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What should I do if I find a pregnant feral cat?

What should I do if I find a pregnant feral cat?

To reduce her stress, provide a warm, secluded, quiet area for her to give birth and nurse her litter. If you cannot trap her, or if she seems about to give birth outside, provide a warm, outdoor cat shelter so she can choose to have her kittens in it.

Should I take in a feral pregnant cat?

If you find a pregnant stray cat, you should help it if possible. What that means exactly will vary based on your own knowledge of cats and your resources. Leaving them on their own to give birth outside could be dangerous for the mom and is almost always dangerous for at least some of her litter.

What is the difference between a feral cat and a community cat?

Community cats are unowned cats who live outdoors in virtually every landscape on every continent where people live. However, community cats, also called feral cats, are generally not socialized—or friendly—to people. They live full, healthy lives with their feline families (called colonies) in their outdoor homes.

Is it OK to take care of a pregnant stray cat?

Because it is generally a bad idea to try to care for a pregnant feral 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.

Can a feral cat take care of itself?

A feral cat is one that has never been in captivity. It knows nothing about human companionship; it doesn’t need human companionship; it is not interested in human companionship. A pregnant feral cat is perfectly capable of taking care of itself and its babies. Why make this distinction?

Is it possible for a female cat to be pregnant?

It is possible for a female cat to appear pregnant even though she’s not. In the veterinary world, this is known as ‘false pregnancy’. The condition is more common in dogs, but cats can experience it as well. Pet MD explains that the exact cause or causes of false pregnancy are not known.

What’s the best way to trap a stray cat?

The recommended method for trapping is using what is known as a Havahart® trap. This is nothing more than a metal trap that looks like a cage with a single door on one end. It traps the animal without doing any harm. You simply bait the trap and leave it near where the cat normally roams.

How can I catch a pregnant feral cat?

Catch the pregnant feline humanely and safely using a feral cat trap. Such devices are available for purchase at some pet supplies stores or for rental or borrowing from many animal welfare organizations and animal control agencies.

Is it OK to let a feral cat out of a trap?

Feral cats may thrash around after being trapped. Do not be alarmed by this—it is completely normal. Covering the trap will calm them down almost immediately. And remember; never try to touch feral cats or let them out of the trap.

Because it is generally a bad idea to try to care for a pregnant feral 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.

Why are humane trappings important for feral cats?

This is important because the more times cats are exposed to the trapping process, the more suspicious they become of traps. Keep an eye on traps at all times for the safety of the cats and to make sure your equipment is not taken or tampered with. Unwatched traps place cats at the mercy of strangers, animals and weather.