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Cats/stray mother, maybe kittens?

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Expert: - 9/27/2007


Question
A week ago, I caught a stray cat who's been in our neighborhood. I took her to the Humane Society, but it turned out she'd recently had kittens, and the HS worker advised me to bring her back home and let her go so she could take care of her kittens.  Since I have been feeding her, she comes to my house nightly.  The HS worker thought there was a good chance the cat would bring her kittens around.  It's been almost a week and no kittens yet, though the cat has been coming every night for food.  She doesn't seem to be in a hurry to get anywere after she eats, and I've no idea where her kittens might be.  First, do you have any advice for how to figure out if her kittens are still nursing?  Second, if she does start bringing the kittens for food (I hope so!) How should I go about catching them?  I caught the mother in a havahart trap, and she will let me sit near her when she's eating, but she won't let me get too close.  I expect I'll have to catch her in the trap again.  Thanks very much for any advice you can offer.

Answer
Hi Angela,

The easiest way is to pick her up and look at her teats. If they are still enlarged then I would say that she is nursing her kittens. She will definitely bring her kittens to you if you keep on feeding her. Just make sure you are out there when she eats. Pet her and be friendly with her. She sounds like she is already attaching herself to you.

When the kittens come they will be a little skitterish at first. Just talk to them quietly and calmly. Don't make any sudden noises or movements. They will get used to you and you will be able to handle them. If you catch the mom in the trap keep her there. The kittens will come to her and you can pick them up and put them in with mom. Make sure you know how many she has. When they come to eat just count them up. You then can take them to the humane society. Good luck.

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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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