too many cats!!! - advice please...

I'm desperate for some advice - A month ago I took in a stray with 3 kittens, beautiful ginger cats. A 4th kitten came soon after(thought he was from the same litter, but they won't accept him). The kittens are around 10 weeks old now. I already have 2 adult cats, and bad timing had just taken in a 4 month old puppy.
I thought I would have no problem homing them, but this country is awash with unwanted kittens, and I've been unable to find a home for even one.
So it's been the puppy in the kitchen, mother and kittens in a bedroom, other kitten in a bathroom, and my own cats in the rest of the house (though they've practically stopped coming inside). Kept everyone seperate hoping to find homes. Since that's not happening I started letting everyone meet. Unfortunately the mother cat is extremely aggressive to my cats, and I'm presuming it's protectiveness of the kittens. I want my own cats back inside, so tonight the mother cat is in the shed.
Am I right in thinking that she will never get along with my cats while her kittens are with her? I'm hoping that by seperating them there will be less aggression from her - it's serious because a bite from her could transmit disease to my cats, she isn't in the best of health.
If I put the kittens back with her am I going to end up with a war between the family outside and the resident cats?
Sorry for the long post, I'm so overwhelmed by all this...

If she's not in the best of health, and hasn't seen a vet for testing, de-worming, and vaccinating, don't let her or her kittens near your kitties! Lots of diseases can be transmitted without the cats actually biting each other. Wait until they're cleared by the vet before you attempt introductions.

It's possible her aggression is due to protective feelings for her kittens. But some cats just don't like other cats no matter what. She should be spayed as soon as possible or she'll end up getting pregnant again, plus getting rid of the hormones may help her feel a bit nicer toward the other cats. And the kittens will need to be spayed/neutered by 4-5 months or they'll end up reproducing, too! If you need help finding a low-cost spay/neuter option, post your location and someone should be able to help you find something.

Friendly, cute, healthy kittens are usually adopted quickly at well-run shelters. So if you have to take them to a shelter, I think it could work out for them. Unfortunately, the mother is unlikely to get out of a shelter alive, unless you can find a well-run no-kill shelter that actually has room for her. Is there any way you can keep her as an outside cat (after she's spayed of course)?

Originally Posted by Willowy

If she's not in the best of health, and hasn't seen a vet for testing, de-worming, and vaccinating, don't let her or her kittens near your kitties! Lots of diseases can be transmitted without the cats actually biting each other. Wait until they're cleared by the vet before you attempt introductions.

It's possible her aggression is due to protective feelings for her kittens. But some cats just don't like other cats no matter what. She should be spayed as soon as possible or she'll end up getting pregnant again, plus getting rid of the hormones may help her feel a bit nicer toward the other cats. And the kittens will need to be spayed/neutered by 4-5 months or they'll end up reproducing, too! If you need help finding a low-cost spay/neuter option, post your location and someone should be able to help you find something.

Friendly, cute, healthy kittens are usually adopted quickly at well-run shelters. So if you have to take them to a shelter, I think it could work out for them. Unfortunately, the mother is unlikely to get out of a shelter alive, unless you can find a well-run no-kill shelter that actually has room for her. Is there any way you can keep her as an outside cat (after she's spayed of course)?

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My advice would be to take the kittens to a no-kill shelter and let the momma be an outside cat, like the above poster suggested. All of the new animals need vet care immediately unless you can get the to the no-kill shelter. Any one you keep needs to be vaccinated and spayed/neutered.

I am sorry you are overwhelmed. It will take some effort, but I bet you can call around and find some help from your local shelters.

Where in Ireland are you? There are some fabulous places that may be able to help, but we need a better idea of where you are.

I also think Willowy has given you the best advice possible.

Just FYI, at about 12 weeks, she'd naturally start pushing the kitties away, encouraging them to be on their own. But it is quite safe to get her spayed now. In fact, it is important, because she can already go back into heat.

