Its quite rural where we live and and I started to feed a young feral mum who has 4 kittens. However, not sure if i'm helping them or interfering with their lives...not sure what to do, they are beautiful (although they growl and spit when I put down the dish which is literally "inhaled"
Its quite rural where we live and and I started to feed a young feral mum who has 4 kittens. However, not sure if i'm helping them or interfering with their lives...not sure what to do, they are beautiful (although they growl and spit when I put down the dish which is literally "inhaled"
We live in the countryside, and have had some visits from feral cats over the years. Mainly tom cats who are just 'passing through' but any females that have come along, I have contacted the RSPCA, and they have come with humane traps, so that the cats can be caught and neutered.
It's no bad thing that you are feeding them, but what happens next? Do you know if the kittens are males/females? A queen can have 2 or 3 litters a year - if they are feral, and especially at this time of year, few kittens will live to maturity. Call the RSPCA - the kittens, with conditioning, may well find homes.
We live in the countryside, and have had some visits from feral cats over the years. Mainly tom cats who are just 'passing through' but any females that have come along, I have contacted the RSPCA, and they have come with humane traps, so that the cats can be caught and neutered.
It's no bad thing that you are feeding them, but what happens next? Do you know if the kittens are males/females? A queen can have 2 or 3 litters a year - if they are feral, and especially at this time of year, few kittens will live to maturity. Call the RSPCA - the kittens, with conditioning, may well find homes.
Many thanks for the advice Jabba, I have contacted the PDSA, and they have promised to lend me a trap for Mum ( I will 1st catch the Minions in a dog crate which I have been feeding them in). I think with them out of the way I can then get Mum with smelly food in the trap (I feel long spells lying in shrubs coming on). The little ones like me now (at a distance) so after all has been done (they too will be spayed /neutered) and they return to my garden, I think although done with kindness, my actions will not be forgiven.:(xx
I think although done with kindness, my actions will not be forgiven.:(xx
By whom?
Indeed Crowan - by whom??
Try not to put human emotions on a cat!
Blame the Tom - copulation for a queen is not pleasant - she will thank you in her own way. Plus, very few feral kittens live beyond a few months.
You are doing exactly the right thing.
If there is a Cats Protection business operating in your area, they too are very good at rounding up strays, and will often pay for neutering.
Well, the outcome was we caught 4 kittens along with angry mum. They were neutered/spayed and returned to my shrubs where I continue to feed and have made a hole in the shed door for them to snuggle into straw in there when the temp dips. My last comment was made in jest :)... and I am paid back daily when they allow me to stroke them while they eat. (I respect they are wild animals and I am but an annoying food source so I would never push the boundaries!) However, now I am more experienced and should I ever see another "feral" kitten they would be immediately scooped up to be rehomed and mum caught to be sent to vets. The P.D.S.A were fantastic with advice and help, and thanks Jabba for your advice too.
Indeed Crowan - by whom??
Try not to put human emotions on a cat!
.
I think that you would be surprised at the level of emotions that some animals display.