I posted on the Pregnant mom and kittens board, but haven't gotten any bites so I'm hoping I may get some more traffic over here.
About a month ago I started feeding a stray cat that was hanging around. I'm fairly certain someone owned her around here and left her when our last big hurricane blew through. She was very skittish at first, I couldn't get near her. But eventually she warmed up to me and I was able to pet her and even pick her up. I noticed her nipples seemed large and sticky, like she had been nursing. And sure enough, when I followed her back to the abandoned house she was living behind, she had two kittens that were about 5 weeks old.
So, fast forward to today - I have brought mama and both kittens into my home. My plan all along was to bring mom in and get her spayed, but I wasn't expecting to have three more cats living here! The first kitten was captured first, as he was eating solids when I would feed mom and I wanted to try and get anyone I could in before it got too cold. He stayed inside with me about a week before I was able to get the other in, and then mom. They are all reunited, and seem to be doing well.
I will need to find homes for at least two of these cats, because I already have 2 of my own kitties, and a big dog. The problem is that the second kitten is extremely skittish. She is essentially feral, and I can't get near her without her hissing or trying to run away. The one that was with me for a week is very well adjusted and will have no problem settling into a home, but I'm worried about number 2. I'd love some advice on how to socialize her to better maximize her chances of adoption. She's still young, about 6-7 weeks old, so I feel like I have time. I just don't know what to do! TIA!
About a month ago I started feeding a stray cat that was hanging around. I'm fairly certain someone owned her around here and left her when our last big hurricane blew through. She was very skittish at first, I couldn't get near her. But eventually she warmed up to me and I was able to pet her and even pick her up. I noticed her nipples seemed large and sticky, like she had been nursing. And sure enough, when I followed her back to the abandoned house she was living behind, she had two kittens that were about 5 weeks old.
So, fast forward to today - I have brought mama and both kittens into my home. My plan all along was to bring mom in and get her spayed, but I wasn't expecting to have three more cats living here! The first kitten was captured first, as he was eating solids when I would feed mom and I wanted to try and get anyone I could in before it got too cold. He stayed inside with me about a week before I was able to get the other in, and then mom. They are all reunited, and seem to be doing well.
I will need to find homes for at least two of these cats, because I already have 2 of my own kitties, and a big dog. The problem is that the second kitten is extremely skittish. She is essentially feral, and I can't get near her without her hissing or trying to run away. The one that was with me for a week is very well adjusted and will have no problem settling into a home, but I'm worried about number 2. I'd love some advice on how to socialize her to better maximize her chances of adoption. She's still young, about 6-7 weeks old, so I feel like I have time. I just don't know what to do! TIA!