Semi-Feral Mother and Newborn Kittens

silvertortie · Apr 14, 2012

The big problem with that is that she's down the street from me... so that wouldn't work unfortunately. She won't be able to stay in the house either... We have 6 dogs who aren't cat friendly, but we do have a small air conditioned/heated outdoor building we call the "barn house". Our cat has free roam of the barn house and can go in and out the cat door to the horse area and from there, wherever she wants besides our yard (she knows not to go in there).

My cat doesn't like other cats, so while mama and kittens are in the barn house I will lock her out and she can go in our tack room to sleep for the time being. Another problem is the possibility of the mama cat escaping the barn house whenever we come and go from it. I have a big crate (like this one http://www.ryanspet.com/icrate-single-door-48-x-30-x-33-pz-M1548.html) that I'm planning on setting up with a litter box, food, water, a pillow for a bed, and covering with a sheet so she feels safe. She won't be able to get out, but it seems small to keep her in. Of course, if she was at the shelter she would be in a cage smaller than that, but she's used to having all the room in the world. Do you think it would be good to keep her in the crate with her kittens for a week or so to get her settled down, then I could let her out? Of course I'll block up the cat door.. but do you think she would bolt out the barn house door as soon as it was opened?

It would be a disaster if she got out.. she would be in the yard with 6 dogs, a half mile from her home, and leaving her kittens behind. Maybe she would stay put with her kittens.. but she might also see the great outdoors again and take off without much thought..

p3 and the king · Apr 14, 2012

So, you just want to move her? Hmmm... I would just move the kittens and let her see where you are taking them if it were me. I would set her up and if she stays, she stays. If not, well you tried. More than likely your others cats scent will be all over so she would be uncomfortable. How are you planning to socialize the kittens? Barn kittens usually grow up pretty feral. Is there not a non kill shelter you can call for her and her kittens? That way they could socialize her and her babies and spay and neuter them all before they are adopted. That seems like the best bet. You're putting yourself in an unsure position where you would have to keep trapping her and her kittens in order to take them to the vet or even have people adopt them.

But try to get the kittens first and then mommy. Hopefully you can trap her and just leave the trap alone until you get the kittens all moved and then get her. If you have her babies, she may not want to escape. Then set her up and hope for the best for now but I would definitely be checking around for non kill shelters or rescues to help you. It doesn't seem like you have much chance to socialize the kittens and get them where they are adoptable.

silvertortie · Apr 14, 2012

P3 and The King said:
So, you just want to move her? Hmmm... I would just move the kittens and let her see where you are taking them if it were me. I would set her up and if she stays, she stays. If not, well you tried. More than likely your others cats scent will be all over so she would be uncomfortable. How are you planning to socialize the kittens? Barn kittens usually grow up pretty feral. Is there not a non kill shelter you can call for her and her kittens? That way they could socialize her and her babies and spay and neuter them all before they are adopted. That seems like the best bet. You're putting yourself in an unsure position where you would have to keep trapping her and her kittens in order to take them to the vet or even have people adopt them.

But try to get the kittens first and then mommy. Hopefully you can trap her and just leave the trap alone until you get the kittens all moved and then get her. If you have her babies, she may not want to escape. Then set her up and hope for the best for now but I would definitely be checking around for non kill shelters or rescues to help you. It doesn't seem like you have much chance to socialize the kittens and get them where they are adoptable.

Oh no.. maybe I worded that wrong or didn't explain the situation too clearly. The "barn house" is a completely enclosed small building that was built by the previous owners of our house as an outdoor office. We installed a cat door so that our cat could go in and out of it as she pleases. We keep her food in there and she usually lounges on the couch in there during the heat of the day.

As I said before, I will lock our cat out of the barn house while the mama and kittens are in there.

I was just thinking that the mama cat would bolt out of the door when someone opens it to go in and out of the barn house to check on her and the kittens and give them food, water, and change the litter. I was thinking of keeping her and the kittens in the big crate for a bit so that the she could settle down..

I plan on handling the kittens daily, spending time with them, and playing with them once they're older. The mama cat will be spayed after she weans the kittens, as will the kittens once they're old enough.

