Question a couple kittens I found

These two were in the bushes out by my front door. I know the mother is a feral cat. My question is do they look old enough to eat solid food ? 

Do they have teeth? Have you checked for fleas?

Thank you for taking them in!

kittypa

Try wet food and kitten chow. They look old enough. They need a blanket and a plush toy to cuddle. Feed them 6 times a day and leave dry food down 24/7. They also need a litter box with non-clumping litter. They look very sweet! [emoji]128522[/emoji]

Well they ate a bit, so that is answered. I got a large dog carrier to keep them in temporarily. They're in our bedroom to keep them segregated from our other kitties. This is difficult. It is improvise and do what we can. 

You could have a little cat igloo or similiar, so they can have as a hidey hole - and yet can be reached if necessary. 

I see you DID thought in this direction, by lying a blanket on the cage, so its a little darker and cozy for them.

Good you took them in now - its one of the few exceptions from the holy "absolute minimum 8 weeks" rule - NOW they will be much more easier fostered and socialized than 8+ weeks...

The other exception is of course dire necessity...

@KittyPa

Thank you for the replies. I'm really stressed out about this. This morning I saw the mama sitting where I found them waiting for them to show up. It broke my heart, I'll trap her and have her spayed so this doesn't happen again. 

kittypa

Can you bring the mama kitty in with her kittens for now?

That is sad. [emoji]128546[/emoji]

StefanZ said:

 
You could have a little cat igloo or similiar, so they can have as a hidey hole - and yet can be reached if necessary. 

@KittyPa

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They aren't using the bed, so I think I'll use that space and make a little room with a box about that size. I got some cheap towels from Big Lots for their floor.

sarthur2 said:

@KittyPa

Can you bring the mama kitty in with her kittens for now?

That is sad. [emoji]128546[/emoji]

Click to expand...

No, she's feral and will run off. I don't really want her in the house anyways because I'm afraid of putting my other cats at risk. I was tempted to release the kittens to her, but I know their chances are not good out there, and if they do defy the odds they will just make more kittens... 

Here we go. 

Excellent.   Next step, when they have landed and realize there is no real threat and nobody is mean, is to being and socialize them more actively.   This phase will follow soon, dont wait too long.

  You will get ideas in the Ferale and Stray forums.

But a couple of tricks may be to brush them with a toothbrush or other suitable brush.  May be alike mommas licks, may also be over the body in long strokes.

Talk a lot with friendly, soft tone, make friendly sounds.  Its a very potent language with cats.

In the beginning touch them with for example, wooden spoons - it feels soft and warm.

Next step may be to carry them at your chest.   A receipt is to wrap them up alike a burrito in a thick but soft towel, carry at your chest, singing and crooning...  A good while!  Perhaps even a full our if they dont protest...   After a couple of such sessions the deed is done...  

This trick is very potent with young kittens, but may be tried with older kittens too.

At this age the fostering shoulndnt be too difficult.

Next step is the  vet tomorrow morning. They're not eating enough so I'm concerned. I also want to deworm and treat for fleas. I'm concerned about the little tuxedo kitty, it's about half the size of the other one. 

But thank you for your reply and advice. I will spend more time with them. 

This little one is so adorable. 

kittypa

The black one may need bottles of kitten formula at this age. They are still quite young, and have just been separated from their mom. They are accustomed to nursing. For that matter, both would probably benefit from bottles of KMR.

Also try Gerber turkey and chicken baby food.

sarthur2 said:

@KittyPa

The black one may need bottles of kitten formula at this age. They are still quite young, and have just been separated from their mom. They are accustomed to nursing. For that matter, both would probably benefit from bottles of KMR.

Also try Gerber turkey and chicken baby food.

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Thank you. I tried a bottle of formula per instructions but he wouldn't take it. I put a small dish of goats milk in there and I'll try some in a bottle in a while.

Sometimes it takes a few tries to get them to take a bottle, especially when they were accustomed to mom. Or even to lap formula. Sudden change for them. Mom brought them up to you though, because they are close to being ready to wean.

I do hope you can trap mom soon and get her spayed, or she'll be pregnant again.

We had a good trip to the vet. They are healthy, FELV/FIV negative, treated for worms and fleas, and are eating. Little Tuxedo kitty actually came to me this afternoon.

 It was a good day.  

Wonderful! [emoji]128149[/emoji]

How soon do you think you can trap their mom?

sarthur2 said:

Wonderful! [emoji]128149[/emoji]

How soon do you think you can trap their mom?

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Just in case there are more kittens I'm going to give her a couple more weeks. They're so tiny I don't want to make them orphans for a day yet.