Hey Cat-Savvy Du'ers -- For the Love of a Cat named Nikita -- a continuation (Part 3) UPDATE

[Samantha]

Last edited Tue Jul 23, 2013, 11:52 AM - Edit history (7)

Two earlier threads I posted for cat-savvy Du'ers pleaded for advice and assistance in taking care of a cat which had suddenly appeared on my doorstep.

Thread 1 at http://www.democraticunderground.com/1018319954

Thread 2 at http://www.democraticunderground.com/1018337627

These threads discussed my quandary in taking care of the cat since I had never owned one. Several generous posters here gave me invaluable assistance. Additionally, I have received private emails from concerned Du'ers. Lastly, the last update request I received I could not accommodate for reasons you are about to discern, but I do apologize for that. But one pending question that was left in suspense will now be answered.

Was she or wasn't she pregnant?




May I introduce from left to right:

Monet (so beautiful, white with patches of color so brilliant one thinks of a painting by Monet); my very first impression of her was the stunning look she carries seems simply to give her the appearance of a truly beautiful work of art;

Dane (front and center) gray with lighter thin gray stripes and beautiful blue eyes;

Sunny (behind Dane) so golden, so beautiful she lights up the space;

Elise (named from the enchanting Beethoven piece) because she too is enchanting, colored similarly to Monet, and she is "kissing"

Bo (to the right) strikingly black with a white stripe down his nose and white paws with some white also on the stomach area.

I call them collectively Nikita's kids, and I am sure you will intuitively realize why I have not had the time to post an update! They will be seven weeks old Sunday.

It has been a wild ride for me and I will describe more of it in a thread to follow soon. But I want to mention I am looking for loving people who might want to adopt a beautiful child of Nikita's. If you live anywhere in or near the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and you have room in your heart and your home for a another kitten to love, please let me know. I am just now starting to look for homes for them and I know there are a lot of people here who would be the kindest of caretakers for one of Nikita's kids. I am reaching out through several venues but I specifically wanted to tell cat-lovers here. Why? The cat-lovers at DU are the most knowledgeable and kindest people I have ever encountered.

Additionally, I thank you all who helped me survive this journey. I did not have the tools in my toolbag to go it alone, and you guys helped me so much. It has been extremely difficult, not ever having owned a cat. But I have developed an extreme bond with the cat who adopted me, and she will become a permanent part of the household, along with my dog Cheyenne and perhaps one of these beautiful kittens.

But all of the hard work, homework, research, sleepless nights -- all of it was done for my love for the cat named Nikita who one day decided to adopt ME. Labors of love for the beautiful Nikita ...



Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your coaching and caring.

More later, but I hope to see some comments on Nikita's kids from those of you who helped me on my journey.

But let me leave you with just one note of a hilarious moment. If you were a participant on those previous threads, you might remember the second day Nikita lived here, she saw Cheyenne and I come out the door for our walk. As we walked down the sidewalk towards the street, she fell in line behind us. Much to my amazement, she tagged along for the whole walk. My neighbors thought this was a riot. She continued to do this each day.

One day, a car stopped suddenly and the driver said to me, "Ma'am, are you walking a cat?" I just looked at him and said, "I am walking my dog, and the cat has decided to come along for the ride." He laughed and pulled away. A few nights ago, I came out of the house with Cheyenne for our evening walk. I wondered if Nikita would follow, but I was unsure since she had moved her family to my porch (she had relocated the litter twice and I just met them!). I waited until we had gone a few steps and turned around to see. Nikita had walked to the end of my sidewalk, and was giving her version of the cat-mom meow to her kittens, the one the says "come to me."

Oh, my God! She was not only going for the walk, she was summoning her five babies to fall in line behind her. A visual appeared before my eyes of me walking down the path, Cheyenne beside me on her leash, Nikita trailing behind as was her habit, and FIVE SIX WEEK OLD KITTENS TAGGING ALONG BEHIND NIKITA. Panicked at the mere thought of taking these newborn cat babes down the streets, I hurriedly picked up Cheyenne and walked quickly back to the house. So everything ended well since I short-circuited the walk but I was left wondering how to deal with this plan of Nikita's. The next day, I took Cheyenne out in the back yard, but we did not walk. The following day, pretending the incident with the follow-me meow call by Nikita to her kids a few days before never happened, I started again with Cheyenne and headed towards our path. What do you think happened? I am thinking I probably do not have to tell you!!! So Cheyenne's daily walks are on hold for now until ... until????

