Pregnant mother

First let me say *I* did not let her get pregnant. I believe I mentioned that she was a stray and I was at first just feeding her because I felt sorry for her. She was so skinny.

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But you took a pregnant cat in so it is your responsibility to care for them properly. According to the law, if you feed her she is yours. If you take her in you have to be responsible and properly care for her. You unknowingly took in five cats, but still, its five cats that you need to care for, that means physically and emotionally, which includes keeping these cats with their mom for a MINIMUM of 12 weeks. It is purly irresponsible to not.

I have been caring for her and I do feel as if she is mine. I have brought her to the vet- have had her tested for everything - cleared up her hook worms -- paying mucho dollars for all of this ( that of which I did not have) So yes - she is mine- I believe I mentioned that I felt that way in my first or second Post. Now as to your opinion about 12 weeks - I guess everyone has an opinion. I don't know where you get the idea that is will physically and emotionally hurt the kittens to be given away at 8 weeks but let me tell you, If I would open the newspaper right now and look at the classified I would find that almost Every animal (kitten or puppy) that was up for sale would be offered at 8 weeks. So are you trying to tell me that in South Carolina ( and in most other states)all animals are mentally and physically suffering and that they have some type of disorder due to it? Growing up my mother has owned many cats and not one I can remember was inflicted with any type of disorder.
I just want you to know that I care very much for this cat - and she too me and I have done everything in my power to make her life better. Please don't insult me and call me irrisponsible - simply say you have an opinion - because insulting someone will only make them angry and have them not want to listen to you. But offering a caring opinion or suggestion will have an opposite effect.
Good day.
Dixie

And by the way... To what law are you refering to about feeding stray cats?

Hi Dixie,
Thank you for taking in this cat....it IS something that you didn't have to do
As far as when to find homes for the kitties-I have a few kittens here (bred b4 i got them)They will be atleast 12 weeks old before I find them homes....They are Persian and they are 6weeks old today and they are still tiny! I think it really depends on the breed though. Most domestic cats seem to mature much faster than others. That's just my opinion.
Thanks again for taking care of her

Thank you fancycaddy - I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Dixie

Dixie,

I think you have done an exellent job by taking on the cat and caring for her during her pregnancy. I am originally from South Carolina myself, about 5 hours from you in Clemson. I now reside in the UK.

My mother was was a director for The Humane Society in our area which ran our local shelter. It was our practice to rehome the kittens from 8 weeks on. The recent trend is to neuter animals as early as eight or nine weeks.

This has become fairly common at humane shelters and seems to have helped curb over population and unwanted kittens. Interestingly recent research has shown that early spaying and neutering does not seem to result in changes in behavior as the cats mature when they are compared to cats neutered at the traditional age of 6 months. So, either time, early or at 6-9 months is fine.

Now really all you have to do is find responsible homes for your babies that will have their injections and have them spayed and neutered. I see no reason why your babies cannot be rehomed at around this age. I have enjoyed reading the excitement in your postings waiting on the arrival of the babies and commend you on taking onboard such a responsibilty.

I am not sure if your shelters in Charleston are run by The Humane Society or not but if this is the case ask if they support a S.N.A.P. program.Which simply is a spay and neuter program that can help with the cost. Alot of organizations contribute to these kind of programs and I am sure you can get your cat spayed at a minimal cost to yourself.

Another thing to remember is that now your kittens are here, she can come on call again and be bred, and it's quite common for them to have another litter as soon as the previous litter is weaned. So make sure she does not have outside access until you can have her spayed.

Breeding is not my specialty ...but prevention is *smile*
Take care and hope this helps you.

Aubs

Hi Aubs - I have already checked the SPCA here in charleston and they said they could spay her for 39$.- (they do something like 3or 4000 spays a year at this price) Which is so much cheaper than any Vet I have called. I plan on getting her spayed after the last kitten leaves and she will be kept in the house until this time - after that she will probably get the choice of inside or out --or both. She has her own private room upstairs and hasn't left it once since the babies. I have already been trying to find homes for the kittens - I have started early so I can have a choice to make sure they get good homes for people who are willing to wait for them.
That's neat you were in SC then moved to the UK... Were you from the UK and moving home?
I think I am just a proud grandmother and just want to show pictures of her kittens - they are so adorable. I would like to post some pics as they grow on this thread.
Dixie

WOW you cant beat that price!!

