Stray Mama Cat had 5 Kittens - NEED ADVICE!!

angie737

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A stray mama cat nestled herself in our blankets and sleeping bags on the porch and had her kittens. We found her yesterday (Monday) morning and put out dry food and water for her. We have been keeping an eye on her -- all the kittens seem to be doing well. Mama is nursing them and cleaning them and caring for them. We can't take them in and care for them, because we are allergic to cats. I read that stray cats will usually be euthanized if taken to a shelter because they are not neutered. I'm not sure what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!
 

xlizziebee

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aweee yeah i heard the same thing about stray cats especially if they have fleas and diseases. we just rescued a stray kitten last week shes only about a month old :) I think you definitely did the right thing putting water and food out for the mama! I would just keep an eye on her. if she seems comfy and warm in the blankets and sleeping bags then that is perfect :) Mama will take care of her kittens and i am sure she will appreciate the food and water from you guys! heck she might stick around your house then for a while if she knows you guys will feed her and her babies lol keep us updated!
 

eb24

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Is there a way to close in your porch so she can't get out? My concern is if she tries to move her den and then you can't find them again. Is there another way you can confine them? Perhaps to a garage or a shed? 

It's true that at kill shelters Queens and kittens are often euthanized, especially if they have any illnesses. But, it may be worth calling around and seeing if there are any no kill shelters in your area. Most of these are on a first come, first served basis and if there is room they will take her and get her the care she and her kittens need. Her best bet is to end up in a foster home where she can raise her kittens safely indoors. Even kill shelters often have foster homes on standby or know of people who will "adopt" Queens in exactly this situation. 

Other reasons that confinement is critical is that she can go back into heat again at anytime and be pregnant again before she has even weaned this litter. She is also at great risk of attracting predators, hence the likelihood of den moves. She also needs to be examined by a vet to make sure she and the babies are free of fleas, worms, and parasites. While an adult cat is strong enough to survive these ailments young kittens aren't. Finally, if not brought indoors and socialized these kittens are on their way to feral status. If they don't get used to human contact when they are young they never fully accept it. 

So yes, you did do a great thing by putting some food and water out for her and letting her stay on the porch. But, if you can, you really need to try and take it a step further. Otherwise, she is going to move them and you are going to end up with 5 new feral kittens roaming your neighborhood reproducing like crazy. Start calling the local shelters and see if they have any foster homes who may be able to take her in! 
 

franksmom

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I agree would you be able to put her in a bathroom or out building? That way you could foster them without bothering your allergies. The above advice is great also search for rescue organizations or TNR program in your area for more advice and they maybe able to take her in. You would be able to foster as well and it would only have to be over the next 10-13 weeks while the kittens are weaned, put up for adoption and fixed- rescue organizations and shelters will often help with costs and all you need to do is provide a small space and some time.
 
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eb24

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I agree would you be able to put her in a bathroom or out building? That way you could foster them without bothering your allergies. The above advice is great also search for rescue organizations or TNR program in your area for more advice and they maybe able to take her in. You would be able to foster as well and it would only have to be over the next 10-13 weeks while the kittens are weaned, put up for adoption and fixed- rescue organizations and shelters will often help with costs and all you need to do is provide a small space and some time.
Just to elaborate on this excellent point. If you have a way you can confine them without bothering your allergies (such as to a bathroom), many shelters will work with you as the foster home. Some will give you whatever you need (food, litter, ect), and will cover all the vet costs. You are merely the crash pad (and clean up crew) while they are responsible for coordinating vaccines and surgeries, as well as re-homing Mom and babies. 

I fully understand the allergies are a concern, but it will really only be Mom who gives you a problem. Kittens don't start producing dander for several months which is what most people are allergic to. So, the kittens shouldn't add to a flare up. And, many pet stores sell dander removing wipes for Mom that really help. Perhaps that, coupled with some OTC allergy medicine can get you through? It's a small price to pay for saving 6 lives and I think is worth at least considering. 

Overall I would say if you have a way to confine them this is by far the best option. If not, keep calling around to see if you can find someone else who will take them into foster. Don't think we are ignoring or downplaying what you have already done as it's far more than most people would do, she is just still at great risk. It's clear she chose you for a reason and you are her only hope of finding somewhere safe to stay and ending the cycle of her having to have litter after litter. Keep doing whatever you can to help this little one, even if it's just making a lot of phone calls! 
 
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