Stay tuned for the future updates of the "daze of my and Nikita's lives" which will answer other pending questions such as, "What ever happened to the Big Gray cat" and reveal the destiny of the dreaded Black Cat that hissed at me when I warded him off from trying to mate with Nikita and eat her food....

With love,

Sam

UPDATE: This morning I received part of the information I have been seeking from the organization that treated Nikita. She was spayed, tested for HIV, given a rabies shot as well as all the other shots she needed to have. She had her ears cleaned out and a flea treatment.

I am going to post a thread in General Discussion asking for help with getting this same treatment for the 5 kittens. This probably will happen later tonight or tomorrow morning when they give me the rest of the information. So for right now, could you please let me know if you would be willing to contribute. I am trying to make it possible for people to donate 3 different ways. It can be in a small amount if that is all one can afford.

The cost for Nikita to get all of the above was $65.00. If I have to pay that much for 5, I would need to raise $325.00. However, I already have a pledge of $100, so that takes it down to $225.00. Also, the person from the rescue organization told me he might kick in a few bucks. I have two other people who have mentioned they wold like to give.

But I asked for a rescue rate (the man who trapped the kittens and Nikita told me to use the name of his organization and ask for the rescue rate) so I am not sure if they will charge me per kitten or give me an overall discount collectively for the 5.

The age of the kittens can be less than 14 weeks but each one has to weigh 2 pounds. I cannot begin to guess their weight. But I do know this. I will be taking them all at once. I need to do this not only for their health but to facilitate the adoption process.

So if you are willing and able to give anything, please email me and let me know the amount and the preferred manner of payment. The way I am hoping most people will donate is to call the organization (I will supply the name, address and number) and give them a credit card number to be credited to my account for "Nikita's kids&quot . That way, when the number is reached that I need to reach to take them all down, the bill will be paid.

I would pay for this myself, but my budget is extremely tight and I just don't have a lot of resources. I am also spending money for litter and their food, and I will continue to do this while I have them

So if you want to participate, please let me know. You can post it here or send me an email. So please help if you can, but if you cannot and you have posted advice for me on these 3 threads I have submitted, I thank you for that help. I couldn't gave gotten this far without you guys. So -- complete fund-raising appeal will be posted in General Discussion when I receive the last of the info from this organization, but for now, I would like a preliminary idea of what might be doable, so email me or post on this thread. And a big THANK YOU.

[Kali]

1. what a great post, especially tonight. thankyou!

and best of luck with the adoptions and your new life as a cat servant

[Samantha]

2. Cat servant!

You got that right!

I am so sorry I took so long to write this. But I sat down and did it tonight because I knew we all needed tonight of all nights to try for a smile.

Thank you.

Sam

[Kali]

3. I am so glad I live all the way across the country

or I am afraid I would have to have a couple of them.

They are beautiful, especially Monet and Diane.

[Samantha]

4. The problem is I really want to keep them all

They are not only beautiful, they have great personalities. Of course, I am still socializing them, but they are tender, loving, peaceful -- they all have a disposition just like Nikita's. They just are a beautiful family. It really warms my heart when I see Nikita fast asleep and five little bundles piled on top of her.

It breaks my heart to think of separating them. But I just can't take care of Nikita, Cheyenne (my 12 year old cock-a-poo who has lost her sight) and five other cats (which they will be not too long from now). So I am hoping perhaps I find people around here, and that perhaps maybe two families will take two cats. I am thinking cats really like companionship, and if two are taken in together and they are of very similar natures, there is naturally going to be harmony there. That would be great if I could find two families that would take two together, but that probably won't happen. But I am not going to give them to just anyone. I will be very protective about the homes in which they land.

Thank you for posting on my thread.

Sam

[KT2000]

5. thank you for this!!

It looks like you have a real character in Nikita! and she was very selective in choosing her home. Congrats to you!
Love your names for the kittens too.

[Samantha]

7. I can never develop a plan of action because Nikita always has her own plan

She is the one in control, I just think I run the show but she is the one. The other night I went at 1:00 to feed one kitten. Nikita looked at me and then walked down the sidewalk. I thought she was going to go to the bathroom, and I thought I should wait to watch over the kitten. This I was sure was why she felt confident in leaving, she knew I would watch the kitty. I was ready for bed but I sat there, thinking it would just be a few minutes.

Fifteen minutes later, she hadn't returned and I was getting cranky. I was beat. Thirty minutes later I was worried. What had she done? Seriously, she wouldn't abandon the kittens. I know she is exhausted but she has been such a wonderful mother.

