Expert: Norman Auspitz - 5/21/2010

Question
I just found and realized a neighborhood cat was abandoned by the owners when they moved away 3-4 weeks ago. Her 4 kittens appear to be about 4 weeks old and healthy, but mama is skin and bones. She isn`t eating much, but is drinking some milk. She is affectionate in that she like to rub against my leg and be petted, but even when accepting food she hisses, bears her teeth and is panting (this is sunny Florida). I tried checking her teets and she lurched at me and from the brief touch it feels as though her milk is dried up? I see no foaming at the mouth. Should I be concerned about rabies? Any idea what else would cause this behavior?

Answer
Andrea,

At this point, it is probable that the kittens are weaned and her milk is drying up. I doubt very much it is rabies (as cats tend to not be very prone to that disease).  However, If possible, you may want to trap the mama and get her to a vet.  You can get a Have-a-Heart live trap from your local shelter. It may be that she has a bacterial or viral infection or is just plain exhausted from nursing her 4 kittens. A visit to the vet may be able to nail down why she does not seem to be eating. See below for some ideas on getting her to eat, if she is not ill! Above all, you should be careful; and avoid getting bitten!!!!!

Without really knowing her history, it is not surprising she is untrusting of humans, especially after having weaned her kittens. She is exhibiting normal feral cat behavior. It will take a lot of time and persistence to gain her trust. It is also clear that she is affectionate on her own terms. If she invites you to pet her, then it is OK. If you approach her, she will not be too receptive. She feels she must be in control. Thus anything you want her to do has to be her idea!!!!!

What are you feeding her?  Any good canned cat food or dry cat food will do the trick, but I would avoid cows milk, if possible (goat's milk is better for cats). Getting some canned tuna in oil and lacing the food with that may help.  If she has a clean bill of health from the vet, she may just need some extra encouragement to eat.  The vet can give her a vitamin B12 shot, which would stimulate the appetite.

Please keep me apprised of the situation.  

Best regards.... Norm.