Momma and 3 Babies!

coco maui

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We rented a warehouse/shop back in November and I noticed alot of cats outside of it at night. I have seen about 20 different cats around the area! I have been putting out food and leftovers for them. About two weeks ago, I noticed that one of the "regular" cats was dragging her food over to one of the warehouse doors that was bent enough that she could crawl under it. Well, guess what came out of the door! 3 baby kittens! They are adorable! They look to be about 3-4 months old and are eating solid food, not nursing as far as I can tell. The are grey and white and have the cutest button noses! They are the spitting image of thier mother who is a very petite little cat.
We are getting rid of our shop in the next week or two! I want to help all four of them but have nowhere to take them, I don't want to take the kittens and leave the mother. I can't just leave them here. I don't know what to do at this point. i have read alot about trapping ferals but have never done it. And if I did trap them, where would I put them? I emailed two rescue groups in my area but havn't heard back from them yet.
Please help
 

ldg

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Ginger, I think you meant the kitties are 3-4 weeks old? If they're weaned but she's still feeding them, they're likely between 5 and 8 weeks old. At about 12 - 14 weeks old, they're usually off on their own and no longer living in the family group in that same way.

Best thing to do, until you hear back from any of the local groups, is to provide food for the family. They can't stay there for a few weeks? That way they'd learn what they need to from mum, they'd get used to regular feeding schedule, which helps with the trapping... the way TNR works, unfortunately, is that you trap the cats and return them to where they were found...Mom kitty really needs to be spayed, though we always like to wait until the kittens are about 12 weeks old in case she bolts after being returned/released. Kittens you can find homes for! Take pics, and post them at vets, pet stores - perhaps place an ad in the local paper, etc. Charge a small amount for adoption, and use an adoption agreement.

You're a sweety for wanting to help this family! The easiest solution, obviously, will be if any of the rescue groups can help. But in the meantime getting them used to a regular feeding time will help no matter what course you decide to take.

Unfortunately I don't have time to write more, but hopefully this will help for now.
 

hissy

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Ginger,

Bless you for caring. I don't know who you contacted but here are two resources that might also help you.

http://www.catcall.org/links.htm

http://www.strayaid.org/feral_colony.shtml


If you had a place to keep the kittens and the time to care for them, than I would say to capture them. But right now, let them stay with mom until someone who can care for them and give them a place intervenes. Start feeding mom Kitten Glop if you can, and try to feed her multiple times a day, good quality food. Provide fresh water for her and just keep an eye on the family.

Good luck!
 
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coco maui

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I think you meant the kitties are 3-4 weeks old? If they're weaned but she's still feeding them, they're likely between 5 and 8 weeks old. At about 12 - 14 weeks old, they're usually off on their own and no longer living in the family group in that same way.
I am not too sure how old they are, but they look like at least 2 months old. They are venturing away from the mother but the kittens are staying in a group. Momma cat is still around but she is not protective of them as she was a week or two ago.

I am having a hard time convincing myself that taking the kittens away from the mother is a good thing even if they are old enough. I am feeling that it will "hurt the mother's feelings" and she will be sad to have her babies taken away from her! Is that normal or am I just being over emotional about this?

The kittens know who I am and come over to my shop when I am outside. They are scared but they get closer and closer every day. The mother is getting brave also. I think that they may be young enough still to be socialized.

I will take some pics tonight and post them here and on some adoption sites to see if there is an interest.

Thanks for your help. I also heard back from a lady named Barb who rescues in my area. She is interested in helping me trap the cats and get them fixed! YAY!
 
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coco maui

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Thanks hissy! I emailed the second place that you gave me. Hopefull I hear back from them soon
 
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