Litter of Kittens

[Bedazzle]

About a month ago I was in Kentucky where I keep my horses on my family farm. One of the barn cats had birthed her litter of kittens and she was keeping them in the closet in the attic of my great-uncles farm house. The attic was a sweltering 130+ degrees with no breeze. We tried to relocated the kittens to a warm but less miserable location, but the momma cat didn't like the idea and kept taking the kittens back to the attic. The kittens were developing upper respiritory problems, and we decided the best thing to do was to remove the kittens from Kentucky and bring them home with us.

The kittens are now 6 weeks old approx (we took them away from KY when they were approx 3 weeks) and they have been fed a cat replacement milk diet and slowly started on wet kitten food. The problem is, I can't keep seven kittens! I have done the best I can with them so far, they are in good weight and are playful and happy but still have some eye goop that I clean on a regular basis.

I just am at a point where they are getting to be too much to handle and now what do I do with them? Should I take them back to KY, where without spaying or neutering them they might make even more cats. I don't know if they are old enough to spay, but they are all girls and I don't think I can afford seven kitten spayings.

Or, do I turn them over to Capital Area Humane Society in Columbus, OH (where I live)?

I have them listed on craigslist for free adoptiong. However, I kind of want to assure they go to good homes, but I can't hold on to them forever.

Any tips? Know of any no-kill shelters accepting animals right now in the central Ohio area? Any advice will help, thanks.

[BLBGP]

I would say contact Capital Area Humane about them. At least they will spay/neuter, vaccinate, etc. them before adopting, helping prevent more unwanted litters. There are pet overpopulation problems alomst everywhere in the states, but from what I understand your area has a massive unwanted cat/kitten problem.

Can you spay barn mama?

[Bedazzle]

The barn mama is not mine really, but I could probably convince my family member pretty easily if I found an affordable place to do it in KY. I just left a message with CAHS to set up an appt for options including surrender. The last option would be taking the kittens back to KY. They all deserve loving homes with one on one attention and I would also hate for more cats to be made in the future.

[enjoytheride]

Kittens as young as 8 weeks can be altered and if you find a low cost clinic in your area they can do it for under $60 a cat, maybe less if you get them ear tagged as ferals.

[Bedazzle]

Kittens as young as 8 weeks can be altered and if you find a low cost clinic in your area they can do it for under $60 a cat, maybe less if you get them ear tagged as ferals.

While that is understandably low, I cannot afford $420 for kittens that aren't even mine that I decided to "save". Yes, I get that I took responsibility for them and I need to do the right thing, however I cannot afford that sort of bill. I guess I have made my own decision and will probably surrender them to the humane society. I just really don't want them pts. But I'm hoping they would be put up for adoption since they are kittens and they usually adopt out quickly.

[dmalbone]

Get on Petfinder and look for rescues in your area. A lot of places it is illegal to sell, adopt, etc. a pet before 8 weeks so you will have a couple of weeks to wait. Google, call around, etc. and look for a feral cat rescue in your area. I had a litter of kittens altered and first round of shots for $15 a piece through the feral organization. Under no circumstances should they just be turned back out into the barn like they are. For one... they are too young right now. If you cannot investigate (and YES... it feels like true investigation. I felt like I was on the phone for days trying to find a group to alter them) it would be better to just surrender them to a shelter and have someone alter them and try to adopt them out. I LOVE LOVE LOVE cats. I am much more a cat person than a dog person. I have 5 inside right now because of rescuing, but I am a firm believer that I would rather a cat be put to sleep humanely rather than reproduce like a rabbit.

[Janet]

. But I'm hoping they would be put up for adoption since they are kittens and they usually adopt out quickly.
This time of year, most shelters have far more kittens avaiable for adoption than people wanting to adopt them.

