Found kittens

[SirThumpsey]

Hubby and I found a couple of kittens and they are hiding out under our pine tree. I don’t have as much experience with cats as I do with buns but it seems like their a little lost. I think there are about 5-6 weeks so they probably weren’t weaned yet but were eating some scrambled eggs pretty well. They scarfed them down like they hadn’t eaten for awhile. We got them some kitty food. There is an orange tabby who likes to explore and a grey tabby which is smaller and alot calmer. There are a lot of feral cats running around the area so it’s possible their momma got hit by a car or caught by a well meaning citizen.

At first they seemed a little scared of me but I think they are getting used to me especially since I have been giving them food and water. I’m nervous about any cats going near them because I don’t know if they feral cats would resort to cannabilism..but I really hope not. I know some of the cats and it usually pretty obvious if they are boys so I’ve been kinda keeping an eye on them.

Anyway, I was wondering if at their young age they can still be socialized to not be so afraid of people. And I’m worried they might have some kind of illness. I’m hoping they don’t have rabies. They are so young and cute I just hope they will be okay and can eventually adopted..

[Chazz]

When I was young and living at home I was notorious for bringing home found kittens. I remember one time there were some under our house and I lured them out with lunch meat. Then I snuck them into my room, haha (my poor parents! ) They were feral babies, and hid from me, but eventually after much handling they became the sweetest ever. When my dad finally forced me to throw them outside, I was worried they would just run away, never to be seen again, but they never left. They were always at the door and came when called! So, yes I think they can still be socialized with ample careful handling.

If you can, and are keeping them, it would be a good idea to get them a vet appointment.

[SirThumpsey]

I’m glad to hear that they can be socialized since they are so young. A friend of mine told me I shouldn’t pet them because they might have some kind of illness. I would definitly need some help catching the orange tabby…he’s got a bit of an attitude. I did catch the grey one once but she didn’t seem to like it very much (hissed at me and probably would have bit me given the chance)

[LizzieKnittyBun]

There are great ways to catch feral cats! I only know because my aunt does it in New Orleans and takes them to be neutered. I love that she does this, and I’ve always admired her for it.

There are special “traps” that you can get (and hopefully just rent them for a small fee) that catch the cats in a safe, painless manner. Then, you can take the traps, with the cats in them, in the vet’s office.

If you can’t find the traps, then you could always wear long, protective gloves, like yard-working gloves, to make sure you don’t come in contact with their claws or their teeth.

If worse comes to worst, you could always call the ASPCA or Animal Control, and they could help you find ways to get the kitties 1) out of harm, 2) fed nutritionally-appropriate food for their age, 3) neutered, as soon as they’re old enough, and hopefully 4) adopted.

Good luck!!

[SirThumpsey]

The orange tabby seemed to have wandered off and he is no longer under the pine tree but the grey tabby has stuck around and is eating well. She let hubby pet her and he said she was terribly skinny. I pet her a little bit today and she is litterally skin and bones. The wild cats around here probably don’t get enough to eat to stay at a healthy body weight…let alone nurse kittens.
She is still very frightened but I think she is warming up to us. She is still unsure what to make of this petting thing but it’s kinda cute to watch her looking very confused. Her eyes started changing and a lot of sites said that happens between 6.5 -8 weeks….which means she might be a bit older than we first thought. She is so tiny though!

We did get some kitten food (dry) and some wet just to try to fatten her up a little bit. She only eats a little bit at a time and I can’t be sure she is eating it all and some other cat isn’t coming by and stealling it.

I’m such a sucker when it comes to animals. But then again, I guess we all are.

[Sonn]

I catch lots of feral cats around my area to have them spayed/neutered. I also keep several bowls of kitty food in ‘hidden’ places around my property. There is a litter of kittens and 3 adults who have made my porch and attic their home lol. The adult male was completely wild when he first came around here but I would leave out food and sit about 40 feet away and every day get a little closer until I was sitting right next to him. Then I started petting him as he ate. Now I go outside and he hops right into my lap. I do the same thing for dogs seems like a method that works for me.

I have been criticized since they are only allowed in my attic (my dogs literally try to eat adults and are terrified of kittens). But it is better than them roaming the street or being PTS at the pound.

[SirThumpsey]

Sonn, I completely understand. Atleast they have a warm place to sleep.

I would love to keep this little kitten but we are only allowed to have the buns cause they are “in cages.” So we are taking care of it until we can fatten it up enough and it’s ready for adoption.

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