malnutrition during pregnancy

Question
Dear Debbie,

I rescued a cute little kittie last week; no one has claimed her, so I guess she will be my responsibility.  I have had her quarantined in a back room (my dog is NOT happy about a feline in the house).  I took her to the vet yesterday to have her checked out.  She is leukemia/AIDS negative, somewhere around 6 - 12 months of age, and possibly pregnant - the vet could not feel any kittens, but her nipples are swollen and pink.

The vet recommends a complete vaccination panel and a spay NOW; obviously, this would eliminate the potential kittens.  I feel so torn ... I would love to experience catbirth (ONCE!), but I am really concerned about the mother's health.  She is emaciated.  The vet administered a dewormer, which may affect the health of the future kittens.  Could the kittens be born with brain damage, or malformities because of malnutrition?  It seems odd that I would save a cat, only to consider eliminating unborn ones.

Any words of wisdom for a very confused new kittie mommy?

PS  Any ideas on how to get a jealous 50# dog to accept a 6# feline?

Thanks for any insight you can provide.  

Answer
Rebecca,

Thank you for taking this responsibility!  I see how this would be a torn issue for anyone contemplating spaying while she MAY be pregnant - BUT I only ask that you get to your local Animal Humane and Shelters/Pounds in your area and take a look at full they already are since no-one cared enough to take care of them all.

I guess from that you may get a better feeling about giving her a great, indoor life (yep, give them 6 months slowly itroducting dog/cat), that will complete her way back to healthness without kittens adding to her malutrition.  I know the ASPCA website has a wonderful reference materials on introducing pets to each other!  Definatey a good read for you right now.

Blessing to you Rebecca, if there were just another 10 of folks like us in every neighborhood we could get this problem under control faster without having to euthanize too many other.

Good luck on your decision, and please let me know if you'd have other thoughts.

Debbie