Forty-five minutes later, I was seething.

One hour later, at 2:00 a.m., she comes sauntering back. She looks at me, and I asked her, "What did you do, take a cat nap and left me to kitty-sit? Or was that a short cat vacation. She sat back down, and I came inside thinking I won't let her do that to me again. Two days later she did.

Sam

[protect our future]

6. Awww, you're a grandma! Congratulations!

Nikita is a very fortunate kitteh to have you.

[Samantha]

19. I believe Nikita sees the situation as quite the opposite

I am so lucky to have her! Just ask her!

Thank you for posting on my thread. Please help to keep it kicked for awhile until more people who participated in the earlier threads see it and read it.

Sam

[trueblue2007]

8. what a wonderful story. i'm a crazy cat lady too.

i have 5 cats....4 daughters and 1 son.

ANNIE
TAFFY
INKY
SADIE
SALLY

We thought Sally was a girl... then one morning i went back into the bedroom and there on the bed was Sally licking her "Oscar Meyer"
She knew her name at 6 weeks, i still feel she is my little girl so we didn't change it!

If it's good for Johnny Cash (a boy named sue) well then it's good for sally


I JUST LOVE YOUR STORY OF NIKITA AND HER KITTENS. God Bless You

[Samantha]

10. Thank you trueblue2007 -- amd that's a funny story you have of your own!

Did you notice the names of Nikita's kids are gender neutral?

You make me happy when you say you love Nikita's story. That is why I stayed up until 3 last night polishing it off. If there is one thing I thought we all needed last night of all nights was a chance at a smile. Thus the late night-posting.

I will keep you guys updated. I also love your nifty names for your family.

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

[avebury]

9. Is there a group near where you live that

can help you get your brood spayed/neutered for a low cost? We have so many homeless cats where I lived. I spent a vacation trapping some and taking them to the city shelter. Our local humane society has a community program where they will take cats from the shelter spay/neuter them, give them rabies shots and then release them back into the community. This way I was able to get them fixed at no cost to me, they help to keep other strays from moving in, and I have become quite fond of them in the process.

[Samantha]

11. There are many homeless animals here as well

But I have been in contact with different rescue groups for advice on having Nikita spayed. One in particular has been wonderful -- Alley Cats. They also have a lot of information on line regarding outside shelters for feral cats. Nikita will also be considered a feral cat that I cannot formally adopt. But when she comes back from the animal hospital Wednesday, she will be spayed and will continue to live outside but we will resume coaxing her back inside. That process was interrupted by the birth of her kids.

Additionally, there has been an ordinance passed here protecting homeless animals. And we have a refuge where several animals live. They are fed and cared for daily.

Everything is full. And it is at a critical stage. But I would not put these kittens in a shelter. I want to find homes for them myself. And I think I can if I work hard enough.

I am paying for Nikita's operation myself, but it is very low-cost. And they will do some other things for her. I am going to handle the "kids" on a one-on-one basis. I still have to find out at what age this can be done.

Thank you for posting on my thread.

Sam

[avebury]

12. I am lucky that I could funnel my through the

local shelter. I knew about the Humane Society's community program ahead of time and made sure that I told the shelter which cats were really good for this program. I only recommended that one cat be put down because I really thought it was best for that one cat. The shelter even recommended funneling the cats through them because the Humane Society takes over financial responsibility for the spay/neuter and keep the cats overnight so that they can be re-released back into the appropriate neighborhood.

We are also fortunate in Oklahoma City because there is actually an Animal Birth Control clinic that will spay/neuter OKC resident's pets for free. It is a little more cumbersome but available.

Kittens have to be at least 2 pounds before they can be spayed/neutered. Weight is more the determinant in figuring out if you can fix an animal.

Socializing the kittens is really important to. One of the strays had a litter in a building in my backyard. As soon as Momma would allow, I started handling them 2-3 times a day which really increased their adopt ability.

[Samantha]

13. Thank you for that information

The pressing things I am working on now are the socialization of the kids, making space inside this house for them (done), taking Nikita Wednesday for her operation. I have been wondering how she would react if I picked one up, but this seems like the thing to do. They are now at the point a couple of them will come up to me and the rest do not run when I came out onto the porch. I think a week from now I will be a lot farther down the road on this.

I hope people reading this thread help keep it kicked so the participants in the earlier threads might see it.

THANK YOU for posting on this thread.