[avezan]

You know what I did when I had a similar unwanted litter? I placed an ad in the paper *selling* the kittens for $20 each. i didn't really want the money, I just wanted to make sure they went to proper homes. The $20 screens out a lot of people who just want something for free. Have brochures for the spay/neuter clinic to give them and ask if they are planning on doing this. Ask them who their vet is and give them a vaccination/worming schedule. Most of the people I met were wonderful. When the people went to give me $20, I told them to put it toward the spay/neuter. This was almost 2 years ago and a few months ago I got a letter with pictures of one of the kitties. It was an older man who adopted the kitten. He had just lost his 16 year old cat. He wanted to give me an update on her. It was very sweet. I would be leery of Craig's list and advertising the kittens for free.

[Bedazzle]

Well there seems to be some interest in the kittens on craigslist. So hopefully I can get them homes that way. I'm doing the best I can afford for them.

[Bedazzle]

BTW- what I forgot to mention was that I do not have the momma cat. I have raised the kittens without her since she is nearly too feral to have live in a home. So the reason that I am overwhelmed is because I have been caring for the 7 kittens completely, acting as their mom.

[Calvincrowe]

I agree that giving them away can be dangerous. Up here, large snake owners routinely feed kittens given away in the paper to their snakes:eek: I kid you not. It made me gag when I heard some guys discussing the cheapest way to feed their big constrictors. Despicable. Selling them weeds out folks who might not be responsible owners.

[Bedazzle]

Thats really sick! And scary.

[McVillesMom]

You might also check with Colony Cats (www.colonycats.org) or Cat Welfare (www.catwelfareohio.com) and see if they have room. It's a long shot - as Janet said, most shelters are full - but it's worth checking. Colony Cats just opened a new shelter, so maybe it's not full yet! (Wishful thinking ;))

[kcgold]

Where in Kentucky....I might know of some low-cost spay options for barn mama.

[Bedazzle]

The farm is in Isonville, KY about 1 hr from Grayson. Thanks for the tips everyone!

[deltawave]

There's nothing really inherently "sick" about a snake or other carnivorous animal eating what comes naturally. :confused: Yes, fuzzy baby kittens are cute, but it's a better fate (being eaten) than starving to death. :)

I'd take one if I were closer. :)

[Seven-up]

Not that this really matters, but is it possible that some of the girls are actually boys? Even at 6 weeks, it's pretty hard to tell. I only mention this because it's cheaper to do a snip-snip for the boys.

Realistically, I'd check out rescues and such, or just adopt them out and let their new owners do the fixing.

If you decide to adopt/give away/sell/whatever, we used an interesting little strategy once. We put and ad up for 5 cute kittens and 2 ugly ones. We gave away 7 "ugly" kittens in record time.:winkgrin::lol:

[pippa553]

There's nothing really inherently "sick" about a snake or other carnivorous animal eating what comes naturally. :confused: Yes, fuzzy baby kittens are cute, but it's a better fate (being eaten) than starving to death. :)

I'd take one if I were closer. :)

True, but someone claiming they are taking the kitten as a pet and then using them as feed, well that's just wrong. We had a few stories like this on our local craigslist.

I would love kitten as well but I'm too far. I was reading in the paper that the local shelter here is having an adoption "special" day as they have over 200 kittens!! It sure must be that time of year.

[Janet]

There's nothing really inherently "sick" about a snake or other carnivorous animal eating what comes naturally. :confused: Yes, fuzzy baby kittens are cute, but it's a better fate (being eaten) than starving to death. :)

I'd take one if I were closer. :)
No, what is sick is the PERSON saying they are adopting the kitten as a pet, and then using it as snake food.

[deltawave]

I'll go so far as to say deceptive and kind of underhanded. :) How many people would willingly give a baby kitten away knowing it would be fed to a snake? Probably not many. How many snake owners would jump at the chance for free snake food? Probably a good number. Both sets of individuals are doing what they feel is best for themselves and the animals in their care. In the end, the snake and the kitten are not the variables--it's the interpretation of human behavior, and that IS hugely variable depending on who is doing the interpreting. ;)

(feeling a little philosophical on the sociology front today, sorry)

[Janet]

I'll go so far as to say deceptive and kind of underhanded. :) How many people would willingly give a baby kitten away knowing it would be fed to a snake? Probably not many.
I dunno, there are plenty of people who have no compunction about drowning them, or using them as bait for dog fighting, or just dumping them at the side of the road. I bet those people might be willing to give them away as snake food.