I also agree with everyone's advice above . I know it is overwhelming but it is important NOT to let her or the kittens near your own two cats until they are all tested and sterilized. Just sending mega vibes that you can find a shelter to take the kittens, get mom spayed/tested and release her back outside. Then you can just care for her as an outside kitty and she won't be bringing more kittens to your door .

Originally Posted by planetx

I started letting everyone meet. Unfortunately the mother cat is extremely aggressive to my cats, and I'm presuming it's protectiveness of the kittens. I want my own cats back inside, ...
Am I right in thinking that she will never get along with my cats while her kittens are with her? I'm hoping that by seperating them there will be less aggression from her -

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You had got great advices, only to second them.
I want to add some fill-up to answer your original questions:

Right, what exactly the aggression is based on we dont know, but it is surely reinforced by the mother protectiveness as you say.
So the standard recommendation is to not let the mom meet the residents at all, preferably not before the kittens had moved away. Unless, of course, it is apparent she wants to meet the residents by herself. (AND you know the residents will be friendly).
Which, the mom wanting to met them, CAN happen somewhere along the way. In any way, moms may be touchy.

If she is not well, she may be extra touchy... Such cats have less patience then otherwise.

As LDG said, at about 12 weeks mom and kittens have often a natural separation period. Your try to hasten the separate time may be a sound idea (how old are the kittens?).

About your residents dont feeling welcome at home:

Try with a Feliway diffuser! Making them feel more comfortable, and also the mom...
Relaxing, soft music may also be useful. Classical harp music is best, but almost any calming music may work.

Last, but not least: You got advice to take help of a shelter if you can. During the time, work extra on socializing of all the kittens. Moms kittens and this alone kitten.
The mom you can surely have as an outside kitty, after her spaying. As the other suggested. She had survived on her own so far, so she will make it. Spayed and with little help - she will do great.
But the kittens best chance is if they are well socialized...


Good luck!

Thanks for the replies. I'm in Galway, West of Ireland. There is only one shelter which is overwhelmed and bursting to the seams. There is no low-cost neutering here either. I had the mother cat spayed a few weeks ago, also fully vaccinated, but she has an ongoing issue with bad diarrhea. I'm wiped out financially so that and the kittens vaccines have to wait.
So she spent the night in the shed, this morning I've let her out but all she will do is sit by the house door wailing. She's not even put off by the puppy jumping around. I guess she's desperate to get the kittens back. My own cats have vanished, I'm sure it's because of her.
It's not possible for me to isolate her from my cats any longer unless I put her back into the bedroom. I'm not willing to do that indefinitely.
I'm cracking, and thinking of putting the kittens out in the shed too. Maybe then she'll stay away from the house and my cats can come home. Problem then is that I lose my chance to tame the kittens, but then if I'm not able to rehome them they may as well be out there.....
I will of course catch them when they are old enough to neuter.
Would you put 10 week old kittens back with mom? Or should I tough it out and hope she forgets about them soon???

update... I'm pathetic. Mother cat is back in the spare room with her kittens. she was hoarse from crying in the shed. Adorable scenes of kitten joy
Someone mentioned 12 weeks as the natural seperation time, so I figured I can keep them in the little room for 2 more weeks. Then... I don't know what - I can't see her ever getting along with my cats.
Please send me lucky vibes for finding homes...

I don't know if you have the ability to get to any of these places, but contact information is included:

http://www.catchat.org/adoption/irelandc.html

CAT RESCUE & REHOMING CENTRES - CONNACHT, IRELAND
NORTH WEST SPCA - COUNTY MAYO
Registered Charity no: 16067
Based in Ballina, County Mayo: Rescuing, rehabilitation and rehoming of all animals. The group cares for and rehomes animals through a series of volunteer foster homes. Good, loving homes are desperately needed for the many cats and kittens in their care.
Support Shop: 5 Pearse Street, Ballina, Co.Mayo.
Dog Enquiries Tel: 096 76649
Cat Enquiries Tel: 096 33766
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nwspcaballina.com
National Cruelty Helpline Tel: 1890 515 515

