I would really appreciate any suggestions as to how to proceed.
Hubby and I are cat lovers- (have 3 of our own). A few weeks ago started noticing a darling Calico
hanging out, looking rather thin, etc. So we set out food and water. Eventually, we realized she was pregnant.
We canvassed the neighborhood, and only one neighbor knew this cat, but it wasn't theirs. Just sometimes noticed she slept on an old vehicle in their side yard.
We tried to capture her before she had the kittens, but no luck. After being missing for a few days, she showed up, hungry. Obviously had delivered. She was VERY friendly. allowed me to pet her quite a bit. Meowed, licked my hand and so forth. I noticed that her teats did not seem to have much if any milk. I immediately was concerned for her kittens, but have no idea where they might be.
We have continued to see her come for food for several days now, and she still does not appear to be nursing. Feels mostly flat and dry when I rub her underside. We have the feeling her kittens didn't make it, but can't be sure!
We want to do the right thing, and would like to take her to a no kill shelter, and pay for her to be spayed, but are so afraid that somehow, she may have a surviving kitten or two. I would just continue to feed her as a stray, but I know she'll be in heat again very soon, and don't want that to happen!
What would you advise?
Hubby and I are cat lovers- (have 3 of our own). A few weeks ago started noticing a darling Calico
hanging out, looking rather thin, etc. So we set out food and water. Eventually, we realized she was pregnant.
We canvassed the neighborhood, and only one neighbor knew this cat, but it wasn't theirs. Just sometimes noticed she slept on an old vehicle in their side yard.
We tried to capture her before she had the kittens, but no luck. After being missing for a few days, she showed up, hungry. Obviously had delivered. She was VERY friendly. allowed me to pet her quite a bit. Meowed, licked my hand and so forth. I noticed that her teats did not seem to have much if any milk. I immediately was concerned for her kittens, but have no idea where they might be.
We have continued to see her come for food for several days now, and she still does not appear to be nursing. Feels mostly flat and dry when I rub her underside. We have the feeling her kittens didn't make it, but can't be sure!
We want to do the right thing, and would like to take her to a no kill shelter, and pay for her to be spayed, but are so afraid that somehow, she may have a surviving kitten or two. I would just continue to feed her as a stray, but I know she'll be in heat again very soon, and don't want that to happen!
What would you advise?