[Bedazzle]

Wow, you learn something every day. I had no idea males and females looked so much alike "down below" when they were kittens! I may have more males than females!

[kcgold]

Isonville appears to be in an area where there aren't a whole lot of spay/neuter options (at least that I could find), but you could try calling the Lawrence County humane society s they were listed, and see if they offer any or have any recommendations:

Lawrence Co. Humane Society, Louisa 606-673-4509

If someone is willing to travel to Bourbon County (about two hours drive), there is a low-cost clinic there several times a month; PM me if you would want that info.

[mandalea]

I know my vet will take the kittens on - vaccine them, feed them, etc then put them up for adopt/sale.

Maybe your will too ?

[mybeau1999]

if there is any way to get them to maryland, i could use 2 or 3 of them in our new barn...

[Bedazzle]

if there is any way to get them to maryland, i could use 2 or 3 of them in our new barn...

I wish :D

[PicturePerfectPonies]

While that is understandably low, I cannot afford $420 for kittens that aren't even mine that I decided to "save". Yes, I get that I took responsibility for them and I need to do the right thing, however I cannot afford that sort of bill. I guess I have made my own decision and will probably surrender them to the humane society. I just really don't want them pts. But I'm hoping they would be put up for adoption since they are kittens and they usually adopt out quickly.

I got my girl kitty spayed for an insanely low price through the delaware county humane society a few years ago.

Instead of CAHS try looking up Cat Welfare. Its a no kill cats only shelter somewhere in Columbus. I havent been there since we got our kitty 15+ years ago but last i heard they were still in business http://www.catwelfareohio.com/

There is also a no kill cats only shelter in Powell, OH http://www.cozycatcottage.com/ the website says no vacancy but its worth a call...

[Arcadien]

If you can't place any with local friends (have you asked them all yet??)

call your local shelter(s) and ask best plan. They may be able to give you some other contacts if they are full now.

And please, please, put pressure on your relative to spay that momma cat!!!!! If they are noncommittal, call the local shelters in family members area - they often have people who will go & set a humane trap for the cat, transport it to shelter for neutering, shots & ear tipping, then transport it back to where it came from. Wala, same cat, only no more kitten factory. LOVE those people (planning to become one, in my area, soon as my work load lightens up - my retirement goal is to help alleviate the excess dog & cat population, educate the contributors, and get homes for as many needy critters, as much as I possibly can in my remaining lifetime...

Arcadien,
huge softy & kittens melt me in two seconds, how any one can be cruel to them is so far beyond my ability to understand.... and yes also love love the adult versions - grown up preciousnesses they are!

[Susan P]

There aren't enough homes for all the cats and kittens now, so why do people keep breeding?

There are humane traps to catch all the cats and Alley Cats helps find low cost spay and neuter programs.
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=191

There is just no excuse for people to allow their cats to keep breeding, now we see the consequences, a litter of kittens at risk and the Mamma still out there getting pregnant again and she will no doubt get pregnant a third time before the year is out. First litter this year was 7 right, so 3 x 7 = 21 more cats when there aren't enough homes for the current population. :confused: Does anyone get it?

I see people are driving at getting the Mamma cat spayed but I'm sure she is already pregnant again and if you give the kittens away through Craigslist such as the same place where criminals find victims, then surely these kittens are at risk as well. They sound like either potential snake food or more reproducing cats, a vicious cycle. They should be spayed/neutered and look for word of mouth homes, and let them pay for the vet bill when they take the kitten. If they won't pay the vet bill, they don't deserve the kitten and wouldn't get them fixed anyway.