I got mine done for $15 but hey, prices vary for different places.
Dixie I also have a posting on here with pics and info on all of my cats. I think if you click on my name it will take you to it.

Seems like you have evrything under control..Well Done.
I am a true southerner lol born and bred in S.C., I just moved away when I was 17 with my mom.

Take Care
Aubs XxxX

thats unbelievable! Its atleast 65 here. And dogs are 110

check out this link:

http://breedlist.com/faq/young.html

Newspapers are not good sources of reference. I've seen people advertize mixed breed "Maibys," or a "Russian Harliquin." No such thing. Then they want outragous prices for a mixed breed that I could get if I went to the shelter, and for much less. I wouldnt depend on BYB's to get your information, people who are too lazy to get their cat spayed are too lazy to research things to know any better.

MandoPlayer - you certainly are opinionated aren't you. Did you read the SPCA post at all (their standard policy - I believe it was called)?? MandoPlayer I am really not trying to be rude but you lost my respect when you insulted me so much earlier in the post .... Look -- I am a Proud grandmother just wanting to show off pictures of her Kitty and her babies. You have not convinced me and will not convince me but thank you for your time anyway. Again - I am really not trying to be rude to you but I feel you are lashing at me and that it's unwarranted.
Dixie

Hi Dixie,

12 weeks is really the best time to release kittens. No, they don't grow up with disorders when released earlier, but they do have litterbox accidents, eat litter, don't bury their waste and some don't know how to clean themselves properly. At 12 weeks of age they are well-rounded kitties, mom has done all her work, they are ready to be separated from mom and even siblings, so they don't go through the terrible lonliness and stress as they do when they are younger. The reason that shelters and SPCA's release them early is to free up valuable space. The reason people give them away earlier is because they simply can't be bothered with them anymore. I am talking about people who sit outside of stores with boxes of kittens and puppies that should still be with mom.

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/Public/FHC/newcat.html
here is a site that might help you Dixie...about the third paragraph down it talks about weaning the kitten.
mando has a good concept just not a good presentation. you would think people would try to be more helpful besides critical but most people on here are friendly and informative. Kimberly

Personally I think mando just comes here to argue..boredom maybe. Sad Indeed! I also think they should bother reading the posts and whats actually included in them, and they would know you have taken this homeless animal into your own home and are providing for it properly.

Dixie I read your email babe.. Chin Up! You are doing a great job and asking questions is the way forward! Most of the people I have met here are fantastic and very friendly.

Do they offer an ignore feature on here? LOL Cause id be clickin and clickin and clickin on that name if they do...u can never be too sure you have someone annoying on ignore!! This is not the place for their comments or opinions. Maybe they should also read Gays posting!

I want more pics of the babies Dixie lol they r looking great.

Hey Aubs - Thanks for everything - I did get your return email and really appreciated it. Work has been too busy to reply. I will take pictures tonight. They all have little cracks in their eyes and I am starting to see they each have their own personality. Have you noticed anything else with your queen --
Kimberly I got your post as well - thank you for the website - it has been very helpful.
Tommorrow when I come in to work I will post the pics I take tonight.
Mother and babies are doing very well - she actually came in to the bathroom this morning while I was getting ready for work and was seeking some attention - so I gave it to her of course - first time she has been out of that room since they were born - the didn't stay long but I guess she needed a break. She looks so skinny now I know she is eatting - I think she just has a very small frame...
Best wishes to all of you and I will post again tomorrow...

Dixie

skinny kitty...has she been wormed? There are some wormers that you can give her that wont hurt the kittens...Strongid is one.. Just checking but its not unusual for the kittens to suck the life outta her 'specially since she is spending so much time with them.
Very good luck with them ....awaiting more pics

Here are a couple of pics of the kitty's I took yesterday. Some have one eye open some have two and some have none... They are so cute though.

Another

They look really healthy your lucky!!