'There is no realistic way I can continue to socialize a 100% outdoor semi-feral cat and take care of a newborn at the same time': Pregnant cat lover torn as affectionate stray wants in, but struggles to add pawrent to new parent responsibilities

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Sarah Brown • Writer and Editor
Jul 28, 2025 6:00 PM EDT

Pixie, once a semi-feral spitfire, has become a total sweetheart. Thanks to the care of a very pregnant pawrent, she went from skittish and hissing to affectionate and crying at the door for hours, hoping to come inside. Over the past six to seven weeks, Pixie's been fed daily, treated for fleas, and given vet care. All while living her best outdoor life with ample shade, treats, and even a cooling pad (which she hilariously refused to use).

Now, with just five weeks until a newborn arrives, the caretaker is facing a real dilemma: should she let Pixie inside or keep her outdoors? While Pixie's transformation is heartwarming, she's still easily startled, and no one knows if she's litter trained. The spare room that could've been a temporary cat haven is now a nursery, and managing a baby and a not-fully-socialized cat seems nearly impossible.

The guilt is real. Pixie has clearly learned to trust again, but this pawrent is also preparing for a major life change. It's a tough call between opening the door and protecting her peace during a delicate time. 

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  • 01
    'The problem is that we are expecting a newborn in 5 weeks'
    via pixelshot / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    So thanks to the wonderful advice of this subreddit, I've been feeding a semi-feral cat (whom I've named Pixie) for the past 6-7 weeks. Some background info I'm expecting a newborn in the next few weeks and am very pregnant (third trimester).
    via ilikefreshflowers
  • 03
    I got her to the vet via a TNR organization, and it turned out that she was already spayed. At first, she ran at any sudden movement of humans and was always hissing at us, and my husband would remark that she was extremely rude. In truth, she was a meanie. She occasionally meowed, but she had a negative
    via ilikefreshflowers
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    Cheezburger Image 10534717696
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  • 05
    attitude towards humans, but it didn't really bother me. I knew that she came from a troubled past and assumed that she was a pet who got dumped. My goal was to help her survive the extreme heat outside.
    via ilikefreshflowers
  • 06
    Last night, she was rubbing against my legs and she finally let us pet her. I am using reptile gloves due to the fact that I'm pregnant and not petting her with my bare hands. Overnight, her personality now flipped a 180. She is acting extremely sweet and sits outside of our door, begging to let her in. She was crying for 2 hours last night and tiptoed into our house for a few seconds.
    via ilikefreshflowers
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    Cheezburger Image 10534717952
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  • 08
    The problem is that we are expecting a newborn in 5 weeks. There is no realistic way I can continue to socialize a 100% outdoor semi-feral cat and take care of a newborn at the same time. She still has some skittish moments and jumps at sudden movements. I have no idea if she is litter box trained even. We had a spare room where she could have stayed, but that has now become a nursery.
    via ilikefreshflowers
  • 09
    I'm giving her plenty of snuggles outside and she gets 3 cans of food a day (loves Costco Kirkland brand), plus dry food, plenty of treats, three different water stations, and has ample shade. She gets Credelio flea treatment and got all her shots. I got her this expensive outdoor cooling pad, which she never used lol.
    via ilikefreshflowers
  • 10
    The TNR volunteer said that my yard is perfect for a cat due to ample shade and location (woods in the back, no dogs, not many other cats). What would you do in my situation? I feel so guilty that I can't let her in, she has become a sweetheart.
    via ilikefreshflowers
  • 11
    AstroNut70 How about a catio for now, so the kitty is safe and you have time to figure out the next steps?
    via AstroNut70

  • A catio sounds like the purrfect solution! The cat gets fresh air without full outdoor risks, and it gives you plenty of time to gently welcome her inside when you’re ready.

  • 12
    Myreddit362602 Cats are easy to take care of: Just feed them and clean the litter. Your husband could do those jobs too, and your baby will grow up loving animals.
    via Myreddit362602
  • 13
    WldChaser She definitely has at least partially bonded with you. If you are afraid of toxoplasmosis, have your husband/significant other handle litter box duties. Bring her in and she how she adjusts to being an indoor cat. You apparently have most of the medical stuff out of the way. Give it a shot.
    via WldChaser
  • 14
    FerretMomma 5211 she is forsure a dumped cat who found trust with you, hope you will be able to figure out how letting her become more of a family member soon. Good luck, thank you for caring for her and congrats on new baby
    via FerretMomma5211
  • 15
    CarrionDoll Taking care of a newborn and a cat isn't going to be as hard as you are making it out to be in your head. Sure as h easier than a toddler and a newborn. If you care for the cat stop over thinking it and let her in. By the time the baby comes she will be fine.
    via CarrionDoll

  • Sometimes cats surprise you. They might not be as high maintenance as you fear. Give her time and patience, and she could become the purrfect low-key companion you didn’t expect!

  • 16
    Coontailblue23 This cat is obviously familiar with and ready for an indoor home. I don't think taking on this cat is going to be the high workload you think it is. She's already been treated for fleas and has all her shots. Just bring that cat inside the house. You still have lots of time before giving birth.
    via Coontailblue23
  • 17
    Fly4Foodcali Based on your long post it is very clear you care for this cat. If you don't want the cat inside your home consider buying a small outdoor cat shelter. There are several to choose from on Amazon, and some with insulation and even connections for a heating pad which would be nice for the winter.
    via Fly4Foodcali
  • 18
    In effect your making this cat a barn cat, so you get all the benefits of having a cat (ie rodent control) without actually having to open up your home. Also I really doubt this cat is feral, feral cats are basically wild and hate humans - they consider us giant predators. Most likely you have a stray.
    via Fly4Foodcali
  • 19
    Low_Rub_4318 OP, I agree with the comments that you are overthinking it. 3 to 6 months is a long time to wait. She is an adult cat so she doesn't have the energy kittens would, and probably will just want to sleep inside knowing she's safe. If you
    via Low_Rub_4318
  • 20
    don't want to do that, contact a rescue or a foster or someone else who can take this cat inside. It's selfish if you don't do so because "you will bring her in eventually." No, it's either. you do it or you find someone who can, today.
    via Low_Rub_4318

  • If you’re not quite ready to bring her inside, maybe it’s time to find someone who is. This adorable cutie deserves a loving home with all the care she needs!

  • 21
    minkamagic Why not hand her over to a rescue? Any cat who is already fixed and not ear clipped and allowed petting is not a feral but someone's dumped/lost pet.
    via minkamagic

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adopted advice feline feral pregnant Cats stray rescue
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