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Expert: - 4/1/2008


Question
Six months ago, we purchased a home in the country and along with it came two "barn cats."  Both are females, but we were unable to confirm the sex early on because we couldn't get near them. We have been feeding them in the barn.  They wouldn't let us touch them in the beginning, but now freely crawl into our laps and love to be scratched and petted. Unfortunately, one was killed, but the other is "very" pregnant, and she has disappeared.  She never misses supper.  Although we prepared a "safe" place in the barn and have been feeding her in there, I guess she has chosen to have her kittens somewhere else.  We are in despair, because we really have taken to her and plan to have her spayed after this litter, which I think is her first. What can we do, if anything?

Answer
Hi Lynn,

She's going to come back to you. You are her source of food and water. She will be needing that soon. When she comes back follow her. If you lose her start form the spot you last saw her. She will have her kittens in a hidden spot such as under a building or in a hard to get at area. When you find her and the kits move them to the safe area. Or move them to a closet in your home. In your home if she tries to move them you will be able to find them no problem. If she moves them from the other area just repeat what you did to find them.

You can also leave them where she had them and try to tame them there. Here's a good article as to what to do.

http://www.feralcat.com/taming.html

Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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