GALWAY SPCA
Rescuing and rehoming animals in need across County Galway.
Sanctuary: Galway SPCA, Heathlawn Sanctuary, Killimor, Co. Galway, Ireland
General Tel: 09096 76397 or 091 563631
Cruelty Line: 091 563631
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.galway-spca.com
National Cruelty Helpline Tel: 1890 515 515

MARIE HEALY FAIRYGLEN COMMUNITY ANIMAL SANCTUARY
Registered Charity Number: CHY13883
Based in Co. Leitrim. Rescuing and rehoming cats and dogs from their sanctuary in Carraig on Shannon.
Tel: 071 9646912
Email: [email protected]


AINMHITHE ANIMAL RESCUE
Based in County Mayo, West Ireland.
This small independent sanctuary has been taking care of abandoned and neglected animals since 1998. Ainmhithe actively searches for permanent, quality homes for the cats and dogs in their care. They pride themselves on a no-kill policy.
Cats Seeking Homes: Some of the cats and dogs seeking a home are featured on their website, linked below.
Republic of Ireland Tel: 086 0335636
United Kingdom Tel: 075 29545097
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ainmhithe.com

SPCA ROSCOMMON
Registered Charity Number: CHY 18790
A non-profit organisation run by people who volunteer their time. They look out for the care and protection of animals in County Roscommon.
Cats Seeking Homes: Some of the animals currently seeking homes at this branch appear on their website, linked below.
Lost & Found Register: Details of lost and found pets can be posted on thier website.
Postal Address: PO Box No 10, Castlerea. Co Roscommon.
Tel: 087 0505594 (from within Ireland) or 00353 87 0505594 (from outside Ireland)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.roscommonanimals.com
National Cruelty Helpline Tel: 1890 515 515

MAYO SPCA
Registered Charity Number: CHY 14728
Rescuing, caring for and homing unwanted and abandoned animals, mainly in volunteer foster homes, until new homes can be found. Mayo SPCA operates a 'no-kill' policy, which means no healthy animal is destroyed. Neutering/spaying is a priority.
Neutering Assistance: Reduced cost neutering vouchers are available to those on low income.
Become a Member: You can help by joining their membership scheme for only a few Euros annually, when you will receive their newsletter and membership card.
Volunteers needed: More foster carers are needed, plus help with fundraising, education, transport etc.
To Rescue an animal: Tel: 087 100 4505 or 086 803 2592 (between 10am - 5pm, 7 days a week)
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.mayospca.ie
National Cruelty Helpline Tel: 1890 515 515

SLIGO SPCA
Rescuing and Rehoming unwanted and abandoned animals, and operating a TNR (Trap, Neuter and Release) scheme.
Neutering Assistance: This rescue provides a Subsidised Neutering Scheme.
Tel: 071 91 67737 or 087 21 66216
Website: www.sspca.net
National Cruelty Helpline Tel: 1890 515 515

GALWAY BAY ANIMAL SANCTUARY FUND
Roscahill, Co Galway
The Animal Sanctuary Fund does not itself run a sanctuary, but they can often help with rehoming or adoption of a cat or dog.
Tel: 091 550225
E-mail: [email protected]

MAYO CAT RESCUE
Mayo Cat Rescue is a volunteer run non-profit organisation, rescuing unwanted and abandoned cats and kittens in Co. Mayo. They rely solely on public help, and donations of cat food, litter and of course money.
Neutering Assistance: They also offer discount vouchers worth 50% off the cost of spaying/neutering to cat owners in Co. Mayo, to help reduce the amount of unwanted cats and kittens in the future.
Cats Seeking Homes: Some of the cats seeking a home are featured on their website, linked below.
Based in Foresthaven, Ayle, Westport, Co. Mayo
Tel: 098 27752
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.cats172.tripod.com/Cats/Indexx.html

