She was pregnant...

sarahp

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The feral kitty we caught last night turned out to be about a week off having 6 kittens.

I'm glad we caught her before she had the kittens, but I feel horrible knowing I just had 6 kittens killed
I have a resource that will take in feral mothers that are close to full term and let them have the kittens, then socialize the kittens and adopt them out. I didn't expect this mum to be pregnant and so far along though.

Sigh.

She had her surgery this morning and was back to hissing and growling at me from her cage when I took her home just before. I slid a bit of food in for her, and I could hear her starting to eat it, so I think she's not too bad... Is tomorrow morning a good time to release her do you think? Should I keep her for longer?

Advice appreciated.
 

tnr1

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Originally Posted by sarahp

The feral kitty we caught last night turned out to be about a week off having 6 kittens.

I'm glad we caught her before she had the kittens, but I feel horrible knowing I just had 6 kittens killed
I have a resource that will take in feral mothers that are close to full term and let them have the kittens, then socialize the kittens and adopt them out. I didn't expect this mum to be pregnant and so far along though.

Sigh.

She had her surgery this morning and was back to hissing and growling at me from her cage when I took her home just before. I slid a bit of food in for her, and I could hear her starting to eat it, so I think she's not too bad... Is tomorrow morning a good time to release her do you think? Should I keep her for longer?

Advice appreciated.
Sarah....I wouild look at it another way...you just spared these kittens from possibly dying outdoors. Survival rates of feral kittens is very low.

Since she was pregnant, I would hold her for a few days to make sure her stitches heal and make sure she is eating and drinking....then release her.

Katie
 
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sarahp

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I know it's the best thing for all of them, but it's still kinda hard!

She's got external tissue glue rather than stitches, and was eating fine at home. I really don't want to keep her caged up any longer than she needs to be.
 
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sarahp

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Ok, I have a cat rescue contact who also agreed to keep her a few days, and she brought around a cage to keep her in. So we've done the transfer, and she's settled in her "new" cage with a litter box and food and water.

I'll see how she's looking Saturday morning and either release her then or Sunday morning if she looks like she needs a bit longer.

I tell you what though, she's a little spitfire
Definitely showing some "tortitude". She didn't want to move into the other cage, and she wouldn't move away from the recovery cage door (we had to put the water in still - note for next time - put water in FIRST...), and she tried to strike at us while we were securing the cage locks.

She's definitely a feral, and I'm very pleased we were able to catch and fix her. I'll get a photo tomorrow once she's settled down a bit.
 

tnr1

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Originally Posted by sarahp

Ok, I have a cat rescue contact who also agreed to keep her a few days, and she brought around a cage to keep her in. So we've done the transfer, and she's settled in her "new" cage with a litter box and food and water.

I'll see how she's looking Saturday morning and either release her then or Sunday morning if she looks like she needs a bit longer.

I tell you what though, she's a little spitfire
Definitely showing some "tortitude". She didn't want to move into the other cage, and she wouldn't move away from the recovery cage door (we had to put the water in still - note for next time - put water in FIRST...), and she tried to strike at us while we were securing the cage locks.

She's definitely a feral, and I'm very pleased we were able to catch and fix her. I'll get a photo tomorrow once she's settled down a bit.
Hey Sarah....I'm glad you are feeling better about the whole thing and yes....lessons always do pop up when working with ferals. I don't know if you have ever joined this yahoo group:

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/feral_cats/

But it's another avenue to find like minded individuals who work with ferals and stay cats. Many of the posters there, like here, have been at TNR for a while.


Katie
 

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I know its tough aborting kittens, but you saved them from death anyways. She fixed momma & made her life better. And there are already so many kittens born out there that need homes.

I hope all goes well until you can release her!!!
 
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sarahp

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Is there anything I need to worry about or look out for in the next few days having her in the cage?

I guess I'm not going to be able to get the litter tray out, so she'll be stuck with that for the next few days! I want to open the window in "her" room tomorrow to give her some fresh air and sunlight, but don't want to stress her out - I know they prefer dark.

I feel horrible keeping her cooped up in a small cage for so long as well! I'm sure she'll forget about it before too long, but still...
 
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sarahp

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Originally Posted by TNR1

Hey Sarah....I'm glad you are feeling better about the whole thing and yes....lessons always do pop up when working with ferals. I don't know if you have ever joined this yahoo group:

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/feral_cats/

But it's another avenue to find like minded individuals who work with ferals and stay cats. Many of the posters there, like here, have been at TNR for a while.


Katie
Thanks, I've just joined up
 

trouts mom

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Aw Sarah
That would be hard..I have no advice for you, but just wanted to say you did the right thing. You had no way of knowing she was preggo, and you probably saved those kittens from a miserable life or death.
 

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I know its hard. But atleast you saved her. And really you did the best thing for the kittens to. They could have been dead on the side of the road or somthing had you not done what you did.
 
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sarahp

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She was one peeved pussy cat this morning! Growling and hissing at me as soon as she saw me, striking at the cage when I went near to fill up her food. I can't blame her - being an outdoor feral, to being locked up in a cage and going through surgery, then locked up for even longer without having any idea what's going on on when you'l be released must be absolutely horrible.

Anyway, so the fact that she's so angry I guess means she's recovering well. I'm sure she'll just remember that people are bad and to stay away from them which is fine by me
It's supposed to rain the next couple of days, so I'll release her Saturday morning - hopefully the rain will be gone then, and it'll be much more quiet around work, so she can run off safely.
 

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Originally Posted by sarahp

She was one peeved pussy cat this morning! Growling and hissing at me as soon as she saw me, striking at the cage when I went near to fill up her food. I can't blame her - being an outdoor feral, to being locked up in a cage and going through surgery, then locked up for even longer without having any idea what's going on on when you'l be released must be absolutely horrible.
Awww, you big meanie! (Just kidding!
)

I think it is wonderful what you've done for her, whether or not she appreciates you for it. And please don't beat yourself up about the little ones. Everything happens for the best.
 

eilcon

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I have to agree with the others that what you've done for this cat is a wonderful thing. She'll be much healthier and happy now.

Please don't beat yourself up over the kittens either. You did the compassionate and responsible thing by having her spayed anyway.
 

lionessrampant

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You did the right thing. In fact, I really wish more people would do this...with shelters busting with kittens and feral kittens dying on the street and the grim statistic that roughly 20% of kittens born in this country find a home for life and half of the animals suurendered to shelters never make it out....

Really. You did the right thing.
 
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sarahp

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I know, I do. I just wonder what it does to them hormonally and psychologically having the kittens removed when she's so close to full term. I know it's the right thing long term
 

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You are soooo sweet to worry about the impact on momma. The hormones in her body will adjust, and she'll do fine. In fact - she'll be far healthier, both in the short run and the long run.


I'm so glad the trapping is going well and being SO successful!!!!!


Laurie
 
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