New feral cat - is it Pauli or Paula. / It's Paula and we have kittens.

[cat_dad_dan]

I have been looking for a topic on this but haven't been able to find it. Last time when other people came here, inside the house, Pauli would run away, hide somewhere outside (this was before the babies). I am wondering how to introduce the kittens to other people, what would Pauli do when other people come here? Will she get aggressive or try to hide the babies? So far I have not let anyone in the house so that Pauli isn't stressed. But at some point the kittens need to see other people as well. Any ideas or topics to read about this?

 

[heatherwillard0614]

I have been looking for a topic on this but haven't been able to find it. Last time when other people came here, inside the house, Pauli would run away, hide somewhere outside (this was before the babies). I am wondering how to introduce the kittens to other people, what would Pauli do when other people come here? Will she get aggressive or try to hide the babies? So far I have not let anyone in the house so that Pauli isn't stressed. But at some point the kittens need to see other people as well. Any ideas or topics to read about this?

I would think that if you have Pauli in a safe room with the kittens then maybe open the door to where she and the kittens are don't have the person walk in but let the kittens walk to the person. I wouldn't let anyone go in her safe area where she is with her babies..
This being said I have never done anything like this so maybe wait for responses from other people to see what they recommend.

 

[Kwik]

I agree with heatherwillard0614 .. Pauli's nest is her safe space with her babies and socializing Pauli is going to take more time than it will with the kittens and socializing the kittens will be much simpler-I don't allow visitors coming to see an unsocialized Mama WITH her litter-a social Mama with a litter is quite another story and people can look in and Mama can even help with socializing her kittens to interact with humans- not with Pauli,it'll stress her and be counter productive

She doesn't have any problem with you taking the babies to play with them,does she? Let me ask how old they are now?I read where you Said they are running around,climb up your legs and you hold them so they will be curious about other humans and it's a good time to introduce them to your friends if they are already familiar with an area away from Mama that's a perfect place to let a friend sit on the floor so the kittens can explore

I've always had a "facility" to work in and socialize so I always get kittens very familiar with carriers ( always started with open top box,shoe box etc)and used to be moved from point A to point B right away and carrying them,it makes it very easy to bring them to a socializing space- where people can see them and they can see & smell people.. it's one step at a time,especially with feral,semi feral Mamas -even indoor pet Mamas that are not social with humans..... the kittens learn apprehension and fear from Mama so it's best to take them out of her sight .. are they weaned yet?

It's very helpful if kittens are handled by several different people between 5& 7 weeks of age,this makes a big difference from the ones that have only had one human caretaker until 6-8 weeks and more.....this is why I'm asking how old they are now-starting early makes all the difference in tye world

In breeding facilities,shelters etc- the more " handlers" early on the better- the kittens will then come running up to meet their prospective pet parent when comes time for adoption...

 

[Sarthur2]

Kwik There is no rush for them to be “socialized” to others at this tender age. They only need their mom and a primary caregiver for a few more weeks. In fact, it is recommended that kittens with a mom stay with her for 12-16 weeks for maximum security. These are not shelter kittens who need to be moved out quickly. They have a temporary home.

So, kittens in this situation become more secure and learn better kitten manners, and acclimate better to new homes when they remain with mom and their littermates for 3-4 months. At that point they are fully weaned and becoming more independent, and can meet new people on an “as needed” basis. They usually adjust fairly quickly if adopted at this age, and there is no need for them to be “socialized” to multiple people in the interim.

There are 4 kittens. Sometimes they do better being adopted in pairs when they are bonded. If possible, it’s best they be spayed and neutered already before going to new homes when the time comes.

C cat_dad_dan has some time and some things to consider. In the meantime, do not rush things.

 

[cat_dad_dan]

Thanks Kwik and Sarthur2 - they are now three weeks old and still sleeping most of the time, but Pauli let me babysit them when she is sleeping somewhere in the corner. She allows me to pick up, play, etc., she seems completely fine with it now. Waiting a few more weeks to introduce them to other people sounds right. Also a good idea Kwik to have a separate room where they could interact with other people, but I will do that in a few weeks then. For now just Pauli, the kittens and me.

