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Do feral kittens leave their mother?

Do feral kittens leave their mother?

Feral cats are stressed by being indoors. Feral cats are not socialized to people and do not like being confined. We have also learned that just as it is best not to intervene with baby birds or bunnies, it is best to leave feral kittens with their mothers in their outdoor homes until the kittens are no longer nursing.

When to take feral kittens from the mom?

When looking for the feral kittens, make sure to get them within the quiet, unseen spots, since that’s where the mom keeps them. You should wait for them at about 4-6 weeks since they can be taken by the mom at that point.

How old do feral cats have to be to be socialized?

If you don’t feel you have the time or the network to socialize the kittens, or if they are older than four months, it is better for you and the kitten for her to be returned to the colony after neutering. Feral Cat FOCUS does not recommend attempting to socialize adult feral cats or kittens older than three months of age.

What should I do if I find a feral cat?

Make sure that if you trap them, you get all of the kittens and the mother cat if possible. Use TNR in order to trap all of them so that they can get neutered and release, and prevent the colony from growing. When looking for the feral kittens, make sure to get them within the quiet, unseen spots, since that’s where the mom keeps them.

Can a feral cat be adopted as a pet?

Sadly, people often bring feral kittens into their home and then do not take the time to work with them. Weeks, or months, later, they realize that they cannot touch the cat— they have feral cats in their home that cannot be adopted. To become pets, feral kittens need to be socialized, or taught to be comfortable around people.

How old are the kittens of the feral cat?

My wife and I began feeding a stray female feral cat several months ago. Soon another cat showed up that appeared to be its daughter. The mom disappeared and came back with 4 week old kittens a month ago. The daughter disappeared and came back with one 3 week old kitten 2 weeks ago.

Can a feral cat leave her kittens behind?

That means they have to learn to get their own food. Sometimes the family stays together in a colony, and sometimes they move on to other territory. A feral mother cat will sometimes move her kittens to another spot and can possibly leave one behind, but that is rare.

When to trap a mother cat and her kittens?

Whenever possible we secure the mother cat first unless the kittens are in acute danger. As long as the kittens are very young and comparatively immobile, within reach and unable to escape, it is best to trap the mother before touching her kittens.

How to take care of a feral cat?

Keep them together in a confined area with a box or other shelter inside this area where the mom cat can hide (if she is feral). The kittens will come out to see you and the mom cat will hide in the box/carrier. Handle the kittens daily to get them used to people and then put them back with mom.