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- May 29, 2013
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Yes, but have to keep in mind around here in this country outdoor cats are very common I think it is just the culture here nearly every house will allow their cats to go outside... But from now on I am different since losing that one years ago i dont let my cats go out even I have 5 now 2 of the boys will always try to run out but I Quickly grab them back into the house... I am hoping that someone else just took care of him, we had all of them fixed though just wanted to be clear on that... But I know there are still risks going outside such as fighting and getting sick or hit by cars, luckily where i live its out in the sticks and there is just one road that is not driven very fast because were in a small residential area with farms and some shops. I remember that time we spent a long time looking for him around the neighborhood and asking around but to no avail.Your priority was to get that little Mumma cat off the street & desexed. ASAP. They can become pregnant 48 hrs AFTER DELIVERING KITTENS. You say the Mum cat "Walked by your house & noticed her kittens were all grown up and went on her way" - NO. A mother cat will FORGET her kittens surprisingly quickly. They will attack their own babies; soon after separation. Since you have not spotted her, I just pray she has been rescued & desexed. She sounded v.adoptable - poor little thing. That very pretty sandy/pale gray (almost an exotic) that "disappeared" would most likely have been stolen - or run over & injured or killed. Hopefully you can keep future cats indoors - they are quite happy and so much safer from injury/disease (or theft - as you found out.) A cat who is cared for & fed @ home just does not "disappear" - they like their laid-on food and comfy beds too much! It is awful not knowing what has happened to a pet - that just "disappears" - they have almost always died of some kind of injury (vehicle hits). So, if you have any other female cats who happen along with their little family - IMMEDIATELY contact a rescue group/shelter - not so much with a view to taking them - but to advise & help you deal with them. MAINLY:- you must bring the kittens & Mum INDOORS and off the street ASAP. To "chase" & grab any terrified, fleeing kitten - as you found out - is a great way to get scratched and bitten. You left it all far too late to "rescue" them. If kittens have not had human interaction/socialising by 5-6 wks age - instinct kicks in to be cautious & mistrusting of the unfamiliar (yes, on the way to becoming FERAL) - after which time - at best - they will have to be (humanely) trapped - and ..... sadly - euthanased - they will never be adopted. This is so tragic because a bunch of little kittens is such a joy to "work" with - it is a real "labour of love" for us foster Mums - to have these gorgeous, rambunctious little kittens in our homes, making sure they have lots of cuddles, heaps of climbing poles/trees and toys - for "environmental enrichment" in preparation for them to be adopted into loving homes. Who can love a kitten/cat you cannot even catch? We carers get to keep the little "Timid Tessies" who were 'rescued' later than that 6-7week window - I still have two - now 10 & 12 yrs. We love them, & this is their forever home but most people would not have the patience we have with them. Like other rescue people on this site I am still thinking of that poor little mother cat - perhaps still out on the street, still pregnant several times a year & bringing more (feral?) kittens into a world where thousands of healthy ones are put to sleep because there are just not enough homes. What a shame your then GF could not have appreciated the joy of having 3 gorgeous little kittens to cuddle for a couple of months - until you could place them with a rescue for adoption - or help you to do so. As you were told, the shelters are all full of beautiful healthy kittens. Sorry I have really gotten on my soap box - I am REALLY PASSIONATE about spaying/neutering of all pets - I have been too often the one to take beautiful little kittens on a one-way ride to the vet - because there are just too many of the poor little things. Glad your GF is now your ex-GF. Choose a cat-lover next time! I know you tried your best for this little family. Best wishes.VP
But either way I am glad still two of them are up country with my ex gf's mother. Thanks for sharing