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Question
Hi. I have two outdoor cats approx. 1- 1/2 yrs old. I am interesting in getting them both fixed and keeping them as indoor cats only. They walk in and out of my house everyday and can pet and brush them both. The female had a litter which is approx. 7 weeks old. She is still nursing them I believe. I am scheduled to have the two older cats (the mom and her brother) fixed next week but I am very concerned about taking her away from her kittens who are also outside. I don't always know where she hides them. I would eventually like to socialize the kittens and get them adopted out but I wanted to fix the older ones and get them inside first. I was told they would have to recooperate for 7-10 days so she will have no more contact with the babies. Does this sound right? I am worried about this. Thank you.
Hi Kerry,
Get the older ones done first. Next watch where she goes. The kits wont be too far away. But they will usually be hidden under something, a shed, garage, trailer. She should be ready to stop nursing soon. And she can go into heat at any time. Get the kits and bring them and her into your house. Here's a good article about socializing feral kittens. http://www.feralcat.com/taming.html
You will need to wean the kits. Once that is done you can get an injection for the mom cat that will dry her milk up. Then you need to wait a week before getting her spayed. If you have a spare bedroom keep her and the kits in there. You are doing a great thing here. I wish there were more people like you. Good luck and take care.
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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