Kittens....aren't they cute? I am sitting here, my eye is sore and puffy with some drainage from minor eye surgery I had today, but it didn't stop me from having dinner with a very dear friend and then driving to her house to see her litter of kittens that one of her 2 stray cats had. These cats just adopted her and her family and before she had a chance to spay them, one had these adorable babies. These are the 2 from the litter that are available to take. I am such a sucker for cats. I plan to take the little girl on the right...isn't she just so stinkin' cute!? Her fiesty brother will need a home and I am wrestling with myself on what to do. I already have an adult male Siamese who was rescued from a campground and made his way to my home via friends. 2 cats I am used too...3 cats..not sure I want too...but I would hate to see this little guy end up in a shelter...so here I am contemplating. My husband doesn't want any...but he's a dog person.
I'm in love with this little girl already...I just hope she makes it until I am able to take her. They are currently living outside as this friend, her husband is highly allergic to cats. What a home for 2 strays to come too...but my friends have huge hearts and been taking great care of these strays and now the babies. They are still a bit young to leave their mom but I am worried about them...all of them..as if they were my kids. I have always had cats in my life..but never outside cats. So many dangers for baby kittys outside and they are getting more and more curious as the grow up...at 7 weeks now they stay mostly by mom, but already can see them venturing away from her.
My friend, not having been through raising strays or kittens before was looking for advice. I know a lot of stuff about cats...had them forever and read even more, but it's been a long time since I had a kitten. So I went into overdrive research mode. I am such a research fiend. I want to share with you all some of what I refreshed my memory on, so here are some tips for you, should you encounter a stray, or a stray mom with her babies, or just the kittens with no mom.
#1 - Parasites - I can't stress enough about preventing and treating for these. Just do it...don't wait until signs of a problem. If the cat has been outdoors..treat it. This is fleas, ticks, hookworm, roundworm, and tapeworm. Those are the major ones for cats/kittens. If you don't know the age of the kitten you will need to have a vet access that as flea/tick medications can't be used on very young kittens. But yes..WORM them. If they have fleas..they most likely have tapeworm. All kittens should be de-wormed. Start worming medication at 3 weeks and then 5, 7 and 9 weeks of age...or anytime you acquire a new kitten/cat...but medicate every 2 weeks..for what it seems, 4 weeks..but check with your vet.You can get roundworm treatment at a pet supply store, but currently tapeworm treatment is only available by prescription.
#2 - Health check - this is imperative. Don't skip this! If you can't afford it, than don't take the kitten..find another home. Your kitten/cat could be carrying and number of diseases. FELV (feline leukemia) and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) are 2 very contagious and deadly diseases of cats. " All kittens should be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis and calici virus, the two primary viruses responsible for upper respiratory infections in cats." A note about vaccines...I am not one to think that cats need them yearly if they are indoor only cats...I have reservations about vaccines because I have had cats who never were vaccinated and lived to 19 and cats who were getting yearly vaccines only live to less than half that age. A cats typical lifespan is that of 15 years or older, older being very likely so long as they are healthy. However, I would agree with vaccinated kittens for at least the first year of life. Maybe the first 2-3 years. Beyond that if they are indoor only and don't come in contact with any other cat, it seems pointless as their vaccines are only boosters at that point..it would be like us adult humans..technically vaccines aren't supposed to stop after childhood, but how many of us still get them? Rabies is a whole other issue. It's the one vaccine that I believe you CAN not buy and administer yourself and there are laws by state on which cats need it and how often. My understanding is the vaccine is good for 3 years.
#3 - SPAY AND NEUTER! - DO IT!!!! There are already more than enough unwanted homeless pets! The shelters are OVER-RUN with cats/kittens, especially during spring/early summer. Do the right thing...prevent more unwanted homeless pets. Find a clinic for low cost or no cost if you care for feral or strays or you are low income, or ask your vet if they have a payment plan. Save yourself, and your cat, the pain and agony and frustration of allowing them to give birth. Not just females, neuter your males too. Intact animals can develop certain health disorders and cancers. Intact males will fight, spray (urinate as a marking territory trait), and can be a bit nasty. A neutered male is probably one of the most friendly cats you can meet.
Do the research before getting your cat/kitten. It's commitment and they often live to the ripe old age of 19 or more. If you no longer are able to care for your cat, PLEASE do the right thing and DO NOT dump your cat at a farm or a at the door of a shelter or vets office. Find a home! Don't leave your cat to fend for itself. It breaks my heart to see so many stray cats. My friend's one stray was clearly someones pet at one time...she is super friendly and HATES to be outside. It boggles my mind how people can abandon their pets. Would you leave your child behind or dump off somewhere if you felt you just couldn't handle the responsibility anymore? I don't think that would be the case for most of us. I am glad there are some people, even those with allergies to cats, will care for feral and stray cats. Please keep up regular health checks with these cats as it is possible for them ton contract any number of diseases. Outdoor cats are at much greater risk for feline diseases and injury. Most the shelters will ask if you can foster the cats that come to your door because they simply have no room. They can help you find homes for them while they stay in your care. Please continue to use flea/tick prevention on all your outdoor cats and kittens (over the age of 8 weeks normally).
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