Sam

[hay rick]

21. I would handle the kittens a lot.

My experience is that kittens that are comfortable around people are much easier to give away.

Years ago I used to alternate between winter and summer rentals. One year I was adopted by a stray mother cat and her kittens. I couldn't take them with me to the winter rental, so I had to find homes for them. The kittens were almost feral and that really complicated the task when neither I nor the prospective adoptive family could grab the little rascals.

Happily, I was able to place them all eventually...

[Samantha]

24. Well, I guess if you could get thru that, I can manage this

The shelter here is maxed out as far as occupancy, so I guess not too many people feel that can take in animals at this time. It is going to be tough, but I am putting out information on them in reputable places.

The kittens are at different levels of learning about humans. Two of these have gotten used to me already, but two are still too frightened to eat when I am around. It has only been a few days since we were all "introduced" so it is early in the game. The fifth is somewhere in between.

I hope to make very good friends will all of them and that soon all look and interact with me the same way Nikita does. They watch us together, and I think they are amazed.

Thank you for posting on my thread.

Sam

[Samantha]

35. Do you happen to know at what age a female must be before she becomes pregnant?

And when does a male become a real stud?!!!! I am putting them all in the same room hopefully today if I can catch them (got derailed over the weekend and came up empty). I am wondering how long they can stay in that room without it being a problem -- you know what I am saying.

Thanks.

Sam

[avebury]

36. I am not sure of the age but it is pretty young.

I believe it can be as early as 6 months but some cases earlier.


Most female cats will go into heat by 6 months of age. But certain environmental factors can cause it to happen more quickly. And certain breeds—like Siamese—may go into heat as early as 4 months, while for other breeds 10 months old is a more typical age for going into heat.

http://www.catchow.com/Catipedia/Basics/30/When-your-cat-is-in-heat-What-to-expect

I think it is 6 months for a male to reach sexual maturity.

If you can segregate them indoors, you might start with the males first for neutering because that will cut (pardon the pun) the problem off for the females. I would still get the fixed as soon as they are big enough.

How old are the kittens? If they are pretty much weaned and on kitten food I would put Momma at the top of the spay list before she gets pregnant again. A couple of intact male cats started showing interest in the Momma cat that hung around my property. She got spayed (as well as the only baby that stayed around) so they are both safe.

[Samantha]

37. The kittens were 7 weeks old Sunday (yesterday)

For the last couple of days, I have been trying to catch them and bring them in. Saturday, one of my neighbors returned from vacation. He discovered that Nikita had pooped in his yard and he is very upset. Another neighbor came from across the street. I explained that I was trying to catch the kittens so I could bring them inside. He said he could catch them. He started toward them talking very loudly. They became frightened and crawled under my '89 Nissan, and from there sought sanctuary inside the engine. They have never done this before. He asked for the key to the car, and I walked away. Later, I got Nikita to call the kids for food, and they emerged.

The reason I need to get them in is because she goes to be spayed Wednesday.

This has all been very stressful, but I am trying to keep my chin up and keep on trucking. If can just get through to Wednesday night, everything will be okay. I called the rescue organization that is helping me, and they are going to come out tomorrow night to catch the kids if I am unsuccessful today.

In the meantime, I am still putting out feelers for homes. We will get it all done.

And once they are inside, I will try to determine the gender of the kids.

Thanks for the information.

Sam

[avebury]

38. It can be really hard to determine the sex of kittens.

You might has the vet if you catch the kittens can you come by and just get them weighed and sex verified. That will give you an idea of how close they are to being big enough to be spayed/neutered and how many girls and boys you are talking about. If you don't catch them today, did the rescue group tell you not to put food out for them so they will go in the traps?

I am at work today. Do you mind if I email you tonight through DU regarding trapping the kitten?

Cheryl

[Samantha]

41. That would be fine and thank you

But I am not trapping Nikita or the kittens. One rescue group told me how to do it, and I said I just can't do it. Another rescue group is helping me, and they are sending someone to my house that has experience at this. And I was told not to feed Nikita (who is going to the hospital) so she would go into the trap. There are also going to trap the kittens because I have not been able to catch them. They will be moved into my house. All this just fyi.

Sam

[avebury]

42. I just caught a break at work.

The tricky thing about trapping is the timing. When the Humane Society conducted trapping for me they never came at the right time of day. Once I took over I caught the ones I needed to trap with no problem because I knew the cats and when they would be around.

