No sleep for weeks - it's my sanity or the cat.

catwoman707

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Feral cats are only feral to us, which simply means lack of human socialization/exposure.

Cats are all cats to one another.

She is a she, so there's no threat of any unneutered male cats hurting her or intimidating her away from their territory and mate, so my guess would be it's an unneutered male looking for a mate, and he may be aggressive about it too.

If he were to actually corner her and mount her, which likely will not happen, but if he did, he would bite down on her neck to hold her down, which can cause injury, especially with her being so small.

Sorry but that would be enough for me, I'd keep her inside only. She's small, she will handle it.
 

catwoman707

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In answer of your first post, the only real answer is for her to learn that nighttime/dark is for sleeping, and this can only be accomplished at her age by crating her with a sheet or cover over the top of it during the night sleep time.

I have a cat rescue group, and what I call my cat room, a seperate from the house room where I have crated kittens and cats in recovery.

They all learn that at night, the light goes off, and it's sleep time. Kittens and all, and adapt beautifully this way, and on to become night sleepers through their lives as well.

Perfect training, and the adopters have commented many times to me in reply to my follow up email to them, asking how everything is going.

They are always suprised when the kitten they adopted already knows it's sleeptime at night :)
 
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auri

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"...so my guess would be it's an unneutered male looking for a mate, and he may be aggressive about it too.
If he were to actually corner her and mount her, which likely will not happen...
I thought she was too young to trigger any mating instincts?  Isn't there some kind of cut-off age between "kitten" and "possible mate"?

And why do you think it likely won't happen?  Is it that he won't be able to corner her, or would choose not to mount her?  Sorry for the detailed follow-up.  It's almost midnight here but I'm still wide awake thinking about this problem.
 

catwoman707

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I thought she was too young to trigger any mating instincts?  Isn't there some kind of cut-off age between "kitten" and "possible mate"?

And why do you think it likely won't happen?  Is it that he won't be able to corner her, or would choose not to mount her?  Sorry for the detailed follow-up.  It's almost midnight here but I'm still wide awake thinking about this problem.
Yes, she is too young to attract males, but there are males out there who will attempt to mate with other males, especially younger, teenagers, anyone will do!

This is the only reason for another cat to be chasing after her. Females will not, as they recognize her kittenhood more than anything, but a male would.

I said it would probably not happen due to the fact that she wouldn't allow it, however there's certainly no guarantees here, especially due to her small size, only that if it were to happen, she would be too young to get pregnant at 10 weeks.

Even in tiny newborn babies, there are males out there who are serious about guarding their territory to the extent of actually killing the male babies, to eliminate any future territory threats, and attempting to mount the female babies, which obviously kills them as an attempt to 'claim' them as his.
 
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red top rescue

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If I were you, I would leave her inside when you are away.  Most cats adjust to that.  You can let her out when you are there to protect her.  You were lucky this time.  Also, in preparation for bringing her home, you should check the import rules.  I know if a cat is vaccinated for rabies and microchipped and you have the records, there is no problem traveling most anywhere.  However, if that is NOT the case, you might get stopped and the cat confiscated.  This almost happened to a friend of mine WITHIN the United States because she lives in Bermuda and had picked up a cat at a motel here.  She rushed around to get it vaccinated and a health certificate to take it to Bermuda, but because it had JUST been vaccinated, there was going to be a holding period in Bermuda and the cat would be caged in an animal control facility.  Because of that she called me from the airport and had me come get the cat and then arranged to ship the cat to her sister in Michigan.  So be prepared to know what you need to leave there and to come here. Also, get a carrier that can go under your seat.  You definitely don not want her in the baggage compartment!  Also, some airlines will only allow a limited number of animals in the cabin so it is best to reserve your space for that too.  Some have an additional charge of $50 or so too but worth it for the peace of mind.
 

catmomma627

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I'm not sure about mating instincts, as I've never been around an intact male that is more than 6 months old. I would keep her inside however, it's just not worth it.

But, as far as carriers go, couldn't you order something of say amazon and have it shipped to Ghana? As quick google search says they do ship to Africa. If I was you I would get a small soft sided carrier that you can put under the seat in front of you.

How old is?
 
