They're back. Resident-stray Skinny Kitty moved her babes when they were just about a week old. With the 90 degree weather, no water, neighborhood cat fights aplenty, we all feared the worst. Then three days ago, SK and her family were sitting on the neighbors back porch, healthier than anyone would have predicted.
"Rescuing" the kittens included separating them from their mom, bringing them into the home. Their first night was spent huddled in the back of a cat carrier, spitting kitten hisses as we looked in. Within a day, the fluffiest most outgoing of the bunch was wrestling a cat string and teaching herself to use the litter box. Her siblings watch. Our dear crazy cat lady has a call in to a feral cat expert with 20 felines of her own. The big questions-
How long might it take stray kittens to transition to domestic life?
How can we catch Skinny Kitty and should she be reintroduced to her kids?
Fuel for philosophical discussion as we clean the van, mend clothes and pack books for the next leg of this here adventure of ours.
6 comments:
=^_^= They're so cute, but I hope skinny isn't permanently scarred when they give her kittens away... D;
is skinny kitty a feral cat or one that used to be domesticated and then went wild? feral kitties never get domesticated they are to used to living in the wild. how old are the kittens now?
We're not sure of Skinny's history- though she's been depending on humans for food- isn't too shy to visit and nap in backyards. In retrospect, she may have started coming around because she was pregnant- but she is tiny, and didn't show, so it came as a shock to find her with kittens.
The babes are about 7 weeks. After just a few days in the house, they are adjusting, interacting with people, playing, not hissing.
Discussions are still underway on how best to trap the mama and when to bring the young to the vet.
suggestions are welcome!
Nora, I've rescued 30+ cats and kittens here in the CD, and I'm super-glad to help. They'll tame down quickest if forced to interact w/you in an enclosed space. That and good food! It's easiest to trap mama if you let her get hungry for a day or so. Then put some stinky tuna (plus catnip or valerian) deep inside a live trap (covered w/cloth) or carrier. Sneakily shut the door behind her! Good for you for helping the babies!
Love, Sara
P.S. We came to your blog today because Gus was asking about you. He says, "I miss you. When will you come back to Seattle? And where are you going?"
P.S. I have tamed a number of feral cats. Success depends on their personality, their health (sicker cats may let you take care of them), and your technique. She doesn't sound like a "hard feral." You never know!
Thanks for the insight, Sara. Things are going really well with the kittens, less hissing more playing and still using the litter box!
This morning Skinny managed to enter the trap box and eat all the food with out setting it off. Tomorrow a smaller bowl of food will be tried.
Every time I think I have a plan for how and when we'll be home, things shift. sigh. Anyway, "hi" to Gus and I'll see him late-summer-ish.
love to the family!
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