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6 kittens! Help!!

post #1 of 7
3/27/10 at 8:42pm
Thread Starter 
So we took in a "stray" cat at our old apartment and she came with us to our new house. So everything is good, my husband is in the Navy and shipped out for deployment this past January. He wont be back until August. So in the meantime Spazzy (the cat) is pregnant and has 6 healthy, beautiful kittens. And im now taking care of 9 cats!! Its just way to much for me. Ive never dealt with true kittens before so I have a few question. Is it ok that im keeping them confined to one room? Why do I feel so guilty for giving them ALL new homes and not keeping one? Whens the soonest (and best for the kittens) time to be able to give them to there new homes? Is it not right to make the new owners sign a keep them inside/get them fixed "contract"?...SO many emotions and so many questions!
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post #2 of 7
3/27/10 at 9:00pm
First of all, one room is fine for them, especially if you have other pets- mom may not like them near her babies, depending on their age now.

Don't feel guilty for not keeping them- I know it's a really saad thing(I have to say good bye to my fosters all the time ) but just remember that you gave them the best start possible, and that they're going to make some family really happy.

For age, many people say different things. Definatly no younger than eight weeks- that's when most shelters will put them up for adoption, but some breeders wait until up to twelve weeks. It's really your choice in the end, but between 8-12 weeks is usually best.

It's definatly a good idea to make people sign a spay/neuter contract. Depending on what type of area you live in( big city or smaller town) making sure they're indoors may or may not be a good thing- my cats have always gone outdoors, but thats only because I live in a small town with a big forest across the road. If you're in the city, indoor only may be a good thing

Good luck with your kittens, and feel free to ask any more questions!
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post #3 of 7
3/27/10 at 9:04pm
Thread Starter 
Aww thank you! That helps. I typed up a contract that has them agree to spay/neuter, keep indoors (i do live in a bigger city), and that if theres problems bad enough to where they want to not keep the kitten, that it comes back to me and no one else. Thank you for the advice!
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post #4 of 7
3/27/10 at 9:10pm
I'd also like to add in - check around for vets who will do pediatric spay/neuter - some vets will spay/neuter at 8 weeks/2 lbs. That way you could have them fixed prior to adopting them out.
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post #5 of 7
3/27/10 at 9:23pm
I'll also add that if you do an early spay/neuter, then in order for you not to be out of pocket alot of money, you charge the new owners the cost of the altering. This way, you know you've done your part in keeping the cats from reproducing and knowing they'll be healthier for it. Also, if you charge the cost, you'll be more assured the person adopting the kitten will appreciate that this is already done for them. Most people don't mind paying an adoption fee.
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post #6 of 7
3/28/10 at 1:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by skewch View Post
Most people don't mind paying an adoption fee.
Right, and if they dont want to pay an adoption fee, they are probably unsuitable as owners and caretakers.

"What is free, isnt worth much" seems most people to think.

So never give away for free without a really good cause for it. Do always take a payment/fee, and not only a purely symbolic 1 dollar.


If you feel bad about taking payment, agree on the money going for some good cause, in the name of the cat, his name put on the formular.
Say, to Doctors without boundaries, Amnesty International, some Church help group.... You pick.



Your plans Zelda seems very sound. Proceed with them with a lot of our vibes!

Good luck!
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post #7 of 7
3/28/10 at 4:15pm
You're doing a good thing!
It is sad to see kittens/cats go, but it is better long term.
Keeping them in one room is fine!! It's safer for the kittens, especially if you can't kitten proof your home! when they're old enough to start wandering away from the nest they start putting things into their mouths. Kitty litter, coins, beads, thumb tacks, cords, strings. That doesn't mean they will ingest it, they'll probably spit it out, but you can't always be sure.

You'll have lots of fun while you raise them, though it might be stressful at times.

Like it has been suggested, you can always get them fixed then charge an adoption fee. People who are willing to pay the fee are more likely to be serious about adopting the kittens.

Post pics if you can!! I bet they're precious!!
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