Stray Cat Brought Her Kittens Inside Our Home

[Sarthur2]

Kittens usually become interested in eating wet food between 5 and 6 weeks old. You can wait at least another week. They are probably not ready quite yet. Most kittens are eating kitten chow and wet food well by 7-8 weeks.

If you begin feeding mom in their area, they will learn from mom. When they begin to eat, put the litter box nearby.

Mom should be spayed when the kittens are 8 weeks old.

 

[Gerry21]

Hi

Small update and a question.

The mother had her operation last week. We have just removed her protection jacket this morning and first thing she wanted was to go out in the front yard as she didnt go outside for a week. Once outside she calls the 2 kittens to come out join her and just stays under the car with them. I brought them back inside but she is not too happy about this. She really wants to be outdoor with the kittens. She has never done that before... she would only go out by herself and come back to her kittens.

The kittens are fine, very active and strong. They moved out from under the stairs since a week and now staying in the living room around the sofa.

Should we let them go out with their mom? It doesnt seems like she wants to take them anywhere... just hide under the car, but who knows. It is a bit of a circus when we let the mom out because she screams at her kittens to come and the kittens are a bit scared outside and run back inside the house at any loud noise, but she always tell them to come back outside.

Thank you for any ideas. The mom was very quiet for the last week but as soon as we took out her jacket she is back with all her power.

 

[Sarthur2]

Mom and kittens all need to stay inside.

Life is much safer for all of them inside. The kittens are not acclimated to outside at all. There is no reason for them to go out.

I would not let mom dictate what goes on. It's in her best interests to stay inside with her kittens for now. They still need her.

It's wonderful that she has been spayed and is doing well.

 

[StefanZ]

I suspect she by some reason doesnt feel completely safe in the house, that is why she wants to have her children outside.
But you cant allow that. Their chance to be be fostered and entirely socialized is to be inside, and actively fostered by you. As beatiful they are, it shouldnt be difficult to find them good homes. As long as they are socialized!

If desperate and necessary, you can let the momma go, if she wants it. She is spayed now, she is used to the life outside. She will manage OK.

But The kittens best interest arent necessarily connected with her anymore.

The heart want to her too to be socializised and get a real home, but if its not possible, save what can be easily saved; the children. They do have a future with your help.