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Tough little kittens

post #1 of 17
6/6/11 at 5:52pm
Thread Starter 
About two weeks ago, I spotted a calico in the woods behind us. Because of the lake and traffic, we usually don't see ferals or strays near our house but she somehow made it back there. She is definitely feral. I finally trapped her last Tuesday but couldn't get her to the vet for spaying until Friday.

I have a set up with a 48" crate, so she wasn't uncomfortable waiting but she sure was upset. She spent most nights crying and I worried she had kittens. I specifically asked the vet if she was lactating but was told she was probably in heat.

Brought her home to recuperate and all was well until Saturday night, when I spotted kittens in the woods! It took my two friends (experienced trappers), my husband and me Saturday and Sunday to trap them. They look about five weeks old. I still can't believe they made it all that time on their own. All four are eating pooping, hissing and spitting. Two black and white tuxedos, one all black and one grey tabby and white tuxedo. Haven't been able to touch them, so I'll have to wait for sexing.

Because Mom had a distemper shot at the vet, I was advised against reuniting them, although I feel so sad about that. She's still cries at night but I know she'll be OK in a few days. (She has found a home at a sanctuary near me and is leaving this Saturday).

In the meantime, I am looking forward to socializing these tough little kittens.
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post #2 of 17
6/6/11 at 7:22pm
Oh man! Glad to hear the mom cat found a home. Good luck with the kittens and I hope you post lots of pictures!
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post #3 of 17
6/6/11 at 7:45pm
Wow those poor little kittens, glad they survived those days without mom. You did the right thing trapping mom though and getting her spayed, you had no way of knowing she had kittens. I am surprised the vet didn't notice she was a nursing mom. Odd that they didn't tell you that. That is great news you found a sanctuary for the mother where she can live in peace and be safe. Good luck with those little cuties. They will calm down soon and learn to trust you.
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post #4 of 17
6/6/11 at 8:49pm
Aw, poor kittens! It sounds as if they are in good hands now, though. You must be so glad you found them!

Good luck socializing them!
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post #5 of 17
6/7/11 at 11:11pm
I love how little kittens get all puffed up and arch and hiss like a "real cat"! They're so cute. You have to act properly afraid, though, or else you'll hurt their pride. Good for you for rescuing them!
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post #6 of 17
6/11/11 at 2:50pm
Thread Starter 
Sorry I haven't posted - been busy. Mommy went to the sanctuary today. I have mixed feelings. It is a nice place but I hate that she has to get used to a new home. She's been through a lot. It was the only alternative, though, so thank goodness I had the option.

The kittens are doing very well. By Thursday, they were charging the crate door when I came into the room. Nothing like food to bring them around. We had Mommy on our sunporch, so we spent the afternoon cleaning it up, so the babies could go out there.

They are busy exploring as I write this. I will try to post pictures later.
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post #7 of 17
6/11/11 at 8:33pm
At least Mom cat will be well cared for and won't ever have to fend for herself again. You did the best thing for her. And I bet those kittens are loving their new stomping grounds, the sunporch. Can't wait to see some pictures
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post #8 of 17
6/12/11 at 11:32am
Thread Starter 
Not sure if this will work - it has been a long time since I posted a picture...

First is Lillian and then Gloria.

Dora and Agnes to follow
LL
LL
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post #9 of 17
6/12/11 at 11:36am
Thread Starter 
Here is Agnes. I am having trouble uploading Dora. They seem to be about 5 to 6 weeks old.
LL
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post #10 of 17
6/12/11 at 11:39am
Thread Starter 
Hopefully this works - Dora is the explorer, even though she is the runt. She's still so thin and eats more than the others!
LL
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post #11 of 17
6/12/11 at 2:27pm
OH Goodness are they ever beauties!!! What little angels. They look so healthy too. I just love Gloria and that name too..... AWWWWW precious!!! You must be loving the time you are having with them. I know I would be. Thanks for the , I loved seeing them
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post #12 of 17
6/12/11 at 4:28pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks Feralvr:

They are actually crawling into my lap when I go onto the porch now. Amazing - this time last week, they were alone in the woods. Now they're purring machines, just waiting for lap time.

I bathed Dora because she felt like she had flea dirt. Surprisingly, no fleas! I will eventually bath all of them but I was pleased she wasn't hopping with the blood sucking critters.

I have Jury Duty all week and a wedding on Saturday, so I will have to wait to take them to the vet. Their mother's combo test was negative, so that's good news. In the meantime, I am enjoying having them.

My cats are so used to fosters, they don't even sniff at the door anymore. They do get a little rambunctious but other than that, they could care less!
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post #13 of 17
6/12/11 at 4:46pm
Fantastic news that mom was negative for the snap test. That means the kittens are negative too then. Usually with kittens that young the resident cats don't feel at all threatened by the little one. Hope your week goes by fast with jury duty. You will miss the kittens while you are in court So happy to hear how well they are doing
Lauren
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post #14 of 17
6/26/11 at 8:26am
Thread Starter 
Here are the girls - they own our sunporch now. I only wish I could harness their energy - I could power my whole house with it!

Lillian on the bottom and (L to R) Agnes, Dora and Gloria.
LL
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post #15 of 17
6/27/11 at 1:16pm
OH HOW CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!. Just precious. Thank you for rescuing them. That picture brightened my day. Lilian looks so interested in you taking the picture. She is wondering why she is on the bottom rung
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post #16 of 17
6/27/11 at 2:27pm
What a wonderful bunch you've saved!!! You've got a beautiful heart for saving and loving these babies!!! They look so innocent! And now little Raymond can join his new siblings. Just think of all that love and joy they will reward you with!! You've done a fantastic thing and I hope you keep all those photos coming!! We want to watch them grow up...
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post #17 of 17
6/28/11 at 3:59pm
OMG they are adorable
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