Stray Cat

JCS1

spookylukey wrote: »

Good luck with it all! Definitely agree that you should try and catch them sooner rather than later, for their own sakes and to try and give them a good future as much loved pets rather than barn cats.

There's some good advice on taming 'feral' kittens here:

http://www.celiahammond.org/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=29&MMN_position=50:50

and here: http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php?topic=26929.0

Thanks for the links, I'd found an American site but always good to get other views too.

Just need to get a "kitten pen", seen a very large dog crate in argos (over a metre wide) which according to the reviews people have used for cats after operations and big enough for bed, litter tray, food bowls.

OH was asking how much it will cost to get the cat neutered at the vets, I haven't told him how much I've spent on stuff for the kittens :rotfl:

JCS1

gettingready wrote: »

Wawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

I know! I keep looking at the picture and going aww and stroking their heads on the screen :rotfl: Love at first sight

gettingready

And the toortie got open mouth - saying - "you gonna keep me with you, huh?"

JCS1

gettingready wrote: »

And the toortie got open mouth - saying - "you gonna keep me with you, huh?"

That one's a definite keeper, got a soft spot for torties

I keep smiling about the one at the back showing no interest whatsoever

spookylukey

JCS1 wrote: »

Thanks for the links, I'd found an American site but always good to get other views too.

Just need to get a "kitten pen", seen a very large dog crate in argos (over a metre wide) which according to the reviews people have used for cats after operations and big enough for bed, litter tray, food bowls.

OH was asking how much it will cost to get the cat neutered at the vets, I haven't told him how much I've spent on stuff for the kittens :rotfl:

One thing to watch out with dog pens is that the metal squares aren't too big as kittens might get their heads stuck/be able to escape!

With regards neutering you might be able to get neutering vouchers to help towards the cost from Cats Protection/RSPCA or smaller local cat welfare charities who concentrate on ferals and neutering. If the babies weren't neutered there could be a huge feral colony in under a year so they will hopefully want to help.

paddypaws101

I agree that time is now of the essence in getting hold of the kittens to start the socialisation process. As someone else mentioned, you should be able to get a voucher from CP for free neutering on the basis that she is a stray. You MAY even be lucky and find a vet who will 'early neuter' the kittens at 12 weeks and thus prevent any more offspring down the line.
It is wonderful that you will be keeping Mum, she will have a great life as a barn cat but with all the back up of a good owner.

JCS1

spookylukey wrote: »

One thing to watch out with dog pens is that the metal squares aren't too big as kittens might get their heads stuck/be able to escape!

With regards neutering you might be able to get neutering vouchers to help towards the cost from Cats Protection/RSPCA or smaller local cat welfare charities who concentrate on ferals and neutering. If the babies weren't neutered there could be a huge feral colony in under a year so they will hopefully want to help.

Just found a kitten pen on Amazon with fabric mesh panels, 152cm in diameter and 98cm high for half the price of the dog pen in Argos, so order placed.

I'm happy to cover the cost of the neutering (not very MSE I know, but with charities having limited funds I will leave to those who need more than me). Hopefully got homes for 4, so 2 might end up staying with me

JCS1

paddypaws101 wrote: »

I agree that time is now of the essence in getting hold of the kittens to start the socialisation process. As someone else mentioned, you should be able to get a voucher from CP for free neutering on the basis that she is a stray. You MAY even be lucky and find a vet who will 'early neuter' the kittens at 12 weeks and thus prevent any more offspring down the line.
It is wonderful that you will be keeping Mum, she will have a great life as a barn cat but with all the back up of a good owner.

We have a vets that we use for the farm, so I will be taking them to there.

The Mum is an amazing catcher - so doing a good job and protecting the animal feed. She will never be a lap cat, but she has food, she has places to sleep, and she is showing small signs of becoming more trusting.

JCS1

Big break through today with the mother cat - the kitchen door at the farm was open and she wandered in to my OH (he tends to fed her more than me during the week so he gets associated with food). She's never done this before, so hopefully it means she will follow the kittens into the kitchen next weekend.

harrys_nan

Such a tender and heart warming story, give yourself a big pat on the back, she was a very lucky mum (and babies) when she found you.:T :T