I hope that makes more sense? I'll gladly do be best to re-explain anything that doesn't make sense

p3 and the king · Apr 14, 2012

Oh, OK my mistake. Well, she might "bolt" outside once in awhile but she will not roam too far from her babies. She will always return. Especially if they are safe and dry. So you won't have to worry about it too much. I would still trap her first but don't try to get her from the trap just go and get the babies and make sure she sees you with them. Put them where you want them... Then take her to them in the trap and release her.

feralvr · Apr 14, 2012

The dog crate is an excellent idea to use for the first week or two. It will be a safe and peaceful place for mama and kittens. Keep most of the crate covered with a dark sheet or blanket if it is not too hot. I think the barn house will be just perfect for the little family. I think if you keep her confined in the crate for at least a week it will be unlikely that she will bolt out of the room. After a week of confinement in the crate with the kittens, she will be more settled in and be feeling safe and secure knowing you are caring for her and her babies. Good luck trapping her, a drop trap could also work well too!!! :vibes:

eb24 · Apr 14, 2012

I use a crate exactly like the one on your link for my foster Moms and their kittens (I live in a tiny one bedroom apartment and have a resident cat so it's necessary). The first few days I always just keep them closed in there. I line the bottom with towels, put in a litterbox and food and water bowls, and cover the majority of it with a sheet. This gives Mom time to adjust to the new scents and noises in a safe way. I check on her every couple of hours and just talk soothingly and will try to pet her if she will let me (just put a hand out and let her sniff and lean in if she wants to). After a few days I slowly start touching the babies for just a couple of seconds and always in her sight so she can see I'm not trying to hurt them. You have to go at her pace and she may or may not let you do this until they are a lot older. Once you leave the cage door open full time she will likely try to move her nest- it's just instinctual so I always set up a second "safe area" (towels bunched up on the floor or under a slightly covered area) for her to move to when she's ready that is safe for both of us. You are doing an amazing thing for them and props to you for being so persistent and working to be a part of the solution by getting her and the kittens fixed. This time of year there are many organizations in my home State (Colorado) that do free/low fee spay's so search around for some of those. Also, check to see if there is a TNR organization in your area as they will usually do the surgeries for free (I'm thinking for the other cats on the property). As for her wanting to get out- the foster I have now is feral and I worried about that with her but she is so focused on her babies she doesn't ever try to leave. The first few times I handled the babies she freaked out and tried to snatch them back but now (5 weeks later) she could care less. The best advice I have: just go slow and let her set the pace for the first few weeks.

Thank you again for all you are doing for her and giving her babies a chance at a good life!

silvertortie · Apr 14, 2012

P3 and The King said:
Oh, OK my mistake. Well, she might "bolt" outside once in awhile but she will not roam too far from her babies. She will always return. Especially if they are safe and dry. So you won't have to worry about it too much. I would still trap her first but don't try to get her from the trap just go and get the babies and make sure she sees you with them. Put them where you want them... Then take her to them in the trap and release her.

Hopefully she won't want to leave her babies.. I'll let her settle in for a while just in case

Feralvr said:
The dog crate is an excellent idea to use for the first week or two. It will be a safe and peaceful place for mama and kittens. Keep most of the crate covered with a dark sheet or blanket if it is not too hot. I think the barn house will be just perfect for the little family. I think if you keep her confined in the crate for at least a week it will be unlikely that she will bolt out of the room. After a week of confinement in the crate with the kittens, she will be more settled in and be feeling safe and secure knowing you are caring for her and her babies. Good luck trapping her, a drop trap could also work well too!!!

Perfect! I already had a dark sheet draped over the crate in preparation! This should work out great

Thanks!

EB24 said:
I use a crate exactly like the one on your link for my foster Moms and their kittens (I live in a tiny one bedroom apartment and have a resident cat so it's necessary). The first few days I always just keep them closed in there. I line the bottom with towels, put in a litterbox and food and water bowls, and cover the majority of it with a sheet. This gives Mom time to adjust to the new scents and noises in a safe way. I check on her every couple of hours and just talk soothingly and will try to pet her if she will let me (just put a hand out and let her sniff and lean in if she wants to). After a few days I slowly start touching the babies for just a couple of seconds and always in her sight so she can see I'm not trying to hurt them. You have to go at her pace and she may or may not let you do this until they are a lot older. Once you leave the cage door open full time she will likely try to move her nest- it's just instinctual so I always set up a second "safe area" (towels bunched up on the floor or under a slightly covered area) for her to move to when she's ready that is safe for both of us. You are doing an amazing thing for them and props to you for being so persistent and working to be a part of the solution by getting her and the kittens fixed. This time of year there are many organizations in my home State (Colorado) that do free/low fee spay's so search around for some of those. Also, check to see if there is a TNR organization in your area as they will usually do the surgeries for free (I'm thinking for the other cats on the property). As for her wanting to get out- the foster I have now is feral and I worried about that with her but she is so focused on her babies she doesn't ever try to leave. The first few times I handled the babies she freaked out and tried to snatch them back but now (5 weeks later) she could care less. The best advice I have: just go slow and let her set the pace for the first few weeks.

