So for the last month I have been taking care of a stray. I had a feeling she was pregnant, and she is giving birth right now in a box we set up for her on our porch. It is going to be 29 degrees tonight, but I think the box should be warm enough. There is not to much empty space in the box. The inside has around the perimeter of it foam insullation, and there are blankets in the box, as well as around it for more insulation. So far I know she had two kittens. I am hoping she does not have anymore, but she was pretty fat in the tummy. One of my concerns is one of the kittens is sitting behind her and I dont know if I should try to put it near her belly. Should I just let nature take its course or intervene.
-
Too many ads? Join our community of cat lovers now to reduce ads by 90%! Click here to join for free!
Stray giving birth right now. Need advise
- Thread starter mces97
- Start Date
Thank-you so much for taking care of this needy kitty!
Does the box have a lid on it? Sounds like you did a wonderful job on the box, mom obviously loves it!
Is it in a safe place away from predators like rats, racoons, fox, coyotes?
I'm not sure where you live.
The kitten at the back should be alright, he'll find his way. If he doesnt find his way then the chances are he wouldn't survive anyways cause you can't be there every second for him. Do you think the mama would freak if you put your hand over her or does she seem fairly tame? If she seems tame I personally would bring the kitten forward but be warned of the risk of disesase and cat scratch/bite fever.
From my experience the average kitty litter is about 4, so I would bet that mama ain't done yet.
Is there a chance that you could bring them inside, even for a night or two? It is so cold out.
This is so exciting - do you feel like an expectant mama yourself?
Does the box have a lid on it? Sounds like you did a wonderful job on the box, mom obviously loves it!
Is it in a safe place away from predators like rats, racoons, fox, coyotes?
I'm not sure where you live.
The kitten at the back should be alright, he'll find his way. If he doesnt find his way then the chances are he wouldn't survive anyways cause you can't be there every second for him. Do you think the mama would freak if you put your hand over her or does she seem fairly tame? If she seems tame I personally would bring the kitten forward but be warned of the risk of disesase and cat scratch/bite fever.
From my experience the average kitty litter is about 4, so I would bet that mama ain't done yet.
Is there a chance that you could bring them inside, even for a night or two? It is so cold out.
This is so exciting - do you feel like an expectant mama yourself?
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #3
I live in queens ny, no coyotes, only racoons . The box is an old full size computer box. the box is on its side and I covered the opening with a blanket, but left just enough space so Midnight, the mama cat can see she can get out and in when she wants to. She is an extremely friendly cat for a stray. She is a little skittish, but she does allow me to pet her, even rolls over for me, purrs too. Unfortunately I do not think bringing her inside would be the best just because I don't know what diseases she might have, and I have two 9 year old persian cats, that have not been vaccinated for Feline Leukemia, or FIV. Do you think now that the kittens are born if I continue putting food down there Midnight will stay around and not wander off during the day. She will protect them from predators I believe. Also my bedroom window is right next to the porch, so I will hear any crazyness. I'll keep you guys updated if I run into anymore problems or concerns.
Yes, your arrangements "should" do OK. Although the optimal would be to bring them inside. Especielly as the mom is as friendly as she is. People takes in feral moms and manage, here it should be a piece of cake. But you are wise, whatever you do you must think about your residents. Every parents first duty is for your own childrens, not necessary for others childrens. So before you even think about it, you must have a workable quarantine solution. Preferably also a vet check up.
Are you sure you cant have a quarantine room inside? It doesnt need to be very fancy.
Many rescuers use simply their bathroom. Or a big dog cage, perhaps in the cellar.
Keep reporting and asking!
You can also start a tread in the Pregnant and kitten forum, about the self birthing and kitten caring.
While here we specialize on what to do with strays and ferales.
Im at both places.
Good luck! *vibes*
ps. I do agree with Sadie´s comments.
ps 2. Welcome to the TCS site and our Forums!
Are you sure you cant have a quarantine room inside? It doesnt need to be very fancy.
Many rescuers use simply their bathroom. Or a big dog cage, perhaps in the cellar.
Keep reporting and asking!
You can also start a tread in the Pregnant and kitten forum, about the self birthing and kitten caring.
While here we specialize on what to do with strays and ferales.
Im at both places.
Good luck! *vibes*
ps. I do agree with Sadie´s comments.
ps 2. Welcome to the TCS site and our Forums!
Last edited:
Welcome to TCS and for caring for this friendly stray. 
And now her babies. Of course, you have to protect your inside kitties, a priority. Is there anywhere you could keep her and the kittens completely secluded off from your resident cat's ? The best scenario would be for this sweet momma cat and her babies to be fostered, indoors. Can you make some calls to a rescue and see of you could find a foster home for them? Or get some assistance from your local shelter and become a foster yourself? That way, the shelter would take care of all testing, shots, etc. And spaying of the mom cat once the kittens are weaned. When the kittens are old enough, the shelter would take the kittens and adopt them to loving homes. Not sure you can foster this family though, and take them in. :dk: But I would quickly try to find someone who could :cross: That would be best. :nod: 
And now her babies. Of course, you have to protect your inside kitties, a priority. Is there anywhere you could keep her and the kittens completely secluded off from your resident cat's ? The best scenario would be for this sweet momma cat and her babies to be fostered, indoors. Can you make some calls to a rescue and see of you could find a foster home for them? Or get some assistance from your local shelter and become a foster yourself? That way, the shelter would take care of all testing, shots, etc. And spaying of the mom cat once the kittens are weaned. When the kittens are old enough, the shelter would take the kittens and adopt them to loving homes. Not sure you can foster this family though, and take them in. :dk: But I would quickly try to find someone who could :cross: That would be best. :nod:
Last edited:
