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Where can I find a stray cat with kittens?

Where can I find a stray cat with kittens?

Question: Caring for a Stray Cat and Her Kittens? A couple days ago I found a mother cat and saw she had 4 kittens in my front yard and kept observing them. I found that they hang around the space between my neighbor’s house and my house.

How old were the kittens when I adopted them?

I adopted 2 cats that were only 3 weeks old and when I had to leave I ended up raising them in a rabbit cage to keep them safe. But when I did allow them out when I was home they would take off and go hide for the entire day and come back out at night when they were hungry.

Where did I find mother cat with kittens?

A couple days ago I found a mother cat and saw she had 4 kittens in my front yard and kept observing them. I found that they hang around the space between my neighbor’s house and my house.

How old do kittens have to be to be neutered?

At 8 weeks old, the kitten is ready to be spayed or neutered and placed into a loving home. There are many ways to find the stray kitten a home — check out bestfriends.org for a guide of best practices. Unless, of course, he or she is already home. Kittens are, after all, irresistible! Thumbnail: Photography ©ConstantinCornel | Thinkstock.

Question: Caring for a Stray Cat and Her Kittens? A couple days ago I found a mother cat and saw she had 4 kittens in my front yard and kept observing them. I found that they hang around the space between my neighbor’s house and my house.

How old do stray cats have to be to be adopted?

Stray cats can often be socialized and then adopted. Feral cats generally cannot be easily socialized and adopted. However, kittens under four-months old can often be socialized and adopted even if born to feral cats. Learn more about feral cats and our affordable spay/neuter program for them.

When do stray cats and feral kittens start?

Stray and Feral Kittens are an Epidemic: Between the months of March and September, every shelter in the region will be overrun with kittens, both orphaned litters and those with a mother. Many of these litters are either strays or ferals.

I adopted 2 cats that were only 3 weeks old and when I had to leave I ended up raising them in a rabbit cage to keep them safe. But when I did allow them out when I was home they would take off and go hide for the entire day and come back out at night when they were hungry.

What does free living mean for Stray Cats?

‘Free-living’ means that stray cats spend a lot of time outdoors and many are happy with the freedom of that lifestyle. However, without somebody responsible for helping to keep them safe and well-fed, they can end up with injuries or nasty health problems.

How are Stray Cats the same as pet cats?

Stray cats are much the same as pet cats – at some point in their lives they will likely have been cared for by people, typically living in a home, but they are now free-living. Each stray cat will have a different story – they may have been abandoned, they may have become lost or they may have moved away from their home because they weren’t happy.

Do you have to take care of a stray cat?

Giving a home to a cat in need can be hugely rewarding but it’s also a responsibility and a long-term commitment. Consider carefully whether you have the time, space and money to help care for a stray cat. If the cat becomes ill or injured in the future you’ll be responsible for ensuring that they get the veterinary care they need.

Why does my cat stray into my garden?

Pet cats will stray into neighbouring gardens for two main reasons. Firstly out of sheer curiosity – we all know how nosey cats are! The second reason is to mark territory. If you have ever seen a cat stray into your yard, you will probably have seen it spray its sent over your plants.

How can I get rid of Stray Cats in my yard?

Fill flower beds and areas where cats lounge with sharp pebbles, eggshell shards, or a layer of chicken wire so the ground will be uncomfortable. Remove Temptations: Unaltered males will be attracted to any female cats in heat. Pet owners who spay their female cats are less likely to attract feral males.

What can I put in my garden to get rid of cats?

As stated earlier, cats hate the smell of citrus fruits, including lemon, orange, lime, and grapefruit. The next time you are juicing or eating one of these fruits, throw the rinds and peels into your garden. With the citrus peels in your garden, stray and feral cats should give your garden a wide berth.

Where does the mother cat keep her kittens?

I found that they hang around the space between my neighbor’s house and my house. The mother is very friendly, she allows me to feed her, pet her, she even purrs when I pet her. However since yesterday I no longer see her kittens in their usual place next to my fence. Would trapping the mother possibly get her kittens to come out of hiding?

What does it mean when alley cat crosses your path?

If the feline that crosses your path is a Tomcat, it may be that you are overindulging yourself. Therefore, it would be prudent for you to step back and reassess your current choices. There may be unseen consequences. Conversely, the Alley Cat symbolism represents self-sufficiency.

How can I keep stray cats off my porch?

If you have kids, arm them with water guns and give them a mission to spray any cats they see on your porch. Enough of this and the cats will learn that your porch=wetness. They’ll find somewhere else to congregate. Smell is another useful way to keep stray cats off your porch.

Why do cats come to my front porch?

It’s always possible that the cats are drawn to your porch (or under it) for shelter or food. If you have mice or another food source under or around your house, it’ll be hard to keep hungry cats away. But you can make sure to block off any openings that allow access to underneath your house or porch.

Why does a stray cat stay in your neighborhood?

A stray cat that has been hanging out in your neighborhood for an extended amount of time has stayed because it is being fed. Whether you are the primary feeder or someone else is doing it, food is being provided.

If you have kids, arm them with water guns and give them a mission to spray any cats they see on your porch. Enough of this and the cats will learn that your porch=wetness. They’ll find somewhere else to congregate. Smell is another useful way to keep stray cats off your porch.

It’s always possible that the cats are drawn to your porch (or under it) for shelter or food. If you have mice or another food source under or around your house, it’ll be hard to keep hungry cats away. But you can make sure to block off any openings that allow access to underneath your house or porch.

What can I do to keep stray cats away from my porch?

If you’re looking for one of the best ways for keeping stray cats away from your porch, then squirt them with a little bit of water. Keep a full spray bottle nearby so you can do it yourself, or set up a motion-sensor sprinkler to do the job for you.

What’s the punishment for leaving kittens on the road?

In New York State it is punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or a year in prison. However, it’s hard to catch someone who merely slows down and tosses a cat alongside a country road or leaves a box of kittens at a campground.

Where can I find a home for an abandoned cat?

Even if police are unable to locate the abandoner, the incident may find its way into the local news police blotter. The Petfinder library has an excellent article on finding a home for a pet. Please be certain, before you let a cat or kitten leave your care, that the pet is either spay/neutered or is going to a home committed to spay/neuter.

What happens to a mom cat with kittens?

The Mom cat is evaluated and released after spaying or adopted depending on how she gets along with people. But she gets to raise her kittens in a safe place, and they all have a future. When they finish spay/neutering a colony the colony gradually goes away as the cats age.

A couple days ago I found a mother cat and saw she had 4 kittens in my front yard and kept observing them. I found that they hang around the space between my neighbor’s house and my house.

Is it normal for a stray cat to be pregnant?

Finding a stray cat wandering around the yard is one thing; finding a stray that is also pregnant presents an entirely different set of concerns. She is going to have those kittens one way or the other, so the only question is whether you are going to participate or not.

Is it OK to take care of a stray cat?

Feral cats are already leery of humans and adding babies to the mix could turn violent. You are better off leaving feral cats alone. As for strays, they typically need as much help as they can get.

How long does it take for a stray cat to get to you?

We didn’t notice at the time that the distance had halved, that the cat was gradually drawing us in. Over the following four weeks, the process continued, until we were permitted to approach as close as two metres. At this distance, and after scores more bowls of cat food and leftovers, we started to feel a little proprietorial.

Why did the Stray Cat keep coming back?

The cat kept coming back. We’d see it squeeze through the gate into the garden as it went on its morning walk. If we attempted to get within 40 metres, it would simply turn on its heels and run away. Still, we got close enough to see that it was on the small side, and a bit skinny.And its behaviour suggested it was wild, or a stray at least.

How did I get bit by a stray cat?

Looks like the injury happened a while ago. A local no-kill shelter agreed to take in the cat. So, today, after petting it about 10 minutes, I picked up the cat and tried to put it in a carrier to take it to the shelter. The cat resisted the carrier and bit me on my hand. The bite is superficial.

How often should I feed a stray kitten?

Determining the age of the stray kitten right away is imperative. His age will mandate what he’ll eat as well as how much and how often. Under 1 week old: kitten weighs less than 4 ounces. Feed formula: every two to three hours. 7 to 10 days old: kitten weighs 4 to 6 ounces. Feed formula: every two to three hours.

What should I do if my mother cat gave birth?

Perhaps a cupboard or closet that is cleared out, or a box in an out of the way corner would be a good spot to prepare for the mother cat before she gives birth, and to keep the kittens afterward. That would also give you a good vantage point to observe the mother cat behavior towards kittens after giving birth.

Why does a mother cat move around after giving birth?

However, there are some nutritional issues that can lead to a mother cat acting weird after giving birth. Mother cat behavior towards kittens One common thread among mother cats is that they are likely to move their kittens around quite a bit in the immediate days after birth.

How old are the kittens in my Neighbor’s yard?

The neighbor down the street has had a cat (now known to be a mother) hanging around for a few weeks that is somewhat friendly. She doesn’t appear to be totally feral – but still skittish. The other day some kittens were discovered in the yard that look about 6 weeks old or so. They are quite mobile and play a lot and eat hard cat food.

When to bring a kitten to the shelter?

Only bring the kittens to the shelter if, after watching for 4-6 hours, you are 100% certain the mother is not returning. If the mother hasn’t returned within 4-6 hours: You can care for the kitten(s) in your home (MCAS has kitten care packs available, see resources below).

How long does it take to catch a stray kitten?

Catching a stray cat can take a few days, and you will also need to schedule some time to care for the kitten after you catch it. Make sure you have all of the materials you need, and that you have contacted a vet so that you know where to take the kitten for medical care.

What to do with stray kittens in the Bay Area?

It may seem counter-intuitive, but the best thing to do for the kittens is not to move them. Keep an eye on them and see if a mother cat comes for them. Mom cats move their kittens often and she may be in the midst of moving them and on her way back to these seemingly abandoned kittens. Or she may be out looking for food.

Is it hard to resist a stray kitten?

Even if you are not a cat lover, it is hard to resist a kitten who seems to be in danger. Whether it is in your own neighborhood or a hectic business district, the chances are good that you have seen a kitten who looks like it doesn’t have a home. A stray kitten can be hard to resist.

What kind of animal is a stray kitten?

A stray kitten may also be called a feral (wild) cat.When you are dealing with any non-domesticated animal, you will want to be cautious. It’s good to be aware that stray cats are very different from the kitties you see in a pet store or at your friend’s house. They are skittish, and not used to humans.

Do you need to take care of a stray kitten?

A kitten is adorable and it can be really hard not to want to take care of them. But raising a kitten (especially one that is still nursing) and socializing it to be a pet is a difficult and long process. You need to be sure you’re ready for that type of commitment. Also keep in mind that a stray kitten will need veterinarian care at some point.

What should I do if my cat has an extra kitten?

Call your local humane society, veterinarian offices, and rescue organizations and ask if anyone has a mother cat who could take on an extra kitten (or two). Even if the kitten can be given to a nursing mother, you can still agree to take the kitten back once it’s been weaned. Keep the kitten warm and dry.

What should I do if I find an orphaned kitten?

Helping orphaned kittens will first require some detective work. One of the biggest mistakes people make when finding stray kittens is taking them away from their mother. Neonatal kittens are still nursing and need to be fed frequently, so they should be kept with their mother, if possible. Are the kittens sleeping comfortably?

What do you do when you take in a stray kitten?

The first thing you’ll need to do is capture the stray kitten . For some kittens , this is as easy as reaching out and scooping them up. For others, you may need to contact a local animal society or shelter to obtain the humane traps often used in TNR. Simply place the trap out with some food inside, and wait nearby.

What can I Feed my stray kitten?

Feeding a stray cat has its pros and cons. If you decide to feed a stray cat, you have plenty of options. They would probably enjoy dry or canned cat food or some tasty tuna fish. Also, give the cat plenty of fresh water.

How do you care for a stray kitten?

Place a blanket over a hot water bottle for warmth. Close the door to prevent drafts and consider a plug-in heater to keep the room warm. If you have other cats, keep them away from the stray kitten until a veterinarian clears the kitten of any contagious diseases.

How do we catch stray kittens?

How to Catch a Stray Kitten Method 1 of 3: Sizing Up the Situation. Determine if the mother cat is nearby. Method 2 of 3: Catching the Kitten. Whether you are making a homemade trap or purchasing one, make sure that you are using one that is humane. Method 3 of 3: Caring for the Kitten. Handle the kitten carefully. Catching the kitten is not the end of your project.

Is it illegal to feed a stray cat?

That’s a good question, but the answer is not always black and white. In some areas, there are laws and ordinances about feeding stray or feral cats – if you feed the cat, you own it. Some areas even impose fines or other punishments for feeding stray or feral cats.

What does it mean to have a stray cat?

A stray cat is a cat that, despite being a pet, has managed to wander away from home. This is a cat that is used to human companionship; it is used to being fed by humans. It is not used to fending for itself out in your neighborhood.

What kind of food do you feed a stray cat?

Feeding a stray cat has its pros and cons. If you decide to feed a stray cat, you have plenty of options. They would probably enjoy dry or canned cat food or some tasty tuna fish. Also, give the cat plenty of fresh water. If you’ve found a stray cat, you have many options.

How old are the kittens in my yard?

The other day some kittens were discovered in the yard that look about 6 weeks old or so. They are quite mobile and play a lot and eat hard cat food. The pride is apparently nesting in a shed (about 15′ by 15′) that is completely full of junk so finding them in there is out of the question.

Can a shed be used as a cat shelter?

Several years ago, we set up a shed to use as an outdoor cat shelter for the 3 cats in the backyard. At least two of the cats (Midnight and Charcoal) seem to stay in the yard most of the day. Pork Chop may have only been coming for food at first.

What are the problems with stray and feral cats?

Wild in the Streets: The Life and Health of Stray and Feral Cats. Of course, feral cats also leave issues on the human doorstep — including noisy fights, odor, urinating to mark territory (also known as “spraying” or “marking”), flea infestations, and the inevitable breeding that creates even more unwanted cats.

Can you use straw in a cat shed?

Only use straw in shelters. Don’t use hay (it doesn’t dry, you don’t want the cats to be cold and wet) If you are using an existing shed and leaving items in it, make sure the items are cat safe. Don’t have anything sharp or toxic in the shed. I got the idea for a cat shed after seeing Kolony Kats set up a shed for some of the cats they care for.

What happens when a stray cat adopts a person?

Many of these cats avoid people; however, stray cats will sometimes yearn for human interaction (or the full bellies that these interactions tend to guarantee). In these cases, it seems as if stray cats decide to “adopt” an unsuspecting person as their new caretaker.

What to do with a stray cat on Your Back Porch?

“If a cat is hanging out on your back porch, she’s probably lived inside before and is socialized to interact with people.” In this case, Delgado recommends earning the kitty’s trust with food and then providing necessities indoors. This includes a cat litter box, a place to snuggle up, and food and water.

What to do if a stray cat shows up on Your Doorstep?

Sometimes a cat shows up in your neighborhood or on your doorstep, and it’s obvious that the cat is feral. There’s no way you’re going to lure the cat inside or touch her, and the best you can do is feed her, and hopefully, implement some TNR. The large gray area with free-roaming cats, however, are stray cats. A stray cat may seem feral at first.

What happens when a stray cat escapes Your House?

My cats are indoor cats, but several months after Karma’s successful integration to the household, she managed to escape outside. We almost did not get her back. Once outside, it was as if her personality changed. She became “distant,” seemed almost wild, and would not respond to us.

What to do with feral cats in your neighborhood?

Providing food is one of the simplest things you can do to help care for the feral cats in your neighborhood, but it is also one of the most effective. Whether you’re feeding them wet or dry food, dependable feedings can help them stress less about where they will find their next meals.

What to do with a stray cat that won’t leave?

Here are a few things you can do to help a cat get used to you and settle into your home more quickly: Isolate your cat in your home by giving it one room to stay in and familiarise itself with. Keep any other household pets away from your new cat as this will cause a lot of stress. Don’t let other pets into the room where the cat is staying.

What is Stray Cats?

Stray Cats. A stray cat is a cat who has been born into a domestic setting and who has grown up amongst humans. As the name implies, a stray cat is one that has been dumped by its human caretaker or who has gotten lost while out exploring.

Determining the age of the stray kitten right away is imperative. His age will mandate what he’ll eat as well as how much and how often. Under 1 week old: kitten weighs less than 4 ounces. Feed formula: every two to three hours. 7 to 10 days old: kitten weighs 4 to 6 ounces. Feed formula: every two to three hours.

When does a stray cat become a feral cat?

Stray cats can become feral after living outside for a while, without any kitty to human interaction. Feral kitties are fearful and won’t let you pet them or come near them. If the cat is not shy and they greet you without hesitation, it might also be someone’s outdoor or lost pet.

Many of these cats avoid people; however, stray cats will sometimes yearn for human interaction (or the full bellies that these interactions tend to guarantee). In these cases, it seems as if stray cats decide to “adopt” an unsuspecting person as their new caretaker.

How often do stray cats give birth to kittens?

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to caring for stray cats. According to Humane Society, tens of millions of homeless cats live in the USA alone. That’s a lot of cats! Let’s say half of them are girls that will give birth to (most often) 3-5 kittens. The shocking fact is that a cat can have babies 5 times a year!

Are there Stray Cats in the abandoned house?

The abandoned house has about 50 stray cats (NOT joking). Not a single one of them ever came to us. She is so friendly, it makes me think she was once a domesticated cat thrown out of the house. She has long and SHARP claws. She doesn’t really know how to control her claws. She always pushes her claws out when playing with us.

How old is girl Calico the Stray Cat?

Girl Calico looks like about a year and a half old. She used to live in an abandoned house about half a mile from our house. The abandoned house has about 50 stray cats (NOT joking). Not a single one of them ever came to us.

What kind of Cat wants to come in Your House?

Some cats won’t take no for an answer. My gran was adopted earlier this year by (definitely this way around!) a gorgeous black and white stray cat; we noticed him sitting at the end of the driveway for a few days, slowly working up the courage to get closer, until we invited him in. We haven’t been able to get rid of him since!

However, there are some nutritional issues that can lead to a mother cat acting weird after giving birth. Mother cat behavior towards kittens One common thread among mother cats is that they are likely to move their kittens around quite a bit in the immediate days after birth.

Is it OK to touch newborn kittens after birth?

Remember, It’s better not to touch newborn kittens for up to 2 weeks. However, that is if their birth conditions are safe, clean, accessible, and quiet. My cat just had kittens what do I do? How to get a mother cat to move her kittens?

When do feral cat mothers fully abandon their kittens?

A feral mother cat will sometimes move her kittens to another spot and can possibly leave one behind, but that is rare. The kittens aren’t ever abandoned; they just grow up and have kittens of their own, and the process starts all over. And over.

How old does a kitten have to be to have a litter box?

You can introduce a litter box filled with non-clumping litter at 3 weeks old. At 8 weeks old, the kitten is ready to be spayed or neutered and placed into a loving home. There are many ways to find the stray kitten a home — check out bestfriends.org for a guide of best practices. Unless, of course, he or she is already home.

What can I do to keep stray cats away from my house?

You can install water sprinklers around your home to keep them off. This is one fast way to get rid of neighbors’ cats in your yard. The use of repellents is also known to be effective in keeping stray cats away. Most of these repellents have strong odors disliked by feral cats.

Why are there so many stray cats in my neighborhood?

Garden sheds can become breeding grounds for litters of unwanted kittens. Trees, fences, or other structures can be territorial markers for spraying males. Aggressive cats can attack pets or fight for territory, causing neighborhood disturbances. Wandering cats may even transmit diseases, fleas, or other pests to your pets.