Thank you again for all you are doing for her and giving her babies a chance at a good life!

This is great to hear! I'm feeling a lot more optimistic about this now

It really means a lot to have support.. it's really defeating to have caught her so many times.. unsuccessfully

Every time she's in the trap, I get so excited, my adrenaline pumping, only to watch her escape time and time again! I'm determined to give her and her kittens a chance for a better life, so I'm not about give up on them.

Now, should I take extra precautions when I feel I can touch the kittens in her presence for the first few times? I'm just used to protective mares that can be quite dangerous if they don't want you touching their foals. Maybe she'll lash out with teeth and claws if she feels I'm that much of a threat? Do I need to gear up with gloves and glasses?

eb24 · Apr 14, 2012

This is great to hear! I'm feeling a lot more optimistic about this now

It really means a lot to have support.. it's really defeating to have caught her so many times.. unsuccessfully

Every time she's in the trap, I get so excited, my adrenaline pumping, only to watch her escape time and time again! I'm determined to give her and her kittens a chance for a better life, so I'm not about give up on them.

Now, should I take extra precautions when I feel I can touch the kittens in her presence for the first few times? I'm just used to protective mares that can be quite dangerous if they don't want you touching their foals. Maybe she'll lash out with teeth and claws if she feels I'm that much of a threat? Do I need to gear up with gloves and glasses?

That's never an easy question to answer as every cat is so different so I am disclaimer-ing my answer by saying if in doubt wear protective gear! For me, I start by just reading her general body language. If when you get close to the cage she is growling/hissing and her ears are flat then yes, I would probably rock the protective gloves. I have never had to use them but again, I go very slow and start by just putting my hand near Mom and letting her close the gap if she wants to be pet. Generally, if she will let you pet her then I don't think she will full on attack you if you go to handle the kittens. Usually what I get is the Mom just tries to grab them back. Of course, if she does that don't fight it and set them back where they were. The first few weeks I only handle the kittens to get a weight on them and otherwise focus all my attention on Mom- the goal being to gain her trust so when it's time to start socializing she will trust me enough to let me handle them. After a little time observing her you will be able to read her signals and you'll learn pretty quick if she's going to lunge at you. Always trust your gut and do what your instincts tell you- so far they have been right on.

catwoman707 · Apr 14, 2012

Gosh, I'm glad I found this thread, I have so much to say, this is a very big part of what I do in my rescue.

My soft spot is ferals, so sad the way people consider them, a nuisance, disposable, etc.

It's not their fault they were born outside, with no home or love. Ok, enough of that.

You want to leave the kittens alone! The first thing is catching mom. And be sure you don't go anywhere near them or she will move them, possibly a very bad thing.

For mom, I'm not sure what type of trap thing you have going on that she won't escape from, but the best way now since she is becoming a bit "trap savvy" is something completely different. Personally your best chance is a drop trap, leaving it set up propped and putting her food under it for a night or 2. She will investigate it thoroughly, during the night when it's quiet and safe she will go under it to eat.

When she gets away with eating safely, the next night you can trap her.

A drop trap is like this, imagine a cardboard box, turned upside down, but one side at the bottom is propped up with a stick, with a very long string attached to it. In essence this is what it is, but certainly not a cardboard box! It should be large and heavy, since she will jump around like crazy, and get under it fast getting away again.

Look it up on google and you will see what it is about.

She will be unsuspecting of a new style, I doubt she will risk one she was already trapped but got out of. Seriously doubt.

Once you do get her, she needs to be in a crate, in a quiet, covered spot with a litter box attached somehow since she will flip it out all over the place, same as anything else you put in there.

I have 2 ferals right this minute and a total of 10 newborn babies, one is so feral she can't stand any contact what-so-ever, I have it completely covered, her litter box with lowere sides secured with a bungee cord, and a very large high sided litter box in there lined with a big beach towel.

The reason for this is she would only stay in the litterbox for safety feeling, and was ignoring her babies. Now the large box has the higher sides so she is always in with the babies. It worked!!

The other day I saw the babies eyes were opening and I wanted to add a bit of light, just a bit into her cage for their benefit, so I uncovered 1/2 of the back of her cage, well that was bad, she managed to pull the towel away so she could go under it to hide. Soo, it's back to being fully covered.

Always talk to her in a soft, non threatening voice, do not look into her eyes as this is a threat to her.

After a few days she will know she is fairly safe. Keep anyone else away from her cage.

By the way, she WILL escape if she has free run of the barn, and will not come back for her babies. She is too feral. She will be around, but not in your sight. She will not risk her own life to that extreme if she thinks her life is threatened.

Also if there is too much commotion once she is caged with babies, they might be in danger too. She MUST feel safe and quiet.

Try to get her asap, your property (is beautiful by the way) has predators, raccoons LOVE to eat new babies. Coyotes can smell babies. Mmm, snack time. I know, but so true.

Ask more questions, I am happy to answer.

p3 and the king · Apr 15, 2012

catwoman707 said:
You want to leave the kittens alone! The first thing is catching mom. And be sure you don't go anywhere near them or she will move them, possibly a very bad thing.

For mom, I'm not sure what type of trap thing you have going on that she won't escape from, but the best way now since she is becoming a bit "trap savvy" is something completely different. Personally your best chance is a drop trap, leaving it set up propped and putting her food under it for a night or 2. She will investigate it thoroughly, during the night when it's quiet and safe she will go under it to eat.

When she gets away with eating safely, the next night you can trap her.

Well, the thing is, she wants to socialize the kittens so she can find them homes. Feral kittens are a lot harder to adopt out then house kittens. If she does keep them "locked up" so to speak for a week and gets them used to her voice and scent and presence, she should be fine... The momma kitty is familiar with her. But, she will want to touch the kittens as much as possible once they start opening their eyes and crawling around. They need to get used to human interaction if they are to be adopted out. Once they start toddling mom shouldn't be so upset with the interaction. She will probably welcome the help in rounding up her kittens.

And most were talking about trapping mom first if possible but not touching the trap or going near it, giving her a chance to escape before getting the babies. If momma knows she has the babies, she will be less inclined to escape (most likely.) There is really no wrong way to do it but doing it asap is the main thing because once the kittens can run... You are pretty much out of time. Kittens are a lot harder to trap than adults.

catwoman707 · Apr 15, 2012

Oh my gosh, I absolutely agree!

I meant now, until she traps momma, so there is no chance of her moving the babies, as she may take them to where she can't find them or an unsafe location, plus often times a momma is so stressed during the move she will forget to bring the last baby.

I know all too well about taming feral kittens! More times than I can count, find kittens who are over 8 weeks old is soo much harder to tame than 4-6 week olds. Definitely

Get momma, this next time may be your last, so be sure there is no way possible for her to escape, none. Remember a feral is crazy when trapped, they will do themselves bodily injury if it means a chance to escape. Once trapped, rush to the trap and put a blanket over it completely, this immediately calms and stops them from beating up their nose bloody, etc. If you do use a drop type trap, it must have an opening panel/doorway to put a regular trap or carrier up against to get her out of it and transfer into the cage. Another biggie is during this transfer, if the cage door is larger than the carrier/trap, you must block any open areas off, if she sees the smallest escape route, whoop, she's gone! Before all of my experience I now have, much of it learned through mistakes, I would never have though for a minute that holding up to the cage opening the trap and releasing the cat into the cage, in a split second that cat would be flying over my head and plowing through the screen in a small window in my cat room. They can see NO escapes.

Your saying the time you trapped her but she got out the back because you didn't lock it? Well, my very first trapping, I did the same darn thing, I was so excited to trap this momma who kept having litters that I would have to find, tame, get fixed and adopt out, when she went in and that trap went off I was woohooing and all, jump out of my car and as I headed towards her there it was, flipped that sliding back door up and she was GONE! Never to be trapped again...

You were lucky to get more than 1 chance.

I wish I were there I would get her for you and get them set up, shoot!

catwoman707 · Apr 15, 2012

I forgot to mention this, if you are going to modify and make escape-free, one of the traps used previously that she escaped from, she will not get into it if she smells her own fear/adrenaline that she had left during her escape. Thoroughly spray down with 409 cleaner or any good household cleaner, let it set a few minutes and power hose rinse, let it dry in the sun. Simple but funny how people who aren't aware of this wonder why they can't trap anyone, ever!