[Susan P]

You would be better off with an adult cat because the babies are easily eaten by fox, hawks, etc. any predator, they are tiny and helpless. An adult cat at least has a fighting/running/climbing chance. Also they are instant mousers, and you don't have to wait at least 6 months.



if there is any way to get them to maryland, i could use 2 or 3 of them in our new barn...

[mybeau1999]

You would be better off with an adult cat because the babies are easily eaten by fox, hawks, etc. any predator, they are tiny and helpless. An adult cat at least has a fighting/running/climbing chance. Also they are instant mousers, and you don't have to wait at least 6 months.

I would keep them inside until they are big enough to venture out :)
Thanks for the concern though!

[Bedazzle]

There aren't enough homes for all the cats and kittens now, so why do people keep breeding?

There are humane traps to catch all the cats and Alley Cats helps find low cost spay and neuter programs.
http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=191

There is just no excuse for people to allow their cats to keep breeding, now we see the consequences, a litter of kittens at risk and the Mamma still out there getting pregnant again and she will no doubt get pregnant a third time before the year is out. First litter this year was 7 right, so 3 x 7 = 21 more cats when there aren't enough homes for the current population. :confused: Does anyone get it?

I see people are driving at getting the Mamma cat spayed but I'm sure she is already pregnant again and if you give the kittens away through Craigslist such as the same place where criminals find victims, then surely these kittens are at risk as well. They sound like either potential snake food or more reproducing cats, a vicious cycle. They should be spayed/neutered and look for word of mouth homes, and let them pay for the vet bill when they take the kitten. If they won't pay the vet bill, they don't deserve the kitten and wouldn't get them fixed anyway.

Maybe you aren't understanding me. This is NOT my Momma kitty, it belongs to the fiance's parents who have a farm in Kentucky that is not their primary residence. They did not buy Momma kitty, it showed up at the farm. She had kittens which I felt badly for and I took them home to care for them. I said I plan on getting them all neutered and spayed if the price is right, and I did find a place that would do it for $15 a piece. So, since the price is right, Momma kitty will get done too. I didn't breed these kittens, I will never breed an animal in my lifetime, there is no need, too many animals on earth. All of my animals that I have purchase have gotten the chop.

The kittens are not being given away on craigslist, I was too terrified after hearing about snake food that I decided to no longer list them. They will live with me until they are big enough and are fixed, and then they will go back to Kentucky to live on the farm.

Thanks for all the tips.

[Seven-up]

$15 a pop, that's awesome!

Good on you for doing the right thing by these little critters. Obviously Susan P is passionate about this issue, but it's plain to see that you are trying to prevent all these babies from becoming kitten factories.

[vacation1]

Wow, you learn something every day. I had no idea males and females looked so much alike "down below" when they were kittens! I may have more males than females!

Very true - it's hard to tell:lol:

Re: the snake thing - I disagree with this particular line of musings. It's not the lies being told by the humans that's grotesque, it really is specifically the act of taking one of our very few true companion species and killing them in a gruesome manner on a whim to feed another animal that's sick.

There's nothing really inherently "sick" about a snake or other carnivorous animal eating what comes naturally. :confused: Yes, fuzzy baby kittens are cute, but it's a better fate (being eaten) than starving to death. :)

Really? I think being eaten alive, which I believe is how you typically need to feed snakes, is right up there on most people's list of worst ways to die. And even if the snake owners kill the kittens first, the logic of that argument is a bit weak. Why not just feed disabled or poor infants to large snakes? Isn't being humanely killed and eaten by some hard-working man's pet boa better than growing up in poverty or with disabilities?

[Susan P]

You're right, I didn't read thoroughly enough to get that. But thanks for the clarification. I work with a cat T/N/R program and it's just heart wrenching to see how these poor cats end up. Someone that took in some barn cats called me to say she found a litter of 8 kittens dumped on the road, she was horrified and gathered them up while her daughter cried. They were so afraid they would be hit by a car or starve and a million other things.