If the rescue group is coming tomorrow evening you might want to talk to them about not putting food out tomorrow morning so that they will be hungry when the traps are put out.

You might want to try using cat treats to kiss up to them. Frisky Beach Party works really well. I call it cat crack. Also, I try to use feeding time to get my cats used to me and, over time they don't spook quite to much. I also have a cat toy that looks like feathers on a fishing pole that I use to play with one kitten. She is doing a lot better around me. I watch my neighbor across the street use feeding time to get her strays to bond with her. I griped about the kitten because it used to get up into the engine of my car but I think she is growing out of it and I have become rather fond of her.

One thing to consider is that if you have all of the strays around your house adopted away, you might run the risk of other moving in and you may end up back where you are now. I have two strays (spayed Momma (Sophie) and her baby Boo (it fits her) and two cats that actually live two doors down who are regulars at Cafe Cheryl. The volume of cats has pretty much settled down to those four which is managable.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

14. Thank you so much for this update and the pictures!

I needed it today more than ever

What a lovely ending to a beautiful story and the beginning of many more chapters in the continuing sage of:

"daze of my and Nikita's lives"

I can hardly wait for the next installment

Good luck on the adoption process. I hope they all find a wonderful Forever Home in the DC area.

[Samantha]

15. Thank you so much

I think we all need a smile - things are tough particularly now. But I want to go back and fill what happened the day Nikita suddenly disappeared and the events of the next seven weeks. It was a rollercoaster ride with really disappointing lows, escalating speeds and then flying highs. But some of the events were truly mysteries that required solving, worrisome issues and finally we come to last week when Nikita started bringing her babies home.

Oh, wow. I would love to be able to share these events so I hope I can submit another thread soon.

Thank you for posting on my thread.

Sam

PS I am not seeing many posters who were really involved in the earlier threads; I hope people will help keep this kicked so at least some can tune in and get the latest update.

[KoKo]

16. Recommend!

[Samantha]

17. Thank you, KoKo

I am really happy you liked it. I especially hope you liked the picture. I had a hard time getting this, but I hope to post some better ones soon.

Sam

[KoKo]

26. Loved reading it all..and it's a BRIGHT LIGHT...to read it ...

"in these times."

It's one of the most positive reads here on DU these days...for just "LIFE!"

Thanks for it!

[BrotherIvan]

18. What a surprise!

Thanks so much for this update. I was hoping everything was going well with Nikita and it seems it is! Wow, such beautiful kittens, they will make gorgeous pets for someone. When I have to adopt out pets I put them on Petfinder.com as that is a great way to connect with someone looking to adopt. They say you should charge a small fee rather than just giving them away, so you know the adoptive caretaker can take care of them and they're not a "free" kitten. But when it comes time, I've never once collected on that. I'm just so happy when pets find their forever home.

And it's wonderful you are getting her spayed. Our foundations here do it at 14 weeks, so if you have them much longer maybe they will help you with that.

I wish your new little family the best of luck. I'll be keeping them in my thoughts and hoping the babies all find as great a home as Nikita has!

[Samantha]

23. You were one of the people that really gave me a lot of moral support when I was coping

with learning about cats. I thank you so much for that. I am glad you made it down to the Lounge to see the picture of the kittens. That is not a good shot, I know, but it is very difficult to get a picture because the noise of the camera scares them. So I had to take that from inside the house, looking through the screen door. I hope to get some better ones.

I will be working like crazy to try to find good homes for the kittens. Additionally, Nikita is going this week to be spayed. I am not sure when she comes home (Wednesday afternoon) what to expect she will need in the way of recovering. I am really working as hard as I can to stabilize things for Nikita and to find good situations for her kiddies.

I hope to stay in touch here at DU to relay some of the incidents of the journey. I think I also will be needing some more questions answered as the situation continues to evolve!!!

I hope to "see" you again soon, and once again, thank you for everything.

Which kitten do you think is the most striking?

Sam

[BrotherIvan]

27. Thanks so much for the kind words

You are doing a fantastic job! Your story about staying up watching the kittens is so cute. I love Monet as she reminds me of my first cat when I was a child, very beautiful! They're all so cute, people will love them.

When Nikita comes home from the vet, she will be groggy and perhaps crabby. Hopefully the kittens have weaned because she will need to heal and they can't be bothering her. Ask your vet when she can be reintroduced to them. She may not eat the first night, but try some wet food. Some good sleep in a comfy bed and she should be up and around the next day. She will be rather anxious to be back with the kittens and that may seem stressful, but she does need to heal for maybe a day more. Most vets I think don't use stitches anymore but degradable glue, so they heal much faster. Females are a little longer to recover than males, but it is very necessary and will extend her life, not to mention more unwanted kittens.