Your best bet honestly is a whole new type trap, they are not stupid, that's for sure!

Good luck!

p3 and the king · Apr 15, 2012

Yes, I reread it after I posted and realized what you meant catwoman707!!

Any progress made today? I really hope it works out. The main thing is mom. But knowing you have her babies and they are safe (she normally will not move them from that situation), she won't go too far, even if she does bust loose, So don't panic and just let her go back on her own.

silvertortie · Apr 15, 2012

EB24 said:
That's never an easy question to answer as every cat is so different so I am disclaimer-ing my answer by saying if in doubt wear protective gear! For me, I start by just reading her general body language. If when you get close to the cage she is growling/hissing and her ears are flat then yes, I would probably rock the protective gloves. I have never had to use them but again, I go very slow and start by just putting my hand near Mom and letting her close the gap if she wants to be pet. Generally, if she will let you pet her then I don't think she will full on attack you if you go to handle the kittens. Usually what I get is the Mom just tries to grab them back. Of course, if she does that don't fight it and set them back where they were. The first few weeks I only handle the kittens to get a weight on them and otherwise focus all my attention on Mom- the goal being to gain her trust so when it's time to start socializing she will trust me enough to let me handle them. After a little time observing her you will be able to read her signals and you'll learn pretty quick if she's going to lunge at you. Always trust your gut and do what your instincts tell you- so far they have been right on.

Sounds great, thanks again for all of your help! Seems like common sense is enough to be successful with this

catwoman707 said:
Gosh, I'm glad I found this thread, I have so much to say, this is a very big part of what I do in my rescue.

My soft spot is ferals, so sad the way people consider them, a nuisance, disposable, etc.

It's not their fault they were born outside, with no home or love. Ok, enough of that.

You want to leave the kittens alone! The first thing is catching mom. And be sure you don't go anywhere near them or she will move them, possibly a very bad thing.

For mom, I'm not sure what type of trap thing you have going on that she won't escape from, but the best way now since she is becoming a bit "trap savvy" is something completely different. Personally your best chance is a drop trap, leaving it set up propped and putting her food under it for a night or 2. She will investigate it thoroughly, during the night when it's quiet and safe she will go under it to eat.

When she gets away with eating safely, the next night you can trap her.

A drop trap is like this, imagine a cardboard box, turned upside down, but one side at the bottom is propped up with a stick, with a very long string attached to it. In essence this is what it is, but certainly not a cardboard box! It should be large and heavy, since she will jump around like crazy, and get under it fast getting away again.

Look it up on google and you will see what it is about.

She will be unsuspecting of a new style, I doubt she will risk one she was already trapped but got out of. Seriously doubt.

Once you do get her, she needs to be in a crate, in a quiet, covered spot with a litter box attached somehow since she will flip it out all over the place, same as anything else you put in there.

I have 2 ferals right this minute and a total of 10 newborn babies, one is so feral she can't stand any contact what-so-ever, I have it completely covered, her litter box with lowere sides secured with a bungee cord, and a very large high sided litter box in there lined with a big beach towel.

The reason for this is she would only stay in the litterbox for safety feeling, and was ignoring her babies. Now the large box has the higher sides so she is always in with the babies. It worked!!

The other day I saw the babies eyes were opening and I wanted to add a bit of light, just a bit into her cage for their benefit, so I uncovered 1/2 of the back of her cage, well that was bad, she managed to pull the towel away so she could go under it to hide. Soo, it's back to being fully covered.

Always talk to her in a soft, non threatening voice, do not look into her eyes as this is a threat to her.

After a few days she will know she is fairly safe. Keep anyone else away from her cage.

By the way, she WILL escape if she has free run of the barn, and will not come back for her babies. She is too feral. She will be around, but not in your sight. She will not risk her own life to that extreme if she thinks her life is threatened.

Also if there is too much commotion once she is caged with babies, they might be in danger too. She MUST feel safe and quiet.

Try to get her asap, your property (is beautiful by the way) has predators, raccoons LOVE to eat new babies. Coyotes can smell babies. Mmm, snack time. I know, but so true.

Ask more questions, I am happy to answer.