GALWAY CAT RESCUE
Based in Galway.
Galway Cat Rescue is a group of animal lovers, who want to reduce the misery of stray and feral cats in Galway and prevent the birth and suffering of future generations by Trap Neuter Return. While they mainly deal with feral cats, they do on occasion have kittens and semi feral cats who need to find new homes.Edited by Laurie to add: they may not be able to take the kitties into the foster network, but contacting them may yield a solution to care cost or location of low-cost sterilization.
Tel: 0852196010
Email: [email protected]
Galway Cat Rescue can be found on Facebook.[/b]

MAYO ANIMAL WELFARE
Mayo animal welfare rescues abandoned, cruelly treated and injured animals, both domestic and wild. Rescued animals are cared for in a series of foster homes, until new homes can be found. Edited by Laurie to add: Maybe contact them about becoming an official foster for these kitties, and they may be able to help with care and sterilization expensesIf you can re-home a cat or dog, please give them a call. If you can't re-home an animal at this time, you can help by becoming a member for as little as 1 Euro per month. Money is desperately needed for their ongoing neutering project, and every little helps!
Postal address: Honey Cottage, Buckfield, Kilmeena, Westport, Co. Mayo
Tel: (+ 353) 098 41484
Website: www.mayoanimalwelfare.org

I do hope someone can help.  

AWWWWWW you are NOT pathetic, you are very, very compassionate and caring. Very sweet of you to take her back in with the kittens. And twelve weeks would be the perfect age to totally separate mom/kittens. Much luck with finding homes for those kittens Mom cat does sound like a sweetie, and you really can't judge her behavior around other cats yet. She is being protective of the kittens and once she is spayed and the kittens are rehomed, you might be surprised at how quickly this female cat could become a sweet, friendly, cat-loving kitty. for finding homes for everyone

p.s. A big to LDG for all of the information/research on local rescue organizations in your area!!!!!

thanks so much LDG - you've made me think further afield. I've been in touch with most of the places you've listed that are nearby, and they haven't been willing or able to help, some won't even respond. I'm going to try travelling north
Last night my own cats nearly came to blows - my long-haired girl was growling and posturing at the other from across the room. I didn't know what was going on, they're best buddies - till I realised she had mistaken my ginger male for the ginger female. It wasn't till he got close enough to lick her face that she relaxed. I didn't realise cats were so bad at recognition. I definitely can't keep the mother cat, my two are so terrified of her.

Here's who we're discussing - butter wouldn't melt....

That cutie can't be... oh, wait, we are talking about cats, yes she can

That is quite bit of problem there, but as any problem it should be really possible to solve, hopefully you can get some help from those organiztions, remember that at 4 month old they can reproduce, one reason of too many cats is because they are able to do so in such young age, currently situation is not too bad, but it can get really horrible, here I have seen how things get out of control very quickly, one retired widow soon having over hundred cats, most too feral for shelters around here and when officials come to solve the problem it means almost always that they put most of them to forever sleep, our system is such, can't say I'm very fond of it.

So at least get all females fixed if not possible to do all of them on time, hopefully you can get help from those organizations.

Here fixing a cat + vaccination is 180-200 euros, I could not find much of help, mostly response has been that ferals should be put away, so I know some how it can be, actually I'm not believing quite those $40 spaying prices, there can't be such in whole world, it is like cat milk fountains and giant scratching poles growing from ground, such can't really be true?

AWWWWWW they are just beautiful kitties!!!! And it is very, very common for the resident kitties to get in a little tiff over the "odd" smell in the house. It is just transferred stress, so to speak. They will be just fine and will realize that they will not have any intruder in their part of the house. Continuing with the vibes and much luck with finding homes for those kittens

Originally Posted by JTbo

actually I'm not believing quite those $40 spaying prices, there can't be such in whole world, it is like cat milk fountains and giant scratching poles growing from ground, such can't really be true?

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Yes, some places do offer low-cost/free altering, but they are charities, not for-profit vets. A very few municipalities will fund this, finding it cheaper than funding animal control efforts after the fact. But most are privately-funded animal welfare charities. Run on donations and rich people's sponsorship.