Who has experience with pregnant ferals?

sarahp

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Hi guys!

I trapped a VERY pregnant feral kitty tonight who is likely to have kittens any day now. I've dealt with feral cats, and I've dealt with feral kittens, but not a pregnant feral before.

I'm trying to get her into a more experienced foster home for a couple of weeks since we've got a friend arriving on Tuesday who will be in that room for a few days, and then we're off to Vancouver on Saturday for 5 days.

Just in case she has her kittens while she's in my care, I'd love someone who's been in this situation to help me.

At the moment she's in my feral recovery cage which is roomy enough without being too cramped. It has a large litter box with Yesterday's News litter down one end, and her food and water down the other end, and blankets lining the bottom of the cage, and covered with a sheet. The room she's in is dark and quiet. Is there anything else she will need?

If she looks like she's going into labour should I just leave her completely alone to reduce her stress, or should I check on her regularly?

Any help would be appreciated!
 

farleyv

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4 weeks ago. Our ferral barn cat Slick had 6 kittens. I trapped her about 3 weeks before they were born. She has turned into a wonderful pet and mother. It sounds like you have everything down. Just watch the blankets that a baby does not make their way under them. I used duct tape to secure the pads in her box. I would let nature take its course, but would check from time to time very unobtrusively. Really, there isn't much we humans can do. She should take good care of them. Just be sure they are all eating and one isn't getting pushed to the side. A day or two after they were born I gave her new bedding and a roomier box cause 6 is a lot of babies! She tolerated that very well and have since moved and improved the box a few times. If she trusts you, she will go with the flow. Just move slow and talk in that "high little voice" to her. Slick is very responsive to that. I would put the water up a bit, maybe hang it on the side of the cage, say in a rabbit food dish that fits over the bars in the cage. Slick was very hungry as she had so many to feed. She still is a bit of a glutton. I give her all she wants (wet food). I also had the cage up off the floor where it was warmer. Of course I live in New York State and it was cold till yesterday, now it's like summer. Also, try to put something against the bars of the cage so a babe does not get out. Gosh, I can't think of anything else but I know there must be more in my head. Its early. Will write again if I think of more. Most cats are good mommas. Keep an eye, but let her do her thing.
 

momofmany

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One thing you might have going for you is that some feral moms get really friendly when they are at late stage of their pregnancy, and remain that way until a few weeks after the kittens are born. Then their instincts kick in again and they become their normal feral selves.

My experience with pregnant ferals is slim. Nearly all of the feral moms brought their kittens to me after birth, or I found mom and litter shortly after delivery. I would simply build a shelter around them where ever they were located. Sorry, no help there.
 

farleyv

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that ferrals become very friendly. Slick tamed down within hours of getting her. I didn't know that they revert to ferral mode once the babies get older. Gee, I sure hope not. She is the most docile cat I have ever seen now. Loves her belly rubbed etc.
 

StefanZ

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I believe she will copy well when she settles down and realises nobody is mean to her or threatening. Two days?? Your preparation is very good and should work. The point is, ferale mothers are precisely like human mothers. The most important for them is the safety and wellbeing of her children, NOT "freedom" as such. As soon she realizes you are her best bet and best chance for the kittens - she will copy with the situation. I cant promise you can foster her into a homecat, but Im rather sure she will allow you to foster the kittens into homecats.


If she allows you to help her and be deliverer (earth-mother in some languages)? Yes, perhaps. If she had time enough to know you and learn to trust you some. I know for fact it happens, ferals moms allowing the rescuer to help them during labor and immediately after. Although there is no quarantee for that.
Your safest expectation is to let her give birth in peace, safely sheltered from all dangers, having a good nest, suitable temperature, water, food...
This is more then most homeless moms have.

I dont think this part will be any big trouble. Especielly not for you, an experienced cat-lover and rescuer.

Nay, the real problem here is you cant be there all the time as you are on this journey. And your human guest will take her room, yes?
THIS is the problem.
The very best would be not to move her at all. From one room to another is OK, but changing milieu AND changing helper...
Use Feliway profusely, it should help some.


Good luck!
 
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sarahp

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Thanks, when our guest arrives, I'll most likely just move her to our bedroom. The cage should fit in our closet which will be dark and warm.
 

johnts71

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Originally Posted by sarahp

Hi guys!

I trapped a VERY pregnant feral kitty tonight who is likely to have kittens any day now. I've dealt with feral cats, and I've dealt with feral kittens, but not a pregnant feral before.

I'm trying to get her into a more experienced foster home for a couple of weeks since we've got a friend arriving on Tuesday who will be in that room for a few days, and then we're off to Vancouver on Saturday for 5 days.

Just in case she has her kittens while she's in my care, I'd love someone who's been in this situation to help me.

At the moment she's in my feral recovery cage which is roomy enough without being too cramped. It has a large litter box with Yesterday's News litter down one end, and her food and water down the other end, and blankets lining the bottom of the cage, and covered with a sheet. The room she's in is dark and quiet. Is there anything else she will need?

If she looks like she's going into labour should I just leave her completely alone to reduce her stress, or should I check on her regularly?

Any help would be appreciated!
I think shes fine..her instincts will take over and she will be a good meowmy
 
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