I don't think I have the time or supplies to put together a fool proof drop trap before the kittens are too old. I've read a lot about the different traps, and really wanted to try a drop trap, but again, I'm short on supplies and probably skill, too

I really appreciate all of your advice! Right now I'm borrowing a neighbor's smaller version of the big crate I plan to put her in. I have a long string connected to the door, going out the back. So, when the cat goes in, I pull the string and she's caught! I also tied down the trey in the bottom so there should be no way she gets out.. although I think that every time I get a trap set up

Luckily, we don't have raccoons here, but we do have our fair share of coyotes..

catwoman707 said:
Oh my gosh, I absolutely agree!

I meant now, until she traps momma, so there is no chance of her moving the babies, as she may take them to where she can't find them or an unsafe location, plus often times a momma is so stressed during the move she will forget to bring the last baby.

I know all too well about taming feral kittens! More times than I can count, find kittens who are over 8 weeks old is soo much harder to tame than 4-6 week olds. Definitely

Get momma, this next time may be your last, so be sure there is no way possible for her to escape, none. Remember a feral is crazy when trapped, they will do themselves bodily injury if it means a chance to escape. Once trapped, rush to the trap and put a blanket over it completely, this immediately calms and stops them from beating up their nose bloody, etc. If you do use a drop type trap, it must have an opening panel/doorway to put a regular trap or carrier up against to get her out of it and transfer into the cage. Another biggie is during this transfer, if the cage door is larger than the carrier/trap, you must block any open areas off, if she sees the smallest escape route, whoop, she's gone! Before all of my experience I now have, much of it learned through mistakes, I would never have though for a minute that holding up to the cage opening the trap and releasing the cat into the cage, in a split second that cat would be flying over my head and plowing through the screen in a small window in my cat room. They can see NO escapes.

Your saying the time you trapped her but she got out the back because you didn't lock it? Well, my very first trapping, I did the same darn thing, I was so excited to trap this momma who kept having litters that I would have to find, tame, get fixed and adopt out, when she went in and that trap went off I was woohooing and all, jump out of my car and as I headed towards her there it was, flipped that sliding back door up and she was GONE! Never to be trapped again...

You were lucky to get more than 1 chance.

I wish I were there I would get her for you and get them set up, shoot!

Surprisingly enough to me, too, she did go back in the "mini super trap" that I had already unsuccessfully caught her in. All the trial and error sure has taught me a lot.. although the hard way! I know I don't have room for anymore mistakes... this next time has to work!

catwoman707 said:
I forgot to mention this, if you are going to modify and make escape-free, one of the traps used previously that she escaped from, she will not get into it if she smells her own fear/adrenaline that she had left during her escape. Thoroughly spray down with 409 cleaner or any good household cleaner, let it set a few minutes and power hose rinse, let it dry in the sun. Simple but funny how people who aren't aware of this wonder why they can't trap anyone, ever!

Your best bet honestly is a whole new type trap, they are not stupid, that's for sure!

Good luck!

Oh wow, didn't realize that about smelling their fear.. that's pretty interesting! Hopefully this trap I'm trying next will be the one.. it should be virtually escape proof.. key words should and virtually

Alright.. very sad news

Mama cat seemed to be away from her kittens for quite a while this morning, so I went to peek on them to see if she had gone back to them without me noticing. Well, mama wasn't there (although she showed up shortly after), but I noticed that one of the kittens is dead

It's the only blue tabby like mama.. poor little thing is so beautiful! I know it's not all that uncommon to lose one.. but that doesn't make it any easier.. It must have passed recently because it's the same size as the rest. The rest of the kittens were in a big squirming pile while the dead one was off to the side, looking asleep. Do you guys think it died because it was cold, being off by itself? Maybe hungry because mama wasn't eating because the food was in the trap? I really hope I didn't cause it.. poor little thing

I don't know that the mama realizes it's dead.. shouldn't she take it out soon?

I got some pictures of the cuties at least.. enjoy

You can see the little blue tabby off to the side- it was much more silver looking in person.. with the most amazing spots on her belly....

These two pictures were taken a little later after the mama had gone in and fed them.. notice the blue tabby is in the same place.. this confirmed my suspicions that it was dead

It looks like there's 5 kittens still alive?

silvertortie · Apr 15, 2012

P3 and The King said:
Yes, I reread it after I posted and realized what you meant catwoman707!!