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auri

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I'm shocked that they would allow cats in the cabin of a plane!  What about allergies, and the potential for 8 hours of non-stop meowing?  The smell of pee or poo when the frightened cat relieves itself? 

Thanks for the intel on male adult cats.  It's good to know that females won't bother her - that's 50% fewer ferals to worry about.  It is scary to think about a male biting her neck and trying to pin her.  I doubt she could get away.  We'll work on coming inside as soon as the sun goes down :(
 

catwoman707

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I would definitely tend to only allow her out when she can be supervised or at least have an open door to escape if needed.

This will keep happening to her.

There are dangers to her if this happens, the spread of things you can't see going on like fiv and felv especially felv, both through bites. The infection the bite may cause is concerning too.

Just not a good thing all around, she's too young and small to get away or protect herself.
 
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catmomma627

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You'd probably have to check for sure with your airline, but I think they allow them in the cabin as long as the bag meets requirements. I've never flown a cat, but when I was reading reviews for this big (which I ultimate bought) Lots of people where mentioning how they flew their cats in it, and it was nice because they could reach their hands in and comfort the animals through the top opening.


Every person I've ever talked to says to NOT check a small animal, because it's much safer for them to be with you!
 
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red top rescue

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They have to be in a carrier that fits under your seat.  I've never flown 8 hours but I've flown 5 hours.  You can use incontinence pads or diapers in the carrier.  Also, if the plane is not crowded, you can move to a seat where there's no one net to you and you can hold them sometimes.  Mostly they will sleep, but an 8-hour trip is a bit long.  I've driven 8-10 hours in a car with them in their carriers and they never pee or poop until we get to the motel and they get out and get a litter box.  I put catnip in the carriers before I leave.  I would suggest checking with the Ethical Breeders Forum on here because they travel all over with show cats and they also ship cats so they should have a much better idea of the current travel rules than I do. 
 

Willowy

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It's possible they won't allow you to take her in the cabin; I'm not sure if they allow in-cabin pets on such long international flights. If they do, yes, use something absorbent in the bottom of the carrier. Call the airline to make sure you get the right kind of carrier (I think the airlines sell them too). You'll have to have a vet write a health certificate and do a rabies shot in a certain time frame. I think this info is available online. The city with the international airport should have a vet who can do the certificate and vaccine. I don't think meowing will be much of a problem---planes are loud, so only the people in your immediate vicinity should be able to hear her. . .I don't know, maybe offer to pay for their headphones? :D

One thing that could be a problem is if she goes into heat at a young age. I don't think visibly pregnant animals can fly, and kittens under 8 weeks are not allowed, so it could be a real problem if she got pregnant :/. Hopefully she'll be a late bloomer.
 
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fluffybeard

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You've already have really good advice here, but I just wanted to say I know just how you feel! Hang in there! I took in a 4/5 week old orphan and it was two months before I could sleep through the night. I really did feel like I was going insane! Mine even bit my face as I was sleeping to get me up. Luckily they don't stay kittens for very long (but once they are grown we miss the naughty little kittens, Lol!).

The ignoring thing is the only thing that worked for me! Took awhile, but soon I was just waking up cause I was nervous of squishing him rather than him actually waking me up by being playful, lol!
 

catmomma627

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In light of what Willowy said, keeping her in is best. If she gets pregnant you'll be in a tight spot.
 

stewball

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Not just pregnant but attacked by another cat. Are there dogs there too?
 

teddytimble

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Hello

Kittens are very playful, she wants to play with you because she does not have any other brothers or sisters to play with, she is only doing what kittens do.  Years ago when I had two kittens I used to put them in their "own bedroom" the thumping and bumping in the night. went on for ages because they just wanted to play, I know from what you say you do not have this option.  I have never been in your situation but I would not scold the kitten, kittens need to be socialised with people  to make them a better pet, I am sorry I cannot be more helpful and hope you manage to get some sleep.
 

catwoman707

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Just a quick comment on the hand biting and why, when kittens are very young and have siblings, they begin to play with each other around 4 weeks old, it's very cute to watch, they get their ears in the play position, (upright and forward) and will very gently run up and tap on anothers tail or something, this is the beginning, it advances to the wrestling point, pouncing and tackling, and the underdog will scream out and it signals the upper guy to release. They let go and go after it again, over and over, this is how they learn to interact with other cats, AND that their bites have a limit.

