The Neighborhood News Online

Stray Kittens! What to do.

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Category: Animal Issues and Pets

Published on Thursday, 08 September 2011 14:11

Written by Dianne Lawrence

It’s kitten season!  What to do if you rescue some kittens? This is helpful information from Stray Cat Alliance:

That cute, cuddly ball of fluff is irresistible but what to do when they show up unwanted in our garden or under the house? Can we help?

At Stray Cat Alliance, we know it’s worse to simply do nothing.  Cats beget cats and so on and so on.  We believe it is moral and ethical to fix kittens and put them back if having them put down at the pound is not an option for you. Trap, Neuter and Release. Kittens in a safe, well-fed colony can have quality of life. Cats have complex family systems and their mothers will teach them to stay safe. If kittens are sick, then of course we must help.  Don’t let the worry of “What in the world am I going to do with the kittens?” stop you from trapping.  Please get out there and “fix away!” If you trap kittens weighing approximately two pounds or less, make sure your veterinarian (See Animal Rescue Services ad) is knowledgeable about early-age spay and neuter. Do get them fixed—for the greater good of cats.

What You Need to Know if you foster or adopt some abandoned kitties -

Kittens are usually fully weaned at around four to five weeks, a good time to start socializing them, which takes a few days. Kittens not exposed to humans early on, learn from their mothers and quickly become feral. If their mothers are tame, the kittens are usually easier to socialize but still require human touch to be completely comfortable. Socializing is harder if they still live in their colonies.

How Old Are They?

Under one week: Eyes are shut, ears flat to head and skin appears “pinkish.” Part of umbilical cord may still be attached.

One week to ten days: Eyes begin to open but ears are still flat. A kitten this age is smaller than an adult hand.

Three weeks: Eyes are fully open, ears are erect and teeth are visible. Kittens are just learning to walk and very wobbly.

Four to five weeks: Eyes have changed from blue to another color. Kittens have begun to pounce and leap and to eat solid food.

Eight weeks: Kittens this age weigh approximately two pounds. If they have not been exposed to humans, they will likely be feral.

Confine kittens initially in a dog crate or cage for more space or try a bathroom with toilet seat down and cabinets closed. Don’t let feral kittens run loose in your house! They will hide.

Food is your incentive for taming. Start by feeding the kitten baby food or “wet” cat food on a spoon, delivered through the cage. No cows milk. Use goats milk but best kitten formula found at pet stores. Next, offer baby food or wet food on your finger. If the kitten doesn’t accept it, then dab a tiny bit on the end of its nose.

Leave a television or radio on a few hours a day, but not too loud, so kittens get used to human voices.

If kitten is flea infested dip kitten in warm water and wash with Dawn dish soap. Rinse well. Pick fleas off and return to clean dry and draft and flea free environment.

Once the kitten no longer runs away from you and instead seeks your attention, confine it to a kitten-proofed room rather than a cage. Always watch for dangerous electrical or blind cords and other household hazards. Think: Could my kitten “get into this?”

Encourage friends to handle feral kittens frequently. They typically bond with one person so exposure to others is a critical part of their socialization process.

For More Helpful info on what to do with found kittens go to   ClickHere or call 310.281.6973

Stray Cat Alliance does NOT take in your found kittens

ALSO Check Out  WWW.FIXNATION.ORG

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.    818.524.2287

FOR FREE SPAY AND NEUTER FOR FOUND CATS

DO NOT DROP KITTENS ON SOMEONE ELSES DOORSTEP !

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