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Need Advice! Found kittens near highway.

post #1 of 9
8/14/11 at 5:37pm
Thread Starter 
Me and my buddy were out drinking the other night and found a family of cats. Mama was protecting them and hanging out, but there was one kitten that looked very malnourished and I took him home.

The kitten I took home is now doing very well after less than 48 hours. That being said, I went back and grabbed another kitten that I found a home for. This one looked less healthy than the others so I felt the priority was to get the weak ones and nourish them back. The kitten is semi-feral hissing and attacking everything that moves (not enough to cause harm but its scary). She ate some wet food with no issues.

Now here are my concerns. I have 2 other cats at home, one of which I just recently adopted and haven't taken to get his vaccinations yet. Should I worry about these little fellas getting them sick (leukemia and aids)? Planning on taking the babies to get tested and a checkup on Thursday.

Most importantly, momma cat and her 2 other babies are still in the bush by the highway. I cant bring them all home, so im not sure how to handle this situation. Going to try and call rescues on my lunch tomorrow so besides that id appreciate advice.
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post #2 of 9
8/14/11 at 5:44pm
I'd keep everyone separated until the vet appts.

As for momma and the other babies, I'd contact rescues and while I worked on that, I would take her food and check on her daily if there was no way I could take her in, even if for just a few days.

Good luck, I'm gald you've been able to help a couple.
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post #3 of 9
8/14/11 at 6:39pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by RAFM View Post
I'd keep everyone separated until the vet appts.

As for momma and the other babies, I'd contact rescues and while I worked on that, I would take her food and check on her daily if there was no way I could take her in, even if for just a few days.

Good luck, I'm gald you've been able to help a couple.
Would you say that its safe for the kittens to be together since they were from the same litter?

Also, the other kitten I took that was doing nothing but hissing at everything. Should I be concerned, or will he grow more comfortable and realize its not needed?
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post #4 of 9
8/14/11 at 6:48pm
Welcome and thank you so much for rescuing this family of cats. Keep the kittens all together but totally separate from your other cats, for sure. Take some food to the mom cat and other kittens. These kittens are most likely feral with no human contact before you. The hissing is very, very normal. This will subside as soon as the kitten sees you as a surrogate and begins to trust you. Young kittens come around quickly. Mom cat needs to be trapped along with the two remaining kittens. I am hoping you will get some kind of support here from a shelter/rescue. I am lucky in that I have a couple shelter's near me that will support people in the community rescuing cats/kittens and will offer you financial/medical support if you can "foster" these kittens until such time they are old enough, and tame enough to be adopted out. I think you are great for stepping up and helping these kitties.
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post #5 of 9
8/15/11 at 5:48pm
Thread Starter 
Well... I went back today to get the other 2 kittens and they were gone! Im so worried as to what could have happened to them and feeling partly to blame. I'm looking on the brighter side that I saved 2 of them. Any chance they will return? Do kittens go hunting with mama?
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post #6 of 9
8/15/11 at 6:31pm
How old do you think they are? I doubt if they are still young that they would be hunting. Most likely the mother felt threatened by you and moved them. They still could be fairly close to their original location though. I would put out food and check back to see if gone.
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post #7 of 9
8/15/11 at 7:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by GailC View Post
How old do you think they are? I doubt if they are still young that they would be hunting. Most likely the mother felt threatened by you and moved them. They still could be fairly close to their original location though. I would put out food and check back to see if gone.
They are between 4-6 weeks. I found someone that's willing to take them that's also a certified vet assistant so it would have been a perfect fit. Guess ill get up early before work and before the establishment opens and look around for the kittens.
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post #8 of 9
8/15/11 at 10:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CatMan87 View Post
I have 2 other cats at home, one of which I just recently adopted and haven't taken to get his vaccinations yet. Should I worry about these little fellas getting them sick (leukemia and aids)?
Welcome to the Forums!

You had already got great advices, AND you are doing marvelously well!
its only for me to second all the responsens given so far.

Its for me only to come with some "mustard after the dinner":

Yes, do separate them. About HOW strickt quarantine. Your new one not vaccinated yet. (or your fully vaccinated resident). How are they?
Strictly indoors? Used to roam outside? The new one adoptee, is he a healthy homeless??

Cats used to roam outside are probably less sensitive than strict indoors.
A healthy homeless has probably decent natural protections - otherwise he would surely catched something...

So, calculated risks are better than just headless risks.
But as said: dont risk anything if you are not forced to take risks.


Tx a lot, and good luck!
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post #9 of 9
8/16/11 at 3:36pm
Keep checking back there for those kittens. If you leave food out for them, they will return. They are probably with mom following her during her hunts for food. You can't worry yourself so, although I know it is very, very difficult not to do that. Sending lots of vibes that you are able to get the last two kittens and mom
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