Affectionate Stray Mother Cat?

[VetNurseFoster123]

Hi I am currently fostering a Mother cat and her 3 babies. They are starting to wean so approximately 3-4 weeks old. The mother and babies came to us as a stray who was suspected of being feral. About 1 week ago.

I have noticed however that mum is VERY affectionate however. She is a good mum and so far only shows aggression when other cats are around or when someone touches her babies. I was able to hold her to take blood for an FIV/FELV test today.

I was wondering if her extreme affection (head bumps, purring, rubbing up against me) is odd for a feeding mother. Is it hormonal and once she is desexed should I expect/prepare for her to be less kind and loving?

 

[di and bob]

She is so loving because she is a stray, not a feral ( one born in the wild and having little to no human contact and no socialization.) A true feral would literally climb the walls to get away from you, and would attack at a moments notice because of the fear they have for humans. She was most likely dumped, and had to fend for herself in the wild for a while. That she trusts you enough to head bump, and allow you to hold her is very telling, even after all she has been through she wants to be friends. So no, I don't think she will change after she is spayed, she has that kind of personality. In fact after she loses the stress of having to nurse and protect her babies she will most likely increase her friendly behavior. Nursing mothers often become aggressive or very anxious/fearful towards humans and other animals.
Bless your heart for taking care of her, I wish you all only the very best!Keep us posted on how you are doing!

 

[Sarthur2]

I agree 100% with what Di and Bob said above. She will make a wonderful, loving house cat for someone!

 

[VetNurseFoster123]

Thank you so much for this. She is pretty lovely so I am glad to hear positive feedback. I will certainly keep you updated on their progress. I am spending a lot of time on socialisation and play at the moment so that everyone will hopefully have good temperaments when it is time to re-home.
Another question: today she “adopted” a stray 2-3 week old tabby male. We were going to house him with her babies so that he can socialise better and he began to feed from her. So far she is healthy and FIV/FELV free. Is it okay if she and her babies adopt him into the family?

 

[StefanZ]

There is one mechanism, happening often with homeless cat moms. The need to please themselves in, to be sure her children gets appropriate help.
Still, entirely honest or somewhat sneaky opportunism. the friendliness is there, and even if someone proved she is a semiferal for real, such a cat is a given candidate for fostering and adoption.

So, no TNR here, but try and find her a good adoption home after everything is done. She will surely become a marvellous loving home cat. If not immediately so soon enough.

Also, cats whom did experienced hardships, and become adopted to a good home, tend to be grateful and be even more friendly to the new owner. She may be shy to visitors, but will be loving with the family and residents.

Tx for helping her and her children!

 

[Sarthur2]

Oh yes, it’s excellent if she is willing to adopt the orphan, and wonderful for the kitten to have a mom.

The kittens should ideally stay with mom for 12 weeks for maximum socialization and adjustment, though they can be spayed and neutered at 8 weeks or 2 pounds.

We would love to see pictures!