You are here:

Cats/Pregnant feral cat and kittens

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/14/2011


Question
Hi - About three months ago a small female feral cat starting coming by my yard. She always kept her distance and ran if i approached.   I started feeding her daily and she has become comfortable coming by a few times daily for her expected meals. About two months ago I noticed that the sides of her belly were bulging significantly. Otherwise she's a very petite cat. She started eating a lot more as well. From all the feeding my yards has sort of become a haven to a few more local strays ( as well as skunks, possums, and raccoons). About two weeks ago I stopped seeing her for about two days and when she returned to eat she no longer had the belly bulges. She comes by to eat now but only during the day. I tracked where she seems to be nursing her kittens. After eating she ran into the neighbors yard and snuck into an open door leading to a shed under their home. She must have chosen that spot to avoid all the other cats, skunks, coons and other visitors that come to my yard. The only thing is the neighbor has a large dog and I worry that they might shut and lock that door at anytime. I also doubt they would be happy to know that she's having kittens down there. I'm wondering what I should do. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Ryan,

I would talk to the neighbor and let him know about the cat. This is just to make sure that he doesn't close the door. Keeping the door open for her is easier for them to do then having the kits die under the shed. Then I would contact these people,

http://www.feralcat.com/

If you are in that area good. If not then they can get you in contact with someone who can help you catch the kits and the mom. Hopefully they will neuter the mom and re home the kits. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.