Please keep us updated. Hopefully the kittens will let you pick them up soon, because as said above, that is incredibly important for their future adoption. Please let us know when they find homes!

[Samantha]

31. I am going to write you tomorrow about this scenario

I just can't tonight, but I will tomorrow. This is complicated.

Thanks for being there.

Sam

[Samantha]

40. Here is one question

There are 5 "kids" being moved into a small bedroom which I have readied for them. I had a litter box already in there for when Nikita moved in. This litter box is 18 inches long, and about 14 inches wide. I put about 2 to 2 and one-half inches of litter in it. Now that the five little kittens will be using it instead, is that enough? Also, how do I know when to clean it, and when I put whatever I scoop out into a plastic bag, do I just put that in the trash? Sorry for my ignorance.

And thanking you in advance for your advice.

Sam

PS Any suggestions as to how to keep that room from getting "aromatic"?

[BrotherIvan]

43. Great question

The kids may not be litter trained, so be forewarned, though digging and covering a cat's droppings is very instinctual. But be prepared for accidents or odd behaviors at first, especially if mom's not there to show them, or if she doesn't know herself. Hopefully there is no bed in there and at the very least no important bedding as they may choose that instead at first.

I highly recommend Cat Attract litter for many reasons. It may seem like it's more expensive than the store brands, but it really saves money. It clumps hard and really traps in the odors. Plus there is very little dust which can be very irritating to the respiratory system. And the perfumes they put on the store stuff are just awful. You always want scoopable litter to be as deep as possible, because you don't want urine to get to the bottom, so three inches or more depending on your box. Scoop a few times a day and keep it in either a sealed bin or throw it out (some people flush it but I've never tried it). Amazon has a great price and they deliver right to your door since it's heavy. We save over 50% over what we used to spend on litter and there is NO smell. It's so worth it.

http://www.amazon.com/Precious-Cat-Attract-Problem-Training/dp/B000PKY7YA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1373931063&sr=8-2&keywords=cat+attract+litter

A cat will not use a dirty or smelly litterbox and while they do like privacy, some cats don't like the covers as it traps in smells. Because the kids are so small, you could be ok with just one, especially if it's cleaned regularly. They may kick litter out and that's natural as some like to play in the dirt more than others. A mat or a utility carpet underneath can save a lot of headache.

Start by putting each one in and scratching it with their paw (if they'll let you). If you catch one scratching around or in the act of doing something on the carpet, put him or her right in the box. Some people put a little feces in there for a little while to start so the cat knows this is where it goes. But once they put two and two together, it will be no problem.

Good luck and feel free to ask any questions you like. It all must seem like we're making it so difficult, but cats are incredibly easy once you figure out what they want

[Samantha]

44. Today and tomorrow are going to be very rough days for me and the kids

On today's schedule, get ready for John to come tonight to trap Nikita. He will also help bring the kids inside since I have not been able to do this. Tomorrow, I take Nikita to the hospital for her surgery and shots. It is a go-it-alone type of thing.

I am not exactly a braveheart in this arena. Put I am trying to go onto autopilot to get through the next two days. It will be an emotional roller-coaster ride. But I keep telling myself if I can just do what I am supposed to do, the day after tomorrow, we are all on the road to recovery.

What is really aggravating my efforts, is this crazy heat wave we are going thru in DC. Tomorrow will be worse.

Please keep thinking positive thoughts for us today. I will reread your thread tomorrow, but I think I am going to check into that litter suggestion. You do know what you are talking about! But in the interim, is the one box I described enough for the 5 kittens for a day or two?

Thank you for all your help.

Sam

[BrotherIvan]

45. Yes, that box will be enough for them for now

And I feel the same way, so emotionally involved and I keep thinking I am hurting them. But you are trying to take care of them and doing more for them than anyone, so please remember that to help you get through. They may hiss or struggle, it's ok, it's not permanent. They just need to get used to you. They will probably not meow or interact like a house-bred kitten, ferals often don't. They may hide in whatever room you put them in. That's ok. You are literally saving their lives. If your neighbor is that angry Nikita went on his lawn--though honestly, I've never seen cat droppings anywhere and I suspect this is a dog because cats always cover their leavings--then people could start retaliating or do terrible things to them.