Is it bad to have Stray Cats in your yard?

Stray cats in your yard may seem like a problem, but they are an opportunity for you to step up and make your little corner of the world a better place for everyone.

Can a house cat take care of a feral kitten?

House cats can help feral kittens adjust to a new home. Feral kittens, often born into a colony, can warm up quickly to house cats. In fact, the kittens will probably bond more easily with your pets than with with you. Having adult role models can help the feral babies adapt to indoor life and the safe, loving home you’ve provided.

How does a kitten adjust to a new home?

Age: if the cat is a kitten, they will not only be adjusting to a new home, but to the world. Generally, kittens will be able to adapt well to a new home since they are only gaining experience. Older cats will have become used to their territory, so moving to a new one can be disorientating and they may struggle to acclimatize.

Why is there a stray cat with kittens?

She probably has found a safe place to hide her kittens. Perhaps something scared her and she decided it may not be safe. If there is any way that you can observe her without calling attention to what you are doing, you may see in what direction she heads after eating.

When to worry about a pregnant stray cat?

There is nothing to worry about if kittens begin appearing 30 to 40 minutes after contractions start. If mama appears to be in distress for more than 40 minutes without a kitten appearing, there may be a problem. This is the time to call the vet and ask for advice. Otherwise, let nature take its course.

Perhaps a cupboard or closet that is cleared out, or a box in an out of the way corner would be a good spot to prepare for the mother cat before she gives birth, and to keep the kittens afterward. That would also give you a good vantage point to observe the mother cat behavior towards kittens after giving birth.

Feral cats are already leery of humans and adding babies to the mix could turn violent. You are better off leaving feral cats alone. As for strays, they typically need as much help as they can get.

When to help a stray cat with kittens?

It is common to trap the mother and kittens so the kittens can be socialized by 4 weeks old. The Mom cat is evaluated and released after spaying or adopted depending on how she gets along with people. But she gets to raise her kittens in a safe place, and they all have a future.

Where do feral cats go to give birth?

Feral cats seek out secure places to give birth to their kittens. They look for areas surrounded on all four sides so that they are as hidden as possible from hunters. This way, the mother can also defend her kittens if an attacker arrives, and she has a better chance of scaring off an intruder if they only have one possible point of approach.

Why does a mother cat reject her kittens?

Any first-time mother can be overwhelmed by their meowling kittens or stressed by the birth and reject her offsprings. Even older cats can freak out when they become mothers for the first time. If a cat doesn’t know what to do with the kittens, they might bright the kittens to you, looking for help.

What to do with abandoned cats and kittens?

If you wander outside one day with your morning coffee and are greeted by the forlorn mews of an abandoned cat or kittens, you might be tempted to hope they will just “go away.” However, ignoring them will only make the situation worse.

In New York State it is punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or a year in prison. However, it’s hard to catch someone who merely slows down and tosses a cat alongside a country road or leaves a box of kittens at a campground.

How much does it cost to adopt a kitten from backdoor friends?

Kittens Six Months and under – $175.00 for one, or $300 for two, plus a $25 deposit per kitten that is returned after proof of spay/neuter surgery from a licensed vet. For two adult cats, there is a $50 discount so the total would be $250 for two.

Where can I find abandoned cats and kittens?

However, it’s hard to catch someone who merely slows down and tosses a cat alongside a country road or leaves a box of kittens at a campground. If you wander outside one day with your morning coffee and are greeted by the forlorn mews of an abandoned cat or kittens, you might be tempted to hope they will just “go away.”

Where can I adopt a stray cat from Petfinder?

If you can bring her into your home, keep her away from your own pets until you are certain she is healthy. Call your local animal shelter or humane agency for guidance. To find shelters and adoption groups in your area, use Petfinder’ s animal welfare group search tool.

Can a cat have kittens in the House?

Often times, a cat will have kittens outside, even if the cat spends a lot of time in the home. Inside/outside cats still sometimes have their kittens outside. If your cat had kittens outside, this post can help you understand why it happened and how to help her.

What can I use to keep stray cats away from my house?

