Stray kittens: should I avoid? Need advice

I recently lost my cat to Leukemia. I'm starting that process of looking for another kitty and I don't really know where else to post this question/situation. If it's incorrect than i apologize to mods.

My aunt 'takes care of' a group of stray cats that use her backyard as home base. She loves them all and takes care of almost any cat that wanders into her backyard. She's had 2-3 litters occur in her backyard in the past year or 2. She doesn't know who the father is of her most recent litter but she has 6 week old kittens at her house right now and really wants me to take 1. Especially since I just lost Quincy...

I'd love to take a look at them and maybe take 1 home for sentimental reasons but i'm really scared. Quinn was rescued from a shelter and picked up her Leukemia in the shelter or at birth. I'm not sure. Either way I can't take that risk again. Quinn was more sick than we ever could have known. I can't go through the same pain again of losing a cat young.

I would love to take 1 of these kittens home from my aunt (I think they are tiger striped, thats all i know about breed.) but I don't know what kind of problems they may have because there are a lot of cats and even strays on her street and i'd be really surprised if they weren't passing different germs/diseases around.

Can anybody help me out or give me some advice? Should I take 1 of her kittens and get it tested perhaps? Or would it be safer to go with through a pet store or a breeder? What are your thoughts on this? Thanks.

I'm very sorry for your loss. I too lost a kitty to FL last year. It hurts and is the most horrific thing to watch. I've since gotten 2 new kitties, both strays, and I refuse to let a cat into my home without being tested for FL first. IMO, it's the biggest thing to worry about with strays. Our vet only charges me like $20 to test, no office visit even.

I think you're fine to take in a stray, just get him/her tested for FL first. Good luck and good for you for wanting another kitty after going through your ordeal, I know it's tough.

Originally Posted by afp89898

give me some advice? Should I take 1 of her kittens and get it tested perhaps? Or would it be safer to go with through a pet store or a breeder? What are your thoughts on this? Thanks.

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Yes, a vet check up and testing is an excellent idea! Right along the best of manuals. The vet will also make sure of appropriate deworming, deparasiting - whick is surely necessary.
As you say, there ARE dangers of unpleasant sickedness, but in practice - most adopted strays do gets OK from the vet. So the bookmaker would bet on you. Not heavily, but without doubt on you.

Take 2! Not just one. Especielly if you want them to be inside-kitties.

Do NOT go through a pet store. They are seldom good (although I HAD heard about exceptions).
A good cat shelter or rescue group, having fruitful cooperation with a good vet clinics, is a lot better alternative.


Yes, a good breeder is of course always an alternative.


But whatever you do, avoid the farms. They do usually also call themselves for "breeders".

If you are thinking farm-"breeder" or pet shop, it is almost always better to take your chance with a shelter or rescue group. Even it this shelter isnt really good.
In case one you are helping a moneymaker doing it for profit.
In the second case you do a good praiseworthy deed.



Last, but not least. Your kind aunt, does she also make her protegÃ[emoji]169[/emoji]es spayed?
Spaying is THE key of all good helping of homeless cats.
Finding good fostering- and adoption homes is another key.


Good luck to you and your aunt!

If you are concerned about FeLV, there are shelters/rescues/humane societies that test for it before putting cats up for adoption.

If you do want to get one of these kittens, I would definitely take him/her to get him/her tested for FeLV. The question is - what if the kitten tests FeLV+?

I am sorry you lost your kitten, but FeLV is quite common in strays regardless if they are outside or in a shelter. It effects the kittens who were unable to get all the colostrum they need from the Queen.

Perhaps your better bet would be to go to a shelter and adopt an older cat. They are so appreciative of being released from a life in a cage that once they come home and adjust to the new surroundings (usually two or three days) you have a loving and wonderful cat. I would look at the five years old and older. They are often neglected by adoptors in pursuit of the "cuteness" of kitties.

If your aunt's cats are reproducing. I urge you to find her a cheap alternative to all those litters. Many areas now have speutermobiles who travel the state and offer spays and neuters at just a donation or at a low cost. If she is just feeding these cats and not following through to stop them from breeding, then she becomes part of the problem so many of us rescuers face every year. An over-abundance of kittens outside during kitten season with no viable homes to go to.

