I can't believe it, now I have to catch a litter of kittens.

I feel for you. When we brought in the mom & kittens that were born under our neighbor's deck - we had her spayed but so feral she had to be released as a TNR feral. We did bring the kittens in and socialize them (through a slllloooooooowwwww process). But the poor mom cat (we call her "Maddie") cried horribly for almost 2 full nights. It was so gutwrenching that both made myself and my husband very tempted to release the kittens back out. The only reason in the end that we didn't was it was a Friday when we released her so we couldn't take the kittens in until that Monday to be spayed/neutered before releasing. And by Monday - she'd stopped howling and searching. But oh  my lord - that was awful to listen to! I felt so bad!!!

But in the long run - it worked out so well. Each of the three kittens found wonderful homes.

And I can also attest to the fact that kittens in particular are very forgiving. That last set I described - they didn't get set back too far after their first vet visit. I too was really worried about that. And I feel like it might have set things back a day or so. But within a few days they were back to where they'd started when they left. 

I'm going through the same "drive yourself crazy" trying to decide -we've got a teeny little 10 month old kitten that we TNR'd last fall -  but for some reason, a few weeks ago (after refusing to get any closer than 20 or 30 feet away) she walked right up, took chicken from  my hand, and in an hour she was on my lap purring!  But now I have to decide how i want to do things...and like you, worry about which step to do when. 

I'm sure they'll be absolutely fine after the vet visit. One trick - cover the cat carrier with large towels/blanket --something to make it more "cave like". They'll get a lot less stressed if covered.

And hopefully you can get momma cat somehow and spay her - because any day now (or even already) she'll be able to get pregnant again.  

Keep us all posted!

MsAimee said:

 
Yes, cats are resilient and very forgiving towards us humans. Especially kittens! Even if they are more skittish than normal after the vet visit, within 24 hours, they'll be themselves again. They will likely be back to normal within a few hours. I've had my two geriatric, domestic cats for 13-14 years, and they still put up a royal fuss during vet visits--yowling in the car and office (especially my siamese), drooling, peeing in the cat carrier, followed by running and hiding from me for hours when we get home! By the end of the day, they're back on my bed, wanting to be petted. I wouldn't be concerned about impeding your progess with these kittens--you're the one who feeds them and plays with them, and they know it. Veterinary visits are a part of a pet's life, and something they have to get used to and deal with, though cats will never like it!

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That's so true, it is a necessary part of life, like it or not.  I've never met a cat that enjoyed vet visits, but I am fortunate that Phoebe handles it by going into a catatonic state ( ) until the whole ordeal is over.  Vivi threatens murder once I've gotten her zipped into the carrier.  At least she doesn't pee    

Should I tactfully remind them that I provide the food and toys before stuffing them unceremoniously into carriers?    I apparently provide hair clips, too, since I awoke last night to a bunch of kittens having a party with my now partially-destroyed hair clip.  And nose and tongue smudges all over my kindle.  Someone forgot to inform me that falling asleep in the company of kittens is living dangerously. 

kittychick said:

 
I feel for you. When we brought in the mom & kittens that were born under our neighbor's deck - we had her spayed but so feral she had to be released as a TNR feral. We did bring the kittens in and socialize them (through a slllloooooooowwwww process). But the poor mom cat (we call her "Maddie") cried horribly for almost 2 full nights. It was so gutwrenching that both made myself and my husband very tempted to release the kittens back out. The only reason in the end that we didn't was it was a Friday when we released her so we couldn't take the kittens in until that Monday to be spayed/neutered before releasing. And by Monday - she'd stopped howling and searching. But oh  my lord - that was awful to listen to! I felt so bad!!!

But in the long run - it worked out so well. Each of the three kittens found wonderful homes.

And I can also attest to the fact that kittens in particular are very forgiving. That last set I described - they didn't get set back too far after their first vet visit. I too was really worried about that. And I feel like it might have set things back a day or so. But within a few days they were back to where they'd started when they left. 

I'm going through the same "drive yourself crazy" trying to decide -we've got a teeny little 10 month old kitten that we TNR'd last fall -  but for some reason, a few weeks ago (after refusing to get any closer than 20 or 30 feet away) she walked right up, took chicken from  my hand, and in an hour she was on my lap purring!  But now I have to decide how i want to do things...and like you, worry about which step to do when. 

I'm sure they'll be absolutely fine after the vet visit. One trick - cover the cat carrier with large towels/blanket --something to make it more "cave like". They'll get a lot less stressed if covered.

And hopefully you can get momma cat somehow and spay her - because any day now (or even already) she'll be able to get pregnant again.  

Keep us all posted!

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I was lucky in that mama cat went grief-crazy that one night and then she just sort of disappeared into the wind for a few days.  (Though, of course, I was still extremely worried about her and could only hope for the best.)  Whenever I see her, which isn't every day because she's more fond of late night visits, I put out a special meal for her.  I don't know when I'll stop feeling guilty about what I put her through.  (I know it was all for the best, but still.)

How cool is it that your TNR kitten is warming up to you!  It's funny how progress can happen in unexpectedly giant leaps with cats.  They're so unpredictable!  That's what I keep hoping for, that if I'm patient and persistent, some day soon we'll have a major breakthrough.  I've already been surprised by Tyger, who hated me the most when I brought them inside.  He used to give me a look that said TRAITOR! every time I'd glance his way, and now he seems to really enjoy a little petting (if in the right mood).  Tavi, who seemed like he'd be the fastest to warm to me, likes to smack my hand and spit at me when he thinks I'm too close.  At least he's feeling more confident 

I have big soft-sided carriers that vent at the top through thick mesh, so it should be pretty cozy in there.  I always look for the carriers with optional panels over sides and doors when it's time to buy a new one.  Vivi has taught me that you can never take too many precautions when dealing with a cat that is seriously averse to being confined in a carrier.  

Mama cat is a project in the works...as are all the adults.  I just need to find someone who can assist me.  A friend is trying to track down a spay/neuter advocacy group she *thinks* will do TNRs.   

Thanks to both of you for easing my mind!  I think we'll be all right now.