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Cats/Cat in season?

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Expert: - 5/28/2007


Question
QUESTION: Hi, I hope someone can help. My Mum has been feeding a stray female cat for a few weeks. We noticed that she was looking quite round and she had milk so my mum made her a bed in a box but she wasn't interested in it. On Sunday my mum went out to put some food down and there was a dead kitten on the doorstep, the cat (which isn't very old, she's quite small) picked up the dead kitten and put it in the prepared bed, she slept there all day sunday with this dead kitten, washing it it and such, it was very sad. I've told my Mum to keep the cat in (I got rid of the dead kitten sunday evening) My problem is now there are at least 5 tom cats hanging about the garden, is it possible that the cat is in season again? Is it possible she just had the one kitten? My mam has no idea who this cat belongs to so for now is keeping it indoors, the poor cat looks shattered and has already had one tom cat on it's back before my mum noticed the dead kitten.

ANSWER: Hi Karen,

As soon as the kit was dead and the mom not nursing she can go back into heat. Sometimes males will try to get rid of the kits so they can breed again. Do her and yourself a favor and get her spayed. She sounds like a nice cat. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is it possible she only had the one kitten? I was always under the impression that cats had a few kittens.

Answer
Hi Karen,

If this was her first litter, then she could quite possibly have had only one. Does she try to get out? Is she still producing milk? If it's yes to both then she might have other kits outside. You then need to let her go. Make sure that you feed her by your house. She might move the kits near to you then. Watch and see where she goes. She might lead you to them. Write back and let me know what happens.

Ciao, Karen

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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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