Originally Posted by hissy

Perhaps your better bet would be to go to a shelter and adopt an older cat. They are so appreciative of being released from a life in a cage that once they come home and adjust to the new surroundings (usually two or three days) you have a loving and wonderful cat. I would look at the five years old and older. They are often neglected by adoptors in pursuit of the "cuteness" of kitties.

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I never thought of doing that. I guess i'll have to include that possibility as well now.


And I will let her know about the spay info, thanks!

Originally Posted by white cat lover

If you are concerned about FeLV, there are shelters/rescues/humane societies that test for it before putting cats up for adoption.

If you do want to get one of these kittens, I would definitely take him/her to get him/her tested for FeLV. The question is - what if the kitten tests FeLV+?

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I have no idea what I would do if it came back positive. I can't deal with another FeLV+ cat. it hurt too much to see my last one go like that. I couldn't keep it, that's for sure. I'd probably take it back to the momma or to a shelter.

I'm so weary of going back to a shelter. I would love for nothing more than to be able to rescue another kitty and give them a good life but now after this episode with the Leukemia (she had to have gotten it from birth or from the shelter) I don't think I can take that risk again. I remember there being so many cats inside the shelter and Quinn came out of there with an immune system problem which somebody described to me as "The Kennel Cough" which is spread around by the animals inside the shelter.

So pretty much either way i'm taking a risk on what I do? The kitten from my aunts litter could have been born with something just as likely as a cat from the shelter may contract something being with all the other homeless cats in side the shelter? Does that make sense to you guys?

The bottom line for me is: I need to get a kitten/young cat that I can have the comfort of knowing that their body is worry-free. Would it be smarter and %-wise better for me to go to a good shelter (not the same 1 I adopted from the first time of course.) instead of just adopting 1 of my aunts kittens who will be going to a shelter anyways?



And I know she (my aunt) Spayed one of the female cats a while ago but I really doubt she has gotten the other Cat's neutered or spayed. She doesn't have very much money for that. I'll sit down and discuss with her though.

Here's one thought - my vet often has kittens at this season (and older cats at times) available that they've fostered for one reason or another. If not, maybe they could refer you to what they consider a 'good' shelter.


The good news could be that the vet would have a medical history back to day one for kitties being held right at the vet's office. My vets make sure the cats have been checked thoroughly, fixed (or you get a certificate for neutering when the cat is old enough), shots, chipped, the whole shabang - and, of course, they tend to have a vested interest in making sure kitty remains healthy.

bless you for considering opening your home and heart up again - but I don't blame you for being afraid as well.

My own two cats were about 3 1/2 when I got them - picked up as strays, although we know they came from homes (both neutered, and both were declawed - whatever you think of the practice, someone did spend the money). But, because they weren't kittens and weren't 'pretty' colors (my girl is grey, my boy black) they were at animal control for about four months. I have to say I think they are appreciative. Both welcome me at the front door every time I come home, and it's hard for me to imagine more affectionate cats.

But I'm not sure even getting a pure-bred kitten from an incredibly reputable breeder can guarantee a perfectly healthy cat that will live for years and years.

Here at the shelter we test all the cats for Feline Leukemia before putting them up for adoption - so you should be safe in that respect. Did the shelter you got your kitty from test for FeLV?

Basically, any cats who test positive here for FeLV are *not* allowed any contact with cats who have tested negative. No untested cats are allowed to be outside their cages (we get them tested within 5-7 days of arrival), or out of the new arrival room until they are FeLV-. The "kennel cough" you describe is likely a URI, which is common in shelters as it is airborne.

Have you considered checking into a foster based rescue? I imagine you should be able to find one that tests for FeLV, and then the kitties are in a home environment.

Originally Posted by darlili

Here's one thought - my vet often has kittens at this season (and older cats at times) available that they've fostered

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Originally Posted by white cat lover

Have you considered checking into a foster based rescue? I imagine you should be able to find one that tests for FeLV, and then the kitties are in a home environment.

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Originally Posted by hissy

I would look at the five years old and older. They are often neglected by adoptors in pursuit of the "cuteness" of kitties.

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The foster idea is fabulous! On a lesser note, I know you said you want a young kitten, but for some reason I like the idea of getting a cat that's 5 or older. I hope it's seriously considered. My intuition is telling me it might be great for you because let's say you get a cat that's about 7, they still have a lot of life left -and some will have super sweet personalities as Darlili said. The fosterer will divulge this to you.

