I've been caring for two feral (seems funny to say that now, when they'll jump on my lap and purr and make biscuits on me) kittens for three weeks now, and tomorrow's the big day they go to the vet's office with me (I work there) to get their checkups and hopefully their FeLV/FIV tests. I've been keeping Pippin and Fergus isolated from the other cats, first in a big rabbit cage when they were smaller, and then in my bathroom. Keeping them contained is getting harder and harder every day, and as they get bigger and bigger, they're getting too much for my tiny bathroom. In the past 24 hours, they've destroyed two rolls of TP (one on a roll and one by knocking it in the tub), ripped my shower curtain liner, put snags in the fabric shower curtain, one fell in the tub when I as taking a bath, the other jumped in (and didn't seem to mind) while the tub was filling, stole my makeup sponge, knocked over my contact case, and ruined one of my shoelaces.
A stray/feral momcat had kittens in my neighbors' basement, and we were able to catch two of the kittens. I've tamed a feral before (Gypsy was about 6 months when I caught her), so I knew I'd be able to handle the little guys. They were probably about 7-8 weeks old at the time. I was able to catch momcat a week ago, but she got away from me, since I was standing perched on the top rail of a chain link fence when I caught her in a tree. Probably among the dumbest things I've done in a long time - standing on a fence holding a semi-wild cat I'd just pulled out of a tree.
I wish I could have held on long enough to at least get her in the garage. Since she's somewhat handle-able, I know I'd have been able to bring her around with some Fancy Feast bribery.
She's since moved the remaining kittens (two or three more) out of the neighbors' basement and we're not quite sure where they are now. Possibly getting into another neighbors' garage.
My vet believes that the FeLV/FIV test isnt' accurate until they're 12 weeks old, so we've been putting off testing them. They're probably closing in on at least 11 weeks now, weighing about 3 pounds each and growing like weeds. They seem perfectly healthy. Not so much as a sniffle, sneeze or even an eye booger since I got them. Mild case of roundworms, but they've already had three doses of Pyrantel, with the next (last) dose due tomorrow.
I have every finger, toe and any other apendage crossed that the little guys will be negative. I can't believe how bonded I am to them in just three weeks time.
Healthy Kitten Vibes will be much appreciated.
A stray/feral momcat had kittens in my neighbors' basement, and we were able to catch two of the kittens. I've tamed a feral before (Gypsy was about 6 months when I caught her), so I knew I'd be able to handle the little guys. They were probably about 7-8 weeks old at the time. I was able to catch momcat a week ago, but she got away from me, since I was standing perched on the top rail of a chain link fence when I caught her in a tree. Probably among the dumbest things I've done in a long time - standing on a fence holding a semi-wild cat I'd just pulled out of a tree.
My vet believes that the FeLV/FIV test isnt' accurate until they're 12 weeks old, so we've been putting off testing them. They're probably closing in on at least 11 weeks now, weighing about 3 pounds each and growing like weeds. They seem perfectly healthy. Not so much as a sniffle, sneeze or even an eye booger since I got them. Mild case of roundworms, but they've already had three doses of Pyrantel, with the next (last) dose due tomorrow.
I have every finger, toe and any other apendage crossed that the little guys will be negative. I can't believe how bonded I am to them in just three weeks time.
Healthy Kitten Vibes will be much appreciated.