Getting her spayed will also slow Nikita down a lot in terms of wandering and wildness. And it will keep males from attacking her regularly. You're doing the very best for all of them. Also remember that kittens are much smarter and able to deal than a baby. This has to be done, so let them complain all they want. And when in doubt, a sturdy pair of work gloves is helpful!

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

[Samantha]

56. Could you take a look at my post 54 and tell me what you think? n/t leaving soon

[protect our future]

20. I suspect that you and Nikita have the same sense of humor.

And I think you two are soulmates!

[Samantha]

87. I have kind of thought we have some quirks in common

But we read each other very well. That is strange because I haven't been around cats much. We have developed a very strong bond.

Thank you for posting on my thread.

Sam

[Fla Dem]

22. Thanks for the update. Good luck finding them good homes. n/t

[RavensChick]

25. Awww! They're adorable!!

I wish I could take one of them but I've got one 3 year old tabby and he's all I can deal with right now. Besides, I'm transitioning to move to another place and I'm currently living in the Lanham/New Carrollton area (for now, at least).

If another precious one comes along, please PM me and I'll see what I can do to help. So enjoy being a great mom to Nikita and God bless you!

[Samantha]

29. We are neighbors -- I am in College Park

Last edited Tue Jul 16, 2013, 12:42 AM - Edit history (1)

I understand how one pet can keep you busy. I have a dog named Cheyenne who has been with me since she was 10 weeks old. She is a cock-a-poo who is probably most athletically-gifted dog I have ever had. But over the last year and a half, she has lost her sight. Her vet does not recommend she have the operation because he says she is is good shape for her age and extremely well adjusted. But it takes a lot to make life normal for her, and I do plan to keep Nikita. But perhaps if you know anyone that has had a cat and lost it, and perhaps is now ready for a kitten to love, please keep Nikita's kids in mind. I want to put them in homes where the people really, really want a kitten to love and take care of. And good luck with your relocation.

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

[hopemountain]

28. my cat chloe used to follow us on dog walks

she also answered to our family whistleing...

partnering with one of the homeless pet agencies may help get these darling little ones spayed/neutered as well as adopted.

thank you for the update...you write and tell a story with engaging flair.

[Samantha]

30. Hey,hopemountain, your cat chloe is special

Although pets are a lot of work, they give so much back in the way of making your smile when your day has been bad. Nikita cracks me up when she starts her maneuvering, such as the incident I described above when she left to take a break and left me to kitten-sit at 1:00 a.m. in the morning. But she is so loving and so loyal, I have to do the best I can to make sure her kittens get properly situated, and posting about here at DU has really been a god-send in learning how to take care of cats and protect them.

Thanks for the nice words and thank you so much for posting on my thread.

Sam

[love_katz]

32. Kicking and recommending...

I live clear across the country from you, and my kitteh is very territorial. She gets mad when the neighbor cats hang around.

Nonetheless, your story is a very much needed breath of fresh air.

I wish you and your fur babies all the very best of good fortune and happiness, and I hope those sweet adorable little kittens find wonderful, loving fur-ever homes. Bright blessings!

[Samantha]

33. Well, I see from your screen name that I have a chance of appealing to your good nature

in any of my threads addressed to Cat-Savvy Du'ers. So I understand what you are saying about territorial cats, but in this case any philosophical support by way of your cat-knowledge is greatly welcome. I have always been a doggie person, but I found myself in a situation a few months ago when a cat appeared on my doorstep meowing in a manner that suggested she needed something from me. I asked my neighbors what did she want (that is how dumb I can be) and they all said "Food. But once you feed it, you have a cat."

I looked at her and noticed how skinny she was and asked one neighbor in particular, "What is the alternative?" Dead silence. I fed the cat. She stayed. She was, as it turned out, pregnant. In the ensuing days, we bonded and have a very unusual relationship. So I am trying to help her out by finding homes for her kids.

So you might see some threads asking questions of cat-savvy posters who have "been there" and any advice you might give will be greatly appreciated by the eight of us: Nikita, Monet, Dane, Sunny, Elise, Bo and my dog Cheyenne and I! The kids get moved inside tomorrow and Wednesday Nikita gets spayed. It is going to be a hard week, especially since we are having a real heat wave. But we will get through it.

Thank you for posting on my thread and sending me bright blessings.