Another completly different idea is possibly thinking about fostering a Mom cat yourself- you could see if any of the kittens "click" for you and if not, you'd know that you did a good deed. Most shelters do check for FeLV before adopting.
And if you do decide to adopt one from your aunt, ask her if you could get it vet checked first. Obviously there's always going to be risks with any cat, but an OK from a vet is definatly highering your percentage of a healthy kitty

Thanks for the info everybody.

So basically it's kind of like roulette when picking a cat or even a kitten?
Some live to be 10+ with no problems at all and then some others end up like my Quincy and unfortunately pass away at a young age due to health issues that they are born with?

And when you guys mention "foster" cats what do you mean? What's the difference between a rescue shelter and a foster? Is there a website I could go to to see more?

My only concern with adopting an older cat is we have a big family of 6 and a very busy home with people coming in and out at all times of the day. Quinn was used to that from day 1 at her young age but what about an older cat who may have been an outdoor or an indoor-outdoor? Don't you think they would be sad to be stuck indoors?

Originally Posted by afp89898

Thanks for the info everybody.

So basically it's kind of like roulette when picking a cat or even a kitten?
Some live to be 10+ with no problems at all and then some others end up like my Quincy and unfortunately pass away at a young age due to health issues that they are born with?

And when you guys mention "foster" cats what do you mean? What's the difference between a rescue shelter and a foster? Is there a website I could go to to see more?

My only concern with adopting an older cat is we have a big family of 6 and a very busy home with people coming in and out at all times of the day. Quinn was used to that from day 1 at her young age but what about an older cat who may have been an outdoor or an indoor-outdoor? Don't you think they would be sad to be stuck indoors?

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It's not roulette...any cat that you take in and give a warm loving happy home will be thankful and wonderful till they pass on. No matter if that's a few years or 10+. I do understand your skidishness and getting another animal that you are so attached to then losing it again, but no matter how many tests screenings or vaccination your pet recieves fate will always win out. If in order to get a new cat you will need to be 100% sure they are going to live to old age, you simply cant get another one...You need to look at the positive side of taking in another animal and take the precautions that you need to make yourself feel comfortable, but don't over analysis and expect the worse or you will never be able to decide. I'm not trying to lecture or annoy you so I hope I didn't do either. I want you to find a happy healthy kitty to take into your home that you will both be happier for. Decide whether you need to have a young cat or if you can give an older cat a good home. Shelter cats whether they were once outdoor cats or strictly indoor will not care that they can't go outside anymore...they will be much happier having a home to roam around in instead of a cage they are confined to. You are doing a very special thing taking a little fuzz ball back into your life. Even my never been outdoor neutered male stills like to dash for the door once in awhile...the outside is tempting lol.

Fostering cats is also very rewarding. I took in Suuri a few months ago, she was just barely pregnant and I have fostered her through the entire thing. She is a rescue cat that lives at my house till she finds a forever home. She had 5 kittens last weekend and it's been an amazing experience. soon after the kittens are weaned she will find her forever home along with her kittens (each to seperate places). Thus far it has been extremely rewarding and i have loved sharing our home with her. Cats that are fostered usually have an easier time adapting to a new home, i'm sure there are rescues in your area that do fostering and screen for the lukemia. Or maybe you would like to take in a pregnant foster and eventually keep one of the kittens. this way you know the health of cat your receiving and you get to experience every stage of life

I hope I have answered some of your questions and you can make a desicion that is right for you and your family. Please update us...we love pictures of kittys too No matter what you decide you will find a special friend soon! Good luck!

A great post, Nahlasmommy.

I don't know where you get your information, but inside kitties with good vet care can live to be over 20 years old, not ten. I have an outside barn cat who is approaching 18 years of age. he was a full feral when he arrived here as a young cat and won't stay in the house even when he is sick.

Originally Posted by afp89898

And when you guys mention "foster" cats what do you mean? What's the difference between a rescue shelter and a foster?

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Rescued cats are often more or less feral. They may be born outside, they mah have been strays a long time.
So if you want them to be happy homecats, they must be fostered so they arent so shy to humans. Or at least - their new Ma or Dad. Works excellently.
This is best done in private homes.

