Please help

gr8nurse · Apr 19, 2001

Hello, I am Kathy and I am new to catsite. I have an urgent question. I found (at 3:00am) a small cat having kittens on my front porch. To make a long story short this cat looks as if she has had no medical care or food for that matter. Can I treat her for earmites, worms etc since she just had and is still having babies? This poor animals ears are just black inside and she cries when I scratch her behind the ears. I have a dog and a cat that I don't want infected. I just could not leave this animal outside, I had to bring her in where at least she is safe and fed. Any ideas?

To read the long version look under the posts for suggestions about this site. Somehow I posted my story there the first time. Don't ask me how. Thanks for any feedback you can give me.

Kathy Xanders

Anne · Apr 19, 2001

Hi Kathy and welcome to the forums.

I'm quoting your full post from the feedback forum here and then I'll close that other thread to prevent double posting:

Hello, it is 4:30 am on Thursday, April 19th. I was awakened at 3:00 by my 12 year old daughter who was hearing strange noises on the front porch. I went to check it out and found a small cat (kitten?) having babies. I quickly fixed her a large box and brought her in.

I have never seen this cat in the neighborhood before and suspect she was dumped off. I don't mind caring for her but what do I do? So far there are three babies. I really don't expect many more since as I said she is small herself. My biggest question is since she just had kittens can I do something about the earmites? Her poor little ears are just black on the inside.

Everytime I scratch her behind the ears she cries. They seem to be very tender. I am sure she has had no medical care at all. She just does not look particularly healthy. Her coat is scruffy and her eyes are gunky. I will call the vet first thing in the morning but I don't think I will be taking her in with her just having had the kittens. I don't want to scare her too much right away. I just thought if anyone had any ideas on how to best care for this poor cat I could quit worrying now. I am a people nurse not an animal nurse. Just an animal lover. Thank You. Oh by the way, I am new here, my name is Kathy, and this is my first post.

Thanks again

Has the vet seen her yet? Is she tame (a stray rather than a feral)? If she's used to being indoors then I think she may feel safer in one of your rooms. I wouldn't introduce her to the other cat yet. It would cause too much stress right now for both sides, plus you don't know her health status.

hissy · Apr 19, 2001

You can treat her for earmites (eradimite) but I would wait to worm her, as the poison could infiltrate the kittens milk. Just find a nice deep cardboard box for her and the kittens, put a lot of padding in it, and halfway cover it for warmth (if you are not bringing her and the kits inside) Also, once the kits are old enough (eyes open and eating solid food) please spay the female.

But as far as for right now, make sure the kittens have plenty of warmth and that she is nursing all of them. Sometimes, young mothers reject a few kits in the days following their birth. No one knows why, maybe just to young to have babies? But the best place for this family (depending on the weather) is really inside. If there is a tom in the neigborhood, it is common for him to come in at night and kill the kittens to bring the mother back into heat. Do you have a room you could put them in to keep them away from danger and your other animals?

rene · Apr 19, 2001

You need to take her to a vet to make sure she is leukemia and aids free because you have your own kitty in your house. If you could give her a room where she and her kittens could be safe, you would be doing a real rescue. If you cannot afford to take her to a vet, please take q-tips with vaseline so you do not hurt her ears and clean out the ear mites. Then maybe you could at least get some ear mite medicine for her to relieve the pain and itching. The test and the ear mites are probably the most you should do for her right now. I usually do not give my nursing mothers any shots until the kittens are 4 or 5 weeks old. If you do not have the money to take her to the vet, call your local rescue organizations - many times if you tell them you are willing to foster the cat and raise the kittens, they will help you financially to get immediate vet care and later on to spay the mom. good luck and thanks for rescuing.

catarina77777 · Apr 20, 2001

Welcome Kathy,

I really can't add to the advice that's already been given to you;(which is the greatest advice ever) however: I can open my heart and wish you peace and God's blessings in your good deeds. Thank you for saving her; you're works will not go unnoticed.

Please help

gr8nurse

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Anne

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hissy

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rene

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catarina77777

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