February 10, 2012

Another spring is upon us, and kittens will be showing up everywhere. Many
of us in rescue dread this time of year as there are never enough homes
for all the kittens found.

As much as we love to come in and swoop up the kittens as soon as we find them,
the best thing for them is to be left with mom till they are about 5-8 weeks old.
If you are one of the many people who caretake a colony of feral cats, this period
of waiting can be nerve-wracking. We want to get the kittens as early as possible
so they have a better chance of becoming tame, and we hope that mom-cat won't
move them at the last minute so we cannot find them when the time is right.

The best thing to do is to prevent mom from having kittens in the first place.
Yes! I know I lecture everyone on the benefits and responsibilities of spay/neuter.
I won't do it here and now...

If you know a female feral has had kittens somewhere. Observe mom the best you
can to see where she may have stashed them, then LEAVE HER ALONE! If you are
fearful she may move them before you can get your hands on them, make places
that will be enticing to her. Places she will feel safe moving them to include
dark hidey-holes, boxes, hidden shelters, a comfy spot under your deck, easy
access to food and water and ALWAYS an emergency exit.

Keep an eye on mom as she will bring the kittens up to eat as early as 4 weeks
old. (Frankly, I have seen feral kittens playing in the commmunity food bowl
as young as 3 weeks old!) When mom-cat starts bringing them regulary to the food
station, set up a kitten trap or drop trap in the area and let them get used
to the new item before trying to spring it. Many times you can get them all
in one fell swoop when they are used to eating under a drop trap.
Then you can set mom free but put the kittens in a cage and get started with
the taming!

If you find a litter of kittens that you feel may be abandoned, please go a
distance away and observe them for a while....sometimes a long while....2 hours
should suffice. This will give mom a chance to come back with dinner, or to pick
up her next kitten in the moving process. If you are certain that mom-cat is
not returning, then you can take the kittens home. Keep them warm and start
the bottle feeding....call your local vet if you are uncertain as many times they
will advise you or put you in contact with your local rescue group.

I hope this gives you hope as kitten season fast approaches. Please keep an eye
out for the little kits....they can turn up anywhere!