Feral cat "couple"?

mrs. umm

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It's a long story, but the short version is about two feral cats who have been hanging around, one male and one female. The male we can't get closer than 2 or 3 feet from, but the female will come up to us if we sit or stand still and soak up the lovin'. She also meows outside the bedroom window if we stir inside. She first appeared with a group of cats--two "teenage moms" and three kittens--but wouldn't come in with the rest of them (those five have since been checked out by a vet, given rabies shots and placed in caring homes). This one appeared to be nursing, as were the other two moms (maybe one of the kittens was hers?). She was very skittish before but now she's very affectionate (outside--won't come in). Which makes me wonder if she's pregnant. How can you tell for sure and how do we get her to the vet to fix it (I'd hate to bring her in the house and have her climbing the walls until we can get an appointment)? And the male . . .?
Thanks for any suggestions!!
 

tnr1

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Originally Posted by Mrs. Umm

It's a long story, but the short version is about two feral cats who have been hanging around, one male and one female. The male we can't get closer than 2 or 3 feet from, but the female will come up to us if we sit or stand still and soak up the lovin'. She also meows outside the bedroom window if we stir inside. She first appeared with a group of cats--two "teenage moms" and three kittens--but wouldn't come in with the rest of them (those five have since been checked out by a vet, given rabies shots and placed in caring homes). This one appeared to be nursing, as were the other two moms (maybe one of the kittens was hers?). She was very skittish before but now she's very affectionate (outside--won't come in). Which makes me wonder if she's pregnant. How can you tell for sure and how do we get her to the vet to fix it (I'd hate to bring her in the house and have her climbing the walls until we can get an appointment)? And the male . . .?
Thanks for any suggestions!!
Honestly, since she is an outdoor cat....it will be difficult to "know" whether she is pregnant unless you feel kittens moving and if she isn't...that just leaves open an opportunity for her to become pregnant. In this situation I would suggest you trap her and take her to a vet...regardless of whether she is pregnant or not the goal should be to have her spayed (many vets familiar with feral cats will spay a pregnant cat). I would contact this group and ask if they know of a location near you that can provide you with a humane trap:

http://www.voiceforanimals.net/vfamilton.asp

and these groups in Massachussettes:

http://www.alleycat.org/orgs.html#ma

The same goes for the male. He should be trapped, taken to a vet and neutered..then you can determine whether to release him back outdoors or try to socialize him. For more information on TNR, you can visit the Alley Cat Allies website:

http://www.alleycat.org/resources.html

Thanks for caring for these cats.

Katie
 
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