If skunks are a problem in your yard, in addition to cats, you can employ some of the same remedies listed here. However, a skunk deterrent can also be made from ammonia or dog urine to repel these cute but frightening creatures and ensure that they go elsewhere.

How long does it take for kittens to give birth?

When the next stage of birth, Stage 2, is about to begin, it will typically develop as follows: The cervix starts to relax and the queen begins uterine contractions. There’s a build-up in contractions as the first kitten enters the birth canal. Contractions should be at 2 – 3 minute intervals and the mother will probably be in a crouched position.

What can I give my Cat to help her give birth?

Have a pile of clean dry towels ready in case they’re needed for cleaning off the kittens. Buy cat-milk powder appropriate for kittens and a kitten-fostering bottle from your local pet supply store to have on hand in case there’s a problem nursing the kittens. Look for “KMR” or kitten milk replacer.

What happens to the placenta after a kitten is born?

Check for the placenta. There is one placenta per kitten, and it should be expelled after the birth of each. Note each placenta because a placenta that is left inside a mother could become infected and result in the death of the mother unless you seek medical attention.

What to do with a pregnant stray cat?

In this Vet Minute, Revival’s Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Marty Greer, talks about what to do if a pregnant stray cat adopts you. Dr. Greer will address nutrition, shelter and suggest other tips on how to care for a pregnant feral or stray cat. If you need help or have additional questions, call us at 800.786.4751.

What should I do if I find a stray cat?

Eventually, you’ll be able to get pretty close without scaring him off.” While food and shelter are important, Phillips says that the number one priority, especially if you have other cats, is confirming that the stray cat is healthy.

What to do with a stray cat in your garden?

Capture the cat to give it to someone else. You may be totally enamored by the stray cat hanging around in your garden; your family members and friends may not be. Do yourself and the animal a big favor by avoiding the temptation to capture the cat and give it to someone else. And unwanted cat is not much of a pet.

Why do stray cats hang out around humans?

The first rule of thumb for any animal that hangs around humans is this: animals go wherever the food is. A stray cat that has been hanging out in your neighborhood for an extended amount of time has stayed because it is being fed. Whether you are the primary feeder or someone else is doing it, food is being provided.

How long can a stray cat stay at a shelter?

As long as your shelter is not at capacity, they might be willing to care for the animal for 30, 60, or even 90 days. An adoption would guarantee that the cat finds a new home without you having to supply it. Before you consider taking the cat to a shelter, you might want to think about the following statistics from the ASPCA:

Stray and Feral Kittens are an Epidemic: Between the months of March and September, every shelter in the region will be overrun with kittens, both orphaned litters and those with a mother. Many of these litters are either strays or ferals.

Why do stray cats come to Your House?

Stray cats have been socialized in the past. Unfortunately, they have left or lost their homes together with their contact with people and dependence on them. Because they were once house cats, stray cats may approach people, provided that they feel that they can be trusted enough.

Where do domestic cats come from?

Domestic cats evolved from wild cats in Mesopotamia and northeast Africa. They hung around granaries and caught mice, which endeared them to the people who were storing the grain.

What are facts about feral cats?

Feral cats will often form loose colonies consisting of mostly females and kittens, but cats typically fend for themselves during adulthood. Cats communicate and navigate mostly through scent, rubbing and spraying to mark their territories. Domesticated cats are the only cats that are socially comfortable with humans.

What to do if a stray cat starts a colony?

One stray cat can start a colony quickly. The easiest way to prevent this is to catch the stray and make a trip to the veterinarian to have her sterilized. Then you can keep her as a pet, ask the vet to help rehome her, or place her back where you found her.

What should I do if I catch a mother cat with kittens?

Feed the mother cat for a few days before you begin the capture process. A momma cat nursing kittens will appreciate the food, and while you shouldn’t expect to tame her in a few days, you can definitely get her used to your presence.

One stray cat can start a colony quickly. The easiest way to prevent this is to catch the stray and make a trip to the veterinarian to have her sterilized. Then you can keep her as a pet, ask the vet to help rehome her, or place her back where you found her.