When a kitten goes through the early weeks as an only kitten, or is away from it's siblings too young, they never learn that the biting has limits. 

The advice you have recieved on how to change this before adulthood is good. If you are playing and are bitten, pull your hands away and hide them under your arms or something, and sharply say NO! And then ignore for a minute.

When it happens again, same thing, kittens are smart enough to associate the negative sound of your voice, as well as the abrupt STOP of playtime, to learn quickly they do not like the negative side, they want to play and not be shunned. It only takes ignoring for 1 minute, their brains don't last much longer and will think he's neglected! haha

Good luck, you're doing an awesome job!

Oh, and your post #14 comment about this is the first site you found where people are so kind and helpful, well we love hearing that!

It's what makes us stick around and become regulars here :)

Glad we all have helped :)
 

lilin

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I just wanted to say you should be SO proud of yourself for working so hard to be able to keep this cat. In your situation, I don't know that anyone would have blamed you for any course of action you might of taken, but the fact that you've worked so hard at it with so few resources is touching.

If I were you, I would call and/or HEAVILY research the rules for bringing an animal from Ghana to the US. I'm going to guess they are much more strict than if you were coming in from another developed nation. Just to bring my cat from the US to Europe, she needs a microchip and a rabies shot. If she is missing either, she will have to be quarantined. I'd guess either of those things, or whatever else is required, will be hard for you to get your hands on.

So please be prepared EARLY for what you might have to do, and let us know if you need any help. I, for one, would be willing to help out to try to make this happen.

If she's about 10 weeks, you don't need to worry about her getting pregnant yet, but in a couple months, you will. At that point, if not sooner, I would keep her inside all the time. She'll adjust to it, don't worry. The risks of her getting pregnant -- to herself, to your food supply, to being able to transport her -- are just too high. And get her spayed as soon as you can (I am guessing that's hard or impossible to do where you are, but have a look around, and if not, when you get back to the US).

Again, thank you for all of your compassion, both in your humanitarian work and towards this lucky little kitty, and do keep us up to date. I'm glad she's bugging you a bit less at night.
 
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auri

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Hi all!  I don't know if anyone will still be checking back on my story here, but I wanted to give a (final?) update:

The kitten - now 14 weeks old - has calmed down immensely.  I don't know what changed.  It seems like only a few weeks ago that I was tearing my hair out, but I guess time really flies!  She is currently curled into a tiny ball on my lap, purring up a storm.  She still consistently wakes me up at dawn, but not at all during the night.  I can deal with that.

She's using her litter box consistently, biting less, and getting noticeably bigger!  I should have expected that last one, but it's so rewarding to see her growing up :)  I know having to deal with a dependent has been a growing experience for me. 

I've looked into vaccination requirements and there don't seem to be any at all.  Here's the US Customs site (https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/56/~/pets---cats) and USDA Imports (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/ourfocus/importexport).  I will definitely be getting her spayed ASAP when I get home to the states.

I've looked into flights and - wow! - I can bring her in the cabin with me!  So relieved about that.  Now our only obstacle is getting an "airline cabin approved" carrier.  Unfortunately, Amazon.com doesn't deliver to Ghana...

Thanks again to everyone for your help and input.  I was (and am) so new and ignorant about cat ownership.  I could not have done this without this forum - seriously.  I don't know what would have happened to us - the cat and me - without www.thecatsite.com

PS: Since it's just the two of us, I haven't needed to call her anything other than "kitten", "sweety", or sometimes "punk" - the villagers certainly don't care about my cat's name.  So, at 14 weeks, it's still not quite decided.  BUT here are some pictures of the as-yet-unnamed kitten:

  Our first night together: 5 weeks

  Looking dignified: 12 weeks
 

fhicat

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I'm so so so happy to hear that! Lots of kittens are "punks", and as they grow up, they learn from their moms (whether that be their moms or you!) what is and is not unacceptable. This one learnt fast.

Tear of joy for a happy ending, and looking forward to hear more of "punk"'s story and antiques as she grows.

EDIT: Antiques? Antics. I shouldn't hope that she becomes an antique. o_O
 
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