Fostering a pregnant cat

I did this for the first time last September & it was an amazing experience. The cat had 3 kittens & everyone did very well. To me what was the most amazing thing is trying to imagine how a cat gives birth outside. When my mommy cat left the birthing box to feed herself her kittens went bonkers with anxiety until she returned. Even when I picked them up for a few seconds they would scream for mommy. So how the heck does a nursing mother cat leave her kittens outside in order to find some food for herself? And how long can she stay away from the nest?

I can't even imagine how a cat would give birth in the winter here in CT. It's got to be so hard to keep everyone warm & clean. And safe from a myriad of predators. My 3 tiny kittens were so very vulnerable. I don't even want to think of their fate if mommy hadn't been rescued 2 weeks before their birth.

That is probably why the fatality rate of feral kittens is so high.  Kudos to you for saving these kitties!

I lived on an island for 6 years and got to see first hand, up close how well animals are able to care for themselves in nature. It is safe for you and the kittens to just relax and trust that mommy's instincts. She will leave for long periods sometimes and short ones, others. But SHE will always know exactly how long. Now, if things go wrong, you're right there and you'll sense it and do what you can to help the situation, but relax. Those kitties are in good paws!!!!