felt the kittens move yet?? Basically for her care you want to give her premium food and good veterinary care. You want to keep her inside where she is safe from harm... and then you wait. It sounds like you have a box ready for her already?? Just see if she likes it, before you worry about her not liking it.. haha Put it in a quiet safe place for her.. preferable dark also. And line it with fleece blankets. Since you are feeling quite lost I would recommend you also get a book out of the library on raising kittens and cat pregnancy. You will really feel more confident with a little knowledge under your belt.. Teresa


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

QUESTION: yes, I have felt the kittens move, I have felt them for about a week now.I have been giving her her regular food mixed with kitten food. I have read MANY MANY sites about how to take care of my cat and her kittens. I ho have a box and it does have a fleece blanket in it. She doesn't really like it that much, she REALLY prefers my bed and my brand new 60.00 blanket.haha. I don't want her to have them on my blanket so I will probably just change my bedspread and blanket off and put a new one on. The only way she will even go in the box is if it's on my bed close to me. I rescued her about a year ago and she hates anyone else in my family but me. please write back and tell me if this is all i need to do. Thanks!
         Nikki

Answer
Oh Well.. you sound like you totally know what you are doing !!! Well done ! My cats will spend a lot of time on the bed previous to their delivery and I have the box in my bedroom. When they start going into labour they seem to be ok about going to the box. they seem to know that this is BUSINESS now and they know what that box is for! Sometimes they deliver the first kitten on the bed or floor or even in the litterbox as they are confused and in pain. Just take the kitten and put it in the box and you really should have no more issues about it :)
So, I would expect you will have kittens in about 3 weeks.. maybe a little sooner.. Do you have time free that you can be around when she is ready to deliver? it is hard when you work outside the home.. but that cannot always  be helped of course ! If she is quite bonded to you it will be important for her that you are there. they really do get quite scared... Teresa