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Cats/Can I give away kittens
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Question
I have raised feral kittens in my basement. They are six weeks old and they
are eating. They are not totally tame but I can hold them in my lap and they
do not scratch or bite. They sometimes do not want to come to me. I have one
person who would like to take one. Is this a good time. How old do they have
to be to get spayed or neutered? Can I take mom to get spayed now or does
she have to be totally done nursing
Hi Jennifer,
I prefer to wait until kittens are at least 8 weeks old. You can give them away now if they are litter trained and are on hard food. Young feral kittens will tame out great at a young age as that. They should be about 5-6 months old to be neutered. Some vets will even do them younger. Mom needs to stop nursing to be spayed. The vet can give her a shot to dry her up. One thing to know; mom cat can get pregnant even if she is still nursing. Watch out for any stray males around. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
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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