Expert: Becky - 1/1/2009

Question
On Christmas eve we went out to our shed to retrieve some gifts we had hidden in there and found three kittens.  Two were already dead from either the cold or starved to death I am not sure.  The remaining kitten was pretty weak,  and immediately took to life in the house.  She acts as if she had been a house cat even  using the litter box.  But still act like a wild cat darting away when I first enter the bedroom or bathroom.  Then coming out as soon as I crack open a can of cat food.  She is probably about 4 to 5 months old and I am really surprised that she has taken so well to being in the house she gets along with our winner dog and even plays with him.  Today when I came home from work I started to worry about her I noticed that she is sneezing and her nose is running and one eye is watering.  I know she needs vaccinations but I had hoped to let her get used to us before I shocked her with a ride in the car to the vets.  She just ventured out into the front room today.

Answer
Hi Jayme,
Yes, she does need to see a Veterinarian and she is also old enough to be spayed. It may take a little while, but feral cats can be tamed and become a part of your family quite nicely. Be sure and use a cat carrier when you take her to the Vet.  Otherwise, she will be very frightened, and she may jump out of your car or hide beneath and seat making it impossible to retrieve her.  If you do not have a cat carrier, Walmart sells inexpensive ones or your Vet may let you borrow one.  Please do not try to take her to the Vet without being in a carrier.  Good luck.
Becky