Outside kitty brought in with new kittens.

lisastuber · May 17, 2016

Our friendly little outside cat who used to be feral got herself pregnant before I had spay money. I had no idea how far along she was...And three days ago I went out to feed her and there she was in her storage tub bed,with three babies!We didn't want to leave them outside,there are more strays in our area. So we put mom and babies in a large cage in my daughter's room. Momma cat has been totally fine and calm and roams the house when I let her out. My question is...We have two spayed female inside cats,and the youngest just loves momma cat and lays by the cage most of the day,and plays with her.Our older cat just ignores them and seems a bit cranky. Will we be able to leave the cage open eventually so momma isn't so confined?Or put babies in a large box? I don't have any experience with older cats and another cat's babies. Thanks!

StefanZ · May 18, 2016

lisastuber said:
Our friendly little outside cat who used to be feral got herself pregnant before I had spay money. I had no idea how far along she was...And three days ago I went out to feed her and there she was in her storage tub bed,with three babies!We didn't want to leave them outside,there are more strays in our area. So we put mom and babies in a large cage in my daughter's room. Momma cat has been totally fine and calm and roams the house when I let her out. My question is...We have two spayed female inside cats,and the youngest just loves momma cat and lays by the cage most of the day,and plays with her.Our older cat just ignores them and seems a bit cranky. Will we be able to leave the cage open eventually so momma isn't so confined?Or put babies in a large box? I don't have any experience with older cats and another cat's babies. Thanks!

It should go OK, esp the younger indoor cat will surely wanna to be a helping mom. If the older isnt hostile, it shouldnt be problems with her either.

BUT if you notice momma dont wants her near, you must separate them.

Good if you weight the kittens every day, so you see if they gain properly. This is also a way for a quick look see, so you can notice possible problems. Alike fleas, for example.

Sarthur2 · May 18, 2016

If at all possible, I suggest leaving the cage door open so mom can at least walk around the bedroom when not caring for the kittens. Just close the bedroom door so they are safe in there. You can even try the larger box now, though mama may not want the babies moved again yet.

It sounds like your younger cat is interested in making friends, which is great!

So kind of you to bring them in! I would do the same. Do you have plans to spay mom eventually?

lisastuber · May 18, 2016

Yes! I have already contacted a rescue group who will be giving us a voucher for her when it's time.

lisastuber · May 18, 2016

I will have to move them out of her room pretty soon,they are keeping my daughter awake lol.

Sarthur2 · May 18, 2016

Oh dear! Do you have another room you can put them in for now? Even a laundry room, or your room perhaps?

That's great that you'll be getting a voucher from a rescue for her spay! [emoji]128077[/emoji]

Mamanyt1953 · May 18, 2016

It's an excellent sign that your younger cat and Mama get along well already. And the older one ignoring the entire situation is not a bad thing. I would not worry unless you saw signs of active aggression or heightened nervousness on the part of any of the cats. Keep Mama and babies as isolated as possible until the kittens are a bit older. Once they're out of the nest and scampering around, and starting to wean, then you might starting slowing and carefully introducing them to the others. If younger cat and Mama have formed a bond, Mama may well introduce the kittens to her on her own.

lisastuber · May 18, 2016

Momma spends most of her time with babies right now

I did move thier cage into the hallway so my daughter can get some sleep. I left it open,supervised of course,for a few hours today and everything was good. She's a really "chill" but good momma.

lisastuber · May 18, 2016

Momma cat is wanting to go outside,and is trying hard to get out of the cage at night! What do I do??

StefanZ · May 18, 2016

lisastuber said:
Momma cat is wanting to go outside,and is trying hard to get out of the cage at night! What do I do??

Its quite possible she is in heat again. So dont let her out whatever you do! The risk she gets into problems while out on adventures, and blinded by the hormones, is high. Also, you dont want her to come back home with new bacteria strains.

Sarthur2 · May 18, 2016

You do NOT let her outside at all. You can, however, let her out of her cage if she is closed in a room with her kittens. She may be in heat. It is not advisable that she be allowed out at all. If she is in heat, it will pass in a week. She'll need to then be spayed.

Again, she needs to stay closed in a room with her babies no matter what. She'll have to deal with it.

She should not be closed in a cage. Just in a room with her kittens but she can roam the room. Cats do not do well caged.

lisastuber · May 19, 2016

She's only caged for a few hours at night,and it's a huge cage. She's now roaming the house doing fine,and goes in my daughter's room if I leave. It's all we can do right now besides put them outside,and I'm Not doing that! She was a outside kitty for quite awhile,I thought she might just be missing it. Either way I won't let her out!

StefanZ · May 19, 2016

lisastuber said:
She's only caged for a few hours at night,and it's a huge cage. She's now roaming the house doing fine,and goes in my daughter's room if I leave. It's all we can do right now besides put them outside,and I'm Not doing that! She was a outside kitty for quite awhile,I thought she might just be missing it. Either way I won't let her

Cats whom were homeless, have usually much easier to adapt to a life as pure indoors, compared with home cats who are allowed to go out and back in whenever they please. For home cats being outside is a pleasure, if it gets unpleasant they can always run back home. While homeless cats do KNOW it is often unpleasant and rought out there...

Sarthur2 · May 19, 2016

Okay, it sounds like it's working out. I'm glad she will not be going back out again. [emoji]128522[/emoji]

lisastuber · May 19, 2016

Yes!

It's been a chore,but worth it to keep them safe and healthy. Momma cat may have to go back out after she's spayed and kittens have homes. My husband is not a cat lover and I was shocked he allowed them all in now! My daughter and I would have 20 cat's if we could!

Sarthur2 · May 19, 2016

Maybe she can be indoor/outdoor after she is spayed. [emoji]128521[/emoji]

Husbands can surprise us at times! [emoji]128077[/emoji]

Mamanyt1953 · May 19, 2016

If Mama has to go back out, you can make her a snug cat house out of a large rubbermaid container lined with 1" styrofoam to insulate. Just cut a hole for the door. Cut it so that it has a 2"-3" lip, that will keep groundwater out. If you make it now, she can be getting used to it while she raises her kittens. That way you know she will be safe and warm and happy.

handsome kitty · May 19, 2016

I hate to mention this but your cats should not be interacting with the outdoor cat and kittens until she has been tested for FIV and FeLV. She could also be carrying other diseases that she can pass on to your cats. She should have her own litter box in case she has giardia. You should talk to your vet about a safe worming medicene for nursing moms as well.

lisastuber · May 19, 2016

I appreciate your concern. She has been to the vet.

lisastuber · May 20, 2016

Momma cat has dried milk around her nipples and she is a long hair. Is it ok to clean her tummy up with a clean warm cloth? It seems to be making it harder for babies to latch on. And they are pretty much only nursing from four of her nipples. (?)

Outside kitty brought in with new kittens.

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