stray kittens a few days old advice please x

the_pink_panther_2

Feels irresponsible of the RSPCA to suggest you leave them without qualifying their advice further, as you'd have thought that through their extensive experience, they'd know that although kittens would need only their mother (assuming healthy) at the outset, but they'd ultimately need to be domesticated in order to be rehomed and how is that going to happen if they aren't socialised at some stage.

Well done Angie on trying to help them, any change will be gradual. I had a kitten and I was away on holiday for a couple of weeks when it was maybe 5-7 weeks and when I returned I felt there was a regression in terms of her socialisation and I worried she'd always be a little aloof and for a long time she was. Now she's lovely and very affectionate, so I don't believe your situation's without hope.

Also, I don't think they need pouches, they're a luxury...Due to cost mine don't get them and it's done them no harm. Do think food's the best strategy too:) Maybe lace it with catnip and see how they respond?

AngieS

Yes thats what the RSPCA said and had the cheek to phone me 9.15ish on friday night to as me if I would like to donate £8 a month as I had been in contact with them recently, many times all the branches etc. I said when you help me with these kitties I might help, he then said what about £4 a month I cant post my reply

the_pink_panther_2

AngieS wrote: »

Yes thats what the RSPCA said and had the cheek to phone me 9.15ish on friday night to as me if I would like to donate £8 a month as I had been in contact with them recently, many times all the branches etc. I said when you help me with these kitties I might help, he then said what about £4 a month I cant post my reply

That made me laugh....Good on you. lol :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

ktflosspot

Morning all x Well a wee update , Mama cat is still doing really well with the babies we gave her plenty of warm bedding and she has fashioned a nest in a cupboard in the garden, the kittens seem to be thriving. We are ( fingers crossed ) hoping to get mama and babes to the vet on Tuesday morning and if the vet thinks the wee mites can become domesticated and are strong enough we will take them in and hand feed them , ideally I'd have mama cat in with them but weather she will come or not I'm not sure.
Magic is a feisty wee thing, her new mama is a blue knitted teddy and a heat pad, she snuggles right in to go to sleep. She's crawling around like mad and really trying hard to get up on her feet. We have been syringe feeding her but it's not ideal as they are fiddly so have ordered some preemie baby bottles and will give them a go ! Will try and get more pics up soon xxx

~Chameleon~

AngieS wrote: »

Yes thats what the RSPCA said and had the cheek to phone me 9.15ish on friday night to as me if I would like to donate £8 a month as I had been in contact with them recently, many times all the branches etc. I said when you help me with these kitties I might help, he then said what about £4 a month I cant post my reply

Central RSPCA office don't give two hoots about animals, they're only interested in money as you've discovered. Try contacting one of the local branches as these are entirely separate and are NOT funded by central RSPCA. They each have to raise their own individual funds. You will get a better response re the kittens from them too.

ktflosspot

http://s554.photobucket.com/user/colsyr/slideshow/Magic%20Kitty

ktflosspot

Don't know how to get the pics on here sorry all !

calicocat

the_pink_panther wrote: »

Yes, mentioned an experience of this in an earlier post in this thread. Think there's a window of opportunity in which to tame them. Sure it varies really, but I took in feral kittens at 4 weeks and took a week to tame and they went from hissy, growly little things and became like teddy-bears who loved having their bellies rubbed. A friend took in at 6 weeks and never properly tamed. No idea how bad your visitors are but really your best hope is to try to tame them by getting them feel comfortable with you.

I've had the oposite experience, one feral years ago I cought at around 6 weeks and turned into a dream of a cat that was really soppy (tabby). My current one was snaffled with mother at around 3 weeks with mother, then I got her at just over 4 weeks, and she is a tyrant beast of an Asbo cat (she's a tortie and white tho so genetically crackers).

ktflosspot

Asbo cat lol made me giggle :-)

calicocat

ktflosspot wrote: »

Asbo cat lol made me giggle :-)

You have no idea......but I love her to bits as she is an amazing character.

Just to add one of the softest cats i've ever had was the runt of a litter (half bald when I got her) and hadn't had a good start with the mum...but a real little fighter for what she wanted in the end. It makes them tough little cookies.