Shelters? Most shelters dont accept real semiferals. As it takes the need of fostering. They accept usually only the easy adoptable.
Unless they do have lotsa of goof volunteers who are doing fostering in their homes. = Fostering homes. So is for example the common in Sweden, but not so common in USA. (But we dont hardly have TNR, so this extensive fostering is a willy-nilly)


Or if you want, a diff between a fostered cat and a shelter cat:
Fostered cat was in a private home. 1-3 at a time, seldom more at a time.

Shelter cat was in a milieu together with lots of other cats. In cages (sometimes the cages = small rooms with climbing three, litter, food etc, but sometimes they are cages), and sometimes: many cats in a room. Or at best: many cats in several rooms.

Warning for shelter with many cats but only 1-2 rooms: they can get contagions from each other. Shelters with many rooms can and do usually isolate the healthy from possibly sick, Moms with kittens from the rest, etc...


Hope it helped some.

I think the key to minimizing your chances of getting another sick cat is to as carefully select the shelter you will be working with as the pet your will be adopting. There's no real way to guarantee against it as pets like us do develop unexpected health issues from time to time and not everybody gets to lead a normal lifespan unfortunately.

Ask the shelter about health screening including FELV/FIV testing, and if you decide to go the older cat route a good shelter will keep personality profiles on its cats and be able to steer you in the direction of cats who either have come from busy homes, or are good with other pets and away from animals who might be shy-er or more skittish.

It maybe that you're just not ready to contemplate another permanent resident cat so soon after Quinn's passing. Maybe testing things by welcoming a foster kitty into your life might be good.

Originally Posted by Nahlasmommy

I hope I have answered some of your questions and you can make a desicion that is right for you and your family. Please update us...we love pictures of kittys too

No matter what you decide you will find a special friend soon! Good luck!

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Thanks for the info and no I don't feel like your lecturing me. I came on these forums for a reason, to hear the opinions of other members like yourself. I think I may be over analyzing things a bit is what it sounds like. And yes, maybe I am thinking this over too soon. It's only been a few days. I just miss her so much. May 15 is the day I want to officially start looking for another kitty by the way. I want to take a month to remember all the memories with Q.

And I can rule out the getting an adult cat . I would love to try it and I think I will once I get out of our house and move into a place on my own but my Dad was not keen on it at all. On the flip side he opened the door for the chance of getting 2 young cats instead!

I'll ask the vet if he has any up for adoption or if he knows of a reliable rescue shelter because the one I got my kittty from had the Cat's mixed in with each other in big rooms. We're talking lots of cats here. Then again, maybe Q was really just born with it from her mother. Either way I'm sure he could probably point me in the right direction.

And 1 last question, when my cat passed away she had distemperment as well as Leukemia from what I've read distemperment can stay in the enviroment for a long time and I can't bring another kitty in this house until I figure out for sure what shots are needed and if appropriate how long a time period is needed to wait to bring a new cat in.

We are wiping down my room and completely emptying it out to try to get rid of as much of quincy's hair and markings but I doubt we can get rid of it if she was carrying distemperment around the entire house you know what I mean? I heard you have to use bleach.

Should I post this question in the health forums?

Sorry long post, thanks for all your help. And please if you have time take a look at my kitty Quinn on the page if you haven't. I put my favorite picture of her up.

You know, I'd give your vet a call or drop them a note explaining what you're contemplating. I'm sure they'll remember how you cared for Quinn, and will do their best to help you not only make sure your home is ready for new kitties, should the day come, but help you in the search process as much as they can, including what exams and shots might be a good idea - and best ways to clean the house to minimize any chance of transmitting any diseases to the newcomers.

I bet Quinn will also be helping you find just the right kitties to share in the love you gave her.

You're cat is beautiful I'm glad you took it as advice! a few days is really too soon to bring someone new to your family, giving it a month is a good idea to start to heal the old wounds and be ready to love again. I hope your search is succesful, i can't wait to see what kind of kitty you bring home! I do not know about the distemper but i'm sure talking to your vet and looking online will give you a good idea of what you need to do to be sure your next animal will not get sick with the same thing. and it may also be a questions better suited for the health forums please keep us posted. Sending prayers for your precious Quinn who is passed and good vibes for the new one/s that you will be taking into your home in the future.