Hello everyone, sorry in advance for the long message and any spelling mistakes – I’m dyslexic so please bear with me...
I’m the proud owner of two pedigree Persians (Golden and Silver Shaded). My female is called Opale and my male is Ouragan (those aren’t their official registered names – their "real" names are Nyméria and Onizuka, but we call them Opale and Ouragan at home).
My girl Opale is pregnant. Unfortunately, I’m not exactly sure how far along she is because she was mated in early March without success (the male was still too young then). The last time I saw them mating was the 10th of April 2019. So, she should be due any day now. I can feel the kittens on her sides, and her belly is quite hard and pear-shaped, but I can’t feel the kittens moving. I saw the vet last week, who said everything was fine (I was worried about some little dark brown/black spots on her nipples). But even though she’s due very soon, I still can’t get any milk when I check her nipples, even though they’re huge. She’s starting to spend a lot of time in the bed she’s chosen for herself or on the sofa next to me (when she’s in her bed, she yowls until I come and sit with her).
I’m starting to get worried! I know Persians have long gestations, but the vet said it was imminent and still nothing.
The second problem I need help with is my male, Ouragan. He’s become unbearable since she’s been pregnant. He’s running all over the place, biting her, attacking her, and pulling out whole clumps of her fur. He won’t let her eat and scoffs his food so fast he makes himself sick just to get to hers. She’s moved onto kitten dry food for the pregnancy, and he fights her to eat her kibble instead of his own. Honestly, it’s becoming unlivable. He’s being mean and disobedient. He used to listen if I clapped my hands to stop him doing something naughty, but now he just looks at me and carries on, almost as if he’s mocking me!
He was always so good before – very kind, affectionate, and gentle with his mate. He’s never been violent with her. The vet told us it might be because of all the attention the female is getting, making him jealous, so we’re trying to make up for it by giving him even more cuddles and buying him new toys... basically, we don't know what to do anymore. He spends his nights yowling, but not at the female – he yowls at our bedroom door, and as soon as we get up, he’s happy and calms down... to be honest, we’re at our wits' end with him right now...
Thank you in advance for your help, I really need it. The vet didn’t suggest anything other than locking him in a separate room until she gives birth, but the poor thing – I don’t think punishing him is the right solution...
Please help me and help him!
