Giving Up Kittens in Exchange for Having Mama Spayed

Having read your post abt separating moms from babies, I became a little weepy. 4 kittens arrived to first-time mama Gretschyn on 20 May. I have deliberately not bonded w the babis, bc as soon as they're taken to our (no-kill) shelter, the shelter keeps the babies & G. gets spayed at no charge. I hate the thought of G going through so much trauma! Seems that extra love is the solution. Glad I found this forum!

Must these babies go to a shelter? Are you unable to find good homes for them yourself? At least it is a no-kill shelter!

sarthur2 said:

Must these babies go to a shelter? Are you unable to find good homes for them yourself? At least it is a no-kill shelter!

Click to expand...

Having read your post abt separating moms from babies, I became a little weepy. 4 kittens arrived to first-time mama Gretschyn on 20 May. I have deliberately not bonded w the babis, bc as soon as they're taken

I have found a home for one of them. My problem is that I'm not a trusting soul. Irrational fears that they will be abused by new owners. The "homed" little guy will go to my best friend, who actually has Gretschyn's mom and grand-dad! A safe home. I would keep them if my flats didn't have a 3-pet limit.

It's always good practice to make sure kittens are going to a safe and loving home. I am glad you are being very careful.

@porcaro, you should really handle and love and bond with these babies as it will teach them to bond and love another human.  In fact the more you hand them around to your friends who are visiting as they grow older, the better they will become about strangers and the less fear they will have in the no-kill shelter.  It sounds as if you are acting as a foster for the kittens but will be keeping the mama cat yourself.  I have fostered for a local rescue as well as having my own rescue (much smaller than theirs) but I was never able to bring the kittens back in to the shelter to be adopted.  I always did it my usual way, but they had provided the spay and neuters for the kittens and I had their paperwork and the adoption fees went to them.  Still, I took them to their meet & greets in their new homes and hung around until they were comfortable.  Be sure to contact us again as your kittens get older and maybe we can help you work with your shelter so you can be a part of rehoming them.

Super advice! I've been trying not to bond so that parting will be easier, with the knowledge that mama Gretschyn will be spayed. One of the four took the decision out of my hands - when she hears my voice she comes trotting as fast as her tiny legs will carry her, and ends up climbing my pantleg. I'm calling her Grainne, for her grace.

Please keep us updated. :nod: P porcaro

As of yesterday all four have come out of hiding. Once they establish that Mama is nearby, they trot around, proud of their bravery. I am taking the advice of Red Top Rescue and showering them with love. ♡

Good for you!  Maybe Grainne will be staying with you and Gretschyn....in any case, she's learning to love & bond with humans now.