The scratching pad I received has claimed all the cats attention since it was first placed on the floor. Charlie likes to ride on the whale and push all the other cats off. Who knew this kitty that almost died would be so dominant with the group. I wish now I had gone with the larger-sized orca as Sinclair is having problems fitting into the belly of the smaller whale. Though he does try!
Feral Cat Behavior
Blogging about feral cats and life in general
Hello,
I really don’t know any other way to contact you but through this site. Tonight my daughter heard a kitten crying on our porch, I ran out and saw the orange tabby and a small kitten with her. She must have been moving the kittens from my neighbor’s woodpile when my neighbor found the other two. At least she has one kitten with her. I immediately fed her, she did not run from me, but stayed a short distance away. I put 2 plates of wet food for her and some water. This is the same spot I fed her a few days ago. I have a trap at my husband’s office to use. I am not sure if I trap the mom first or the kitten. My husband suggested that we leave the garage door open and try to lure them in and keep them in the garage until we can get them to the vet. Could you tell me what is best to do? I have been fretting about her for days and now I will worry about a defenseless kitten with her. I am still waiting for a KatKabin I ordered for her for shelter, but now with the kitten around, I may have to act quickly and just trap them. It is stressful not to know what to do. Thanks for listening, I know I must be rambling.
Kim, you can reach me at love @ feline xpress (dot) com if you need me. I would make the garage inviting for mom and kitten. If you can get some straw that would be best. Take a large cardboard box and flip it on its side- the type a microwave oven arrives in is perfect for mom and kitten. Stuff some straw into the bottom for bedding, and drape a dark colored cloth or blanket over the box (to make a cave) leave a space so the mom and kitten can slip under the drape and get into the box as well as see your feet when you enter the garage.
Leave a trail of food to the door of the garage and some food beyond the box so mom will come in and eat. It may take a few days for her to feel comfortable in going into the garage, so try and keep the lighting dim so she feels comfortable. Once she is used to eating in there, shut the door. She will probably go ballistic and hide hopefully in the box
It has been my experience that store-bought beds/shelters etc are usually not even looked at by strays until after they have been socialized. You want things to be natural for them as much as possible. one good bait is skinless kfc chicken, just leave bits around the garage floor.
Good luck
Thanks so much for the advice, I will keep you posted. I hope she will come back tonight to eat, will she always have the kitten with her? My daughter said he is so tiny, he is probably still nursing. I was a little concerned about my husband’s feelings since I have been fostering alot for the Humane Society, but last night he was just as concerned as I was. We kept watching her from the windows to make sure she ate. I was reading one of your previous blogs when they appeared last night so I was getting some good information about strays. Thanks again. Kim