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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Mama and her kittens
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Question
I have been feeding this one cat for bout 2 months now. The ownder left her and her kittens behind and refuses to take them anywhere. My dogs started barking a lot just a bit ago and I put them out and Tabbi had brought one of the kittens out of hiding and over to the house. I put out dry food for both of them even though the kitten is nursing still it was eating dry food as well. I put out a box with an old towel in it for them to sleep in. What does it mean when the mama cat starts bringing you her kittens?
Gwen,
It means that she trusts you and feels that you will keep her baby (babies) safe. A very good compliment! In time, she may bring the rest. The mamacat may also be bringing the kitten tas a 'gift' for feeding her.
Soak the dry food for the kitten for a few minutes before you give it to her to soften it up.
Make sure the dogs can't scare, chase, or hurt the kittens or mamacat.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks so much. The dogs can't get to them at all except for the chiuaua. And the mama cat just trieds to give her lovings. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience
Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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