- Joined
- Aug 11, 2014
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- 5
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Here's the situation: As I was walking into a convenience store, I watched a stray/feral Siamese drop a small kitten into a storm drain. I investigated and found she had set up her den in the drain pipes. She has two small kittens in there that won't be able to get out until they're older. The thing is -- the entire parking lot dumps all run off into that one small area. If it starts to rain, the kittens will have no chance. The volume of water will be massive. On the advice of our vet, I've provided food and water and the kittens have become somewhat accustomed to me. The mom stays a foot or two away, but she'll eat the food I bring. In fact, she's been ravenous -- she pushes the kittens out of the way to eat. I know that's to be expected, but I wanted to explain the situation.
And, yes, the kittens have been eating the wet food I bring, even though I believe they're still nursing.
I believe I can lure the kittens into a carrier to get them out. I'm not sure if I can with the mother. The depth of the drain, the small size of it, and the fact there are two pipes she can disappear into make it so she can get away anytime, and we'd have a hard time using a trap.
I've contacted a rescue group, but they've been slow to respond. Same with the humane society. We don't want the kittens or mother to be put down or die -- and we're willing to foster them if need be and pay for the mother to be fixed and checked by the vet.
So, I need advice or encouragement or whatever. This has been crazy stressful. My wife and I are literally losing sleep over it. We can't find help, and I'm not sure what to do. The options seem to be to try and capture the kittens and mom, but failing that take the kittens from their mother -- or, let them drown in the next storm. Forecasts are calling for rain early in the week. I'd like to also add, the area is really busy with lots of vehicles, people walking by, and the like. It's a pretty dangerous area for them.
Any suggestions? I'm in Tampa, FL, by the way. Please ask any questions -- I'd love any advice or support.
And, yes, the kittens have been eating the wet food I bring, even though I believe they're still nursing.
I believe I can lure the kittens into a carrier to get them out. I'm not sure if I can with the mother. The depth of the drain, the small size of it, and the fact there are two pipes she can disappear into make it so she can get away anytime, and we'd have a hard time using a trap.
I've contacted a rescue group, but they've been slow to respond. Same with the humane society. We don't want the kittens or mother to be put down or die -- and we're willing to foster them if need be and pay for the mother to be fixed and checked by the vet.
So, I need advice or encouragement or whatever. This has been crazy stressful. My wife and I are literally losing sleep over it. We can't find help, and I'm not sure what to do. The options seem to be to try and capture the kittens and mom, but failing that take the kittens from their mother -- or, let them drown in the next storm. Forecasts are calling for rain early in the week. I'd like to also add, the area is really busy with lots of vehicles, people walking by, and the like. It's a pretty dangerous area for them.
Any suggestions? I'm in Tampa, FL, by the way. Please ask any questions -- I'd love any advice or support.