Any progress made today? I really hope it works out. The main thing is mom. But knowing you have her babies and they are safe (she normally will not move them from that situation), she won't go too far, even if she does bust loose, So don't panic and just let her go back on her own.

She wasn't too interested in going in the trap to get the food, she went off hunting but came back with nothing. I broke down and took the food out of the trap and put it on the porch so the mama could eat without hesitating.. I didn't want the kittens to go hungry just in case that's why the one kitten died.. although it looked well fed...

p3 and the king · Apr 15, 2012

Oh, I am so sorry. It is not uncommon for a kitten, especially the runt to die when a feral litter. Exposure to the elements is the biggest factor. But, mom will push it off to the side and let it die so the others have a chance a lot of the time. Sometimes she will kill it herself just to be merciful. Usually housecats don't do this a lot because we are there to help and intervene, so the runt has a fighting chance. Runts often do die from not only exposure, but starvation because the siblings won't allow it to nurse and mom sees it as the weak link and not worth spending her energy on. The others look healthy. But they are close to opening their eyes and mom will be out more and more looking for food because the babies are getting bigger everyday and she requires more and more milk... This could be your chance. I would put a couple of traps out if it were me. If push comes to shove, you may need to get the babies first. She'll know you were at the nest. We don't want her getting nervous and moving them before you get to them!!! Usually mom cat will follow. She knows where you live. You may need to "Lead" her to you. Especially if you only have 1 trap. She is wise to it and she knows how to get out.

silvertortie · Apr 15, 2012

I just wish I would have trapped her before she gave birth so that kitten wouldn't have died.. I'm down with her right now (posting this off my cell). I peaked in the nest and she's in there nursing the kittens. She was meowing nicely to me so I watched her for a bit and sweet talked her. She was rubbing her head in the dirt and kneeding..she's acting like she want attention! She rolled around a little bit and would close her eyes and look the other direction from me, etc. I think she trusts me now that I'm not going to hurt her babies. Definite progress from the last time I peeked in when she was there..she wouldn't take her eyes off me and was meowing loudly, hissing and growling! Maybe I can get her friendly in the next few days and scoop her up and put her in a little cat crate I brought down to put the kittens in when the time comes!

p3 and the king · Apr 15, 2012

That is awesome!! She knows you want to help her. She knows that's why you've put the traps out for her. She is just scared and unsure what to do... I would do just that... Take the crate with you next time, all nice and comfy and just calmly scoop each baby and put it in. I would do it asap and not wait. That way the others won't suffer the same fate as the poor runt.... She will follow, you won't need to scoop her in mostl likely. But you might have to. But this is a wonderful development! Good luck!! She knows you want to help her, remember that... She seems open and very much willing to let you help her. This is awesome!!

sylviacastle · Apr 15, 2012

I would say that the mother is pretty aware of what you're doing, and probably is ill-disposed towards you, she doesn't know you only want to help. If I were you, I would leave her and her kittens to get a sense of safety, and perhaps come by each day at the same time, don't make any noise, maybe croon softly so they get used to your voice bit by bit. Leave a little something for mom to eat. Hopefully in awhile when you return, you will see that she's eaten it. You should be able to gain her trust, and that of the kittens, within the weaning time. Then you may be able to pat the mom and she may let you hold the kittens. Putting any of them into a cage doesn't sound like a good idea, it'll take a long while for her to trust you that far.

p3 and the king · Apr 15, 2012

sylviacastle said:
I would say that the mother is pretty aware of what you're doing, and probably is ill-disposed towards you, she doesn't know you only want to help. If I were you, I would leave her and her kittens to get a sense of safety, and perhaps come by each day at the same time, don't make any noise, maybe croon softly so they get used to your voice bit by bit. Leave a little something for mom to eat. Hopefully in awhile when you return, you will see that she's eaten it. You should be able to gain her trust, and that of the kittens, within the weaning time. Then you may be able to pat the mom and she may let you hold the kittens. Putting any of them into a cage doesn't sound like a good idea, it'll take a long while for her to trust you that far.

Hmmm? She said she is making progress and momma cat is welcoming her help. What is this about? And the cage is only to move them to the place she has set up for them. I have used a dog crate as a nest before for momma kitty and her babies. It works just fine. If you cover it and make it cave like, it's even better. It should be more than fine.

Semi-Feral Mother and Newborn Kittens

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

Thread starter

TCS Member

TCS Member

TCS Member