I fostered a little kitten from a hoarders house that was the last survivor of her litter. After 3 weeks hearing her go down hill and taking her back to the clinic several times the last time she came back it was just to watch her die. I held her for an hour as she struggled to breath and when she gasped even harder for air we made the decision to immediately put her down. There was no hope and I had a really hard time letting go after holding her in my hands through the night as we slept. She was so tiny when I got her, maybe 4 weeks old and it was hard for her to take a bottle as breathing was hard. Just as I thought she was coming around she went down hill and never got better so I am super sensitive to hearing about animals breeding when there are no homes. Sorry for my overreaction.

I'm glad you caught the problems with people looking for kittens. I'm sure there are legitimate people searching too. If you can find a no kill shelter that can put them on PetFinder.com that might be a good place to find them homes. You can officially foster them and the shelter or rescue can help place them. I think no matter where you are, Alley Cat Allies can help you but if you have a low cost clinic they would no doubt be the likely place to help you. Any organization willing to spay/neuter cheaply is only going to look after the kittens. Thank you for saving them.



Maybe you aren't understanding me. This is NOT my Momma kitty, it belongs to the fiance's parents who have a farm in Kentucky that is not their primary residence. They did not buy Momma kitty, it showed up at the farm. She had kittens which I felt badly for and I took them home to care for them. I said I plan on getting them all neutered and spayed if the price is right, and I did find a place that would do it for $15 a piece. So, since the price is right, Momma kitty will get done too. I didn't breed these kittens, I will never breed an animal in my lifetime, there is no need, too many animals on earth. All of my animals that I have purchase have gotten the chop.

The kittens are not being given away on craigslist, I was too terrified after hearing about snake food that I decided to no longer list them. They will live with me until they are big enough and are fixed, and then they will go back to Kentucky to live on the farm.

Thanks for all the tips.

[danceronice]

Really? I think being eaten alive, which I believe is how you typically need to feed snakes, is right up there on most people's list of worst ways to die. And even if the snake owners kill the kittens first, the logic of that argument is a bit weak. Why not just feed disabled or poor infants to large snakes? Isn't being humanely killed and eaten by some hard-working man's pet boa better than growing up in poverty or with disabilities?

It's also not great snake-keeping. Contrary to popular belief, live-feeding is dangerous and a great way to get a sensitive reptile injured or worse. I do not keep snakes (not my bag) but unless we're talking pinkie mice that can't even move much, feeding live prey is dangerous. Rabbits, rats, mice, kittens, etc all have teeth and claws and an understandable object to being eaten. I had a friend whose corn snake actually developed a phobia of spotted mice because one fought back (and won--they had to pull it because it bit the snake.) Also just taking random kittens or whatever and throwing them in with your reptile is a nice way to introduce a disease vector.

Dead rats/chicks/etc are available frozen to feed. It's a safe alternative.

[Valentina_32926]

Many times local humane socities have free/reduced cost spaying/neutering. Perhaps look into that before making a decision.

[Susan P]

I'm afraid I am and I jumped to conclusions, sorry.
I didn't read carefully enough to understand the whole story.


$15 a pop, that's awesome!

Good on you for doing the right thing by these little critters. Obviously Susan P is passionate about this issue, but it's plain to see that you are trying to prevent all these babies from becoming kitten factories.

[Bedazzle]

****UPDATE****

*I am trying to write this as a little grey munchkin is rubbing itself all over the laptop*

Just wanted to give a quick update about the kittens. I still have all of them, and they are growing quickly, and are a joy to be around. Is it bad that I'm becoming horribly attached to all of them? :winkgrin:

I have put in an application for a low-cost spay/neuter, which does each kitten for $10 a piece, which is amazing! So hopefully if all goes well, the kittens will be fixed within the next month.

Here are some pictures of the cute little babies. Click on the link and it will take you to their album.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=49709291&id=12451143#/album.php?aid=2611362&id=12451143

[McVillesMom]

OMG they are SO cute! Hisser is my favorite - I'm a sucker for the orange ones :)