Getting ready to explore the world!

 

[Sarthur2]

They are just barely toddling now. Cuties! They’ll cut their baby teeth soon; then begin soft foods between 5-8 weeks. They’ll still nurse mom too, but will be play fighting and exploring like crazy at 6-8 weeks. The fun has yet to begin! Enjoy each and every stage!

 

[Kwik]

Kwik There is no rush for them to be “socialized” to others at this tender age. They only need their mom and a primary caregiver for a few more weeks. In fact, it is recommended that kittens with a mom stay with her for 12-16 weeks for maximum security. These are not shelter kittens who need to be moved out quickly. They have a temporary home.

So, kittens in this situation become more secure and learn better kitten manners, and acclimate better to new homes when they remain with mom and their littermates for 3-4 months. At that point they are fully weaned and becoming more independent, and can meet new people on an “as needed” basis. They usually adjust fairly quickly if adopted at this age, and there is no need for them to be “socialized” to multiple people in the interim.

There are 4 kittens. Sometimes they do better being adopted in pairs when they are bonded. If possible, it’s best they be spayed and neutered already before going to new homes when the time comes.

C cat_dad_dan has some time and some things to consider. In the meantime, do not rush things.

I'm not rushing him to do anything-I did explain my work is in " facilities" and having much trouble with my wifi.

We share "our experience" and I think Im pretty clear that is what I do,doesnt mean its for every person-people do things differently and that's up to them to gather their info and decide what works for them

 

[Kwik]

Thanks Kwik and Sarthur2 - they are now three weeks old and still sleeping most of the time, but Pauli let me babysit them when she is sleeping somewhere in the corner. She allows me to pick up, play, etc., she seems completely fine with it now. Waiting a few more weeks to introduce them to other people sounds right. Also a good idea Kwik to have a separate room where they could interact with other people, but I will do that in a few weeks then. For now just Pauli, the kittens and me.

Getting ready to explore the world!

Thank you for that info- you're doing a fantastic job..... after weaning you can begin,they are very young yet ..... feel free to msg me if you would like to chat and I wish you the very best

 

[heatherwillard0614]

Thanks Kwik and Sarthur2 - they are now three weeks old and still sleeping most of the time, but Pauli let me babysit them when she is sleeping somewhere in the corner. She allows me to pick up, play, etc., she seems completely fine with it now. Waiting a few more weeks to introduce them to other people sounds right. Also a good idea Kwik to have a separate room where they could interact with other people, but I will do that in a few weeks then. For now just Pauli, the kittens and me.

Getting ready to explore the world!

OH MY GAWD!!!!! they are absolutely adorable. I can't take it my heart is going to explode lol
Gah Pauli and her babies are absolutely perfect precious little fur babies! You have done a great job with Pauli and her babies for sure. I'm so very glad that you were there to take her in.

Hey by the way may I ask how the rooster is doing? lol (if he is still around)

 

[cat_dad_dan]

Hey by the way may I ask how the rooster is doing? lol

He seems to be ok, he had a trick to climb a tree by getting up some tent, but a storm broke the tent a bit, so I am not sure what he does now to get up in the tree. Though I hear him in the morning from somewhere in the trees. During the day he tries to score some peanuts which the birds drop (I have put out a feeder with peanuts for birds).

 

[heatherwillard0614]

He seems to be ok, he had a trick to climb a tree by getting up some tent, but a storm broke the tent a bit, so I am not sure what he does now to get up in the tree. Though I hear him in the morning from somewhere in the trees. During the day he tries to score some peanuts which the birds drop (I have put out a feeder with peanuts for birds).

Poor just wanted to use the tent to make it easier to get in the tree and it had to go and break.. The audacity of the tent Hahaha
All jokes aside I'm glad to hear he is also doing well. I've thought about him from time to time. I wasn't sure if he was still around. I bet he likes getting the nuts
He is one lucky rooster. A lot of people would have left him out there and just forgot about him.. in their mind he "isn't their problem" because he was left there by the previous owner... and you took him in just as you did with Pauli. Does he cocka-doodle-doo when the morning sun rises? haha
Thank you for everything you have done since taking on the responsibility of an irresponsible pet owner.. too bad that pet owner can't be here to see you and how you take care of them. They might be able to learn something.. but that's neither here nor there.. I truly appreciate you and all you do especially for Pauli and the kittens. The rooster is an added bonus as well lol

 

[Sarthur2]

I adopted a stray Rhode Island Red hen at the end of May, and have since learned quite a bit about chickens. I’ve been to the feed store for chicken feed, and ordered more food and treats on Chewy for her. She gets fresh water daily and loves blueberries also. We are not allowed to have roosters within my city limits. I’m considering getting a coop for her as she sleeps in bushes at night but has no cover from rain and I worry about predators overnight. I do believe she is older and past her “laying” prime.

Since we are not allowed roosters, I’ve learned through local Facebook sites that there are farms and rescues that take in unwanted and stray roosters. You might want to check for such groups in your area as well.

They do need chicken feed (protein in particular), and a way to get to higher branches to roost at night for safety. My chicken flaps up to a fence, then from there into a thick bush at night for now.

Your rooster is a handsome fellow, and you are to be commended for taking on the challenge of caring for the various “pets” you’ve encountered in your rental home.

 

[cat_dad_dan]

Thanks!

The audacity of the tent

I fixed the tent for him. Though he may have found a better trick to get into the tree,

I wasn't sure if he was still around.

Well, the garden here is not very big, but there are some trees surrounding it, so I don't see him very often, he walks around hiding in different places, digging for some food. He hasn't been through a winter yet, I am not sure how that will go for him.

Does he cocka-doodle-doo when the morning sun rises?

Yes! And I am glad he does! I am happy to hear it, then I know he has survived the night.

You might want to check for such groups in your area as well.

For now it is ok, he has a routine, there is enough food and water for him and he seems to enjoy himself. I don't think there are many predators here. Before winter comes around I have to look into it.

 

[heatherwillard0614]

I really can't explain how happy my heart is. You not only took in an abandoned pregnant kitty but a rooster as well. Hopefully in the next couple months you will be able to find someone with a farm who would want a rooster. If not a full blown farm maybe someone with chickens and roosters. I am so happy you were the one that showed up in their lives.
You are absolutely amazing with a huge heart.

 

[cat_dad_dan]

Just an update on the kitten that lost weight. Today she gained almost 30 grams in 24 hours! So might have been a growth spurt?

 

[Sarthur2]

Yep, sounds like a growth spurt to me!

 

[cat_dad_dan]

The kittens are one month old! They weigh between 435 and 540 grams. Last week they all got dewormed and it all went well. They also have there own room now. For this week:

• I put out two tiny litter boxes but so far they are just playing in it. Maybe later this week?
• I also would like to give them some wet food, just to try.

 

[heatherwillard0614]

The kittens are one month old! They weigh between 435 and 540 grams. Last week they all got dewormed and it all went well. They also have there own room now. For this week:

• I put out two tiny litter boxes but so far they are just playing in it. Maybe later this week?
• I also would like to give them some wet food, just to try.

Oh my gawd!!! I love it!!!! And to think going from a "boy" cat that was about to be rushed to the vet for "leaking" (teehee) to an amazing momma and her babies! They are getting so big! I seriously feel like I can't thank you enough for everything you have been doing for Pauli, the babies, and Mr rooster.. you are amazing!

 

[Sarthur2]

Let us know how the wet food trial goes.

They will learn to use the litter box in the next week or two — especially once they begin eating food, though you may need to put them in before and after meals, and take a little paw and show them how to dig!

They are adorable!

 

[Mamanyt1953]

PIease, sir, may we have some more? Trust me, we're aII fooIs for kittens!