Sam

[love_katz]

34. The only piece of advice I can think of to offer, at this time,...

is that if Nikita is still groggy from the anesthetic when you bring her home, keep her confined in a small safe space. She may meow a lot, but cats don't like how the anesthetic makes them feel. I brought home one of mine, long ago, when he was still groggy from the anesthetic. He yowled dismally, so I finally let him out of the carrier. That was a mistake...he crashed around my living room, knocking things every which way. I couldn't catch him, to get him back into the carrier.
Hopefully, Nikita won't have as strong of a reaction to the anesthetic. My female cat was much calmer when I had her fixed.

I wish you the best of luck in finding great homes for Nikita's kids. They deserve the very best. And so do you, for taking in a stray mother-to-be cat, and helping her with the babies.

[avebury]

61. I grew up a dog person until I got my first

cat. Now I am both a dog and cat person.

Welcome to the world of cat ownership. It is just as great as living in a dog world.

[GreenPartyVoter]

39. Beautiful babbies! Good job!

[mnhtnbb]

46. Aw...what a great outcome for Nikita and her kids. Sending a link to my nephew (and his girlfriend)

and niece (and her husband) who all live in the DC area in case either are interested in adopting a kitty.

[Samantha]

50. Thank you so much

I only had two hours sleep last night. Nikita went to vet today and I moved the kiddies into the house. I will have a big update in a day or so with all details.

Thank you for helping us out.

Regard,
Sam

[kurtzapril4]

47. They are adorable!

I have 9 cats, and right now I'm fostering 2 for someone whose husband took the kids, and put the cats in the pound. Both cats are sick, so I have to keep them separated. Otherwise, I'd drive out there for one of those adorable babies!

Please consider getting Nikita spayed, though.

[life long demo]

48. What a wonderful story. Thank you for taking care of

Nikita and her kids. Brightened up my day. I wish everyone was like you out there for our homeless animals.

[PlayFair8888]

49. Be Strong

AS someone mentioned above, when you bring Nikita home, she will be very groggy and she will not understand what is going on. She will probably start to cry and scream. Don't be tempted to let her out. If you do, she will surely hurt herself and possibly you. Wait until at least tomorrow morning. Please ask the vet for advice. He or she is the best one to tell you how to proceed. Remember, all of this is new and strange to your kitty. When you let her go, be prepared not to see her for a while. She will be very confused about what happened. She will be looking for her kittens and it will take her a while to get back to her old self. After a few days, hunger will probably overtake the confusion and she will be back. You may have to start building your relationship over again. Not necessarily from the start, but she won't be the same Nikita you knew. Just give it time and take it slow.

You are a wonderful person for doing this. Nikita won't understand, but she will come around, happy and healthy!!

[Samantha]

51. She cried all last night in the trap and it broke my heart

I will have a big update soon. Only got got 2 hours sleep last night. I pick her up tomorrow. I asked them to keep her overnight to make sure she was completely out of the anesthetic. More later.

Thank you for your wonderful advice and post. I needed to know what to expect.

Regards,
Sam

[LoveMyCali]

52. So it sounds like Nikita is through surgery and doing well?

Great news, maybe you can get some kitty snuggles from the babies while mama isn't around being protective.

I got my youngest kitten when she was about 8 weeks old, she had been dropped off on one of my friend's porches and since she already had 8 cats and 3 dogs she needed to find homes for the new kittens (3 plus the mama). Raven was already a little love bug when I got her so it didn't take much to get her to snuggle with me. It might actually be better if you don't bond too much with the kittens though because then it will be harder to give them up.

[Samantha]

55. She had the surgery today. I pick her up tomorrow

I am so glad this part is over. But I need to gear up as to making the right decisions of what to do when I bring her home. See the post below. If you have any suggestions, that would be great.

Sam

[avebury]

58. It is important to socialize the kittens to make them more adoptable.

They are young enough that, with good socialization, they might be able to be adopted as indoor cats. I would definitely recommend handling the kittens a few times a day. It may be tough to let them go if you bond with them, but is by far in their best interest to be socialized.

[avebury]

59. That was a really smart move. When I talked with the

Spay/Neuter Clinic here, if I had been the one to transport any of my strays to the clinic, I would have had to keep each one in a trap overnight before releasing it back outside so that is could totally get over the anesthesia. By funneling the cats to the Community Program via the local shelter, the Humane Society became responsible for ensuring that each cat was ready to be re-released.

[Samantha]

60. I am going soon but it is 97 degrees outside and a temperature alert is going into effect at Noon

I am just beside myself trying to figure out what to do. The rescue organization told me when I brought her home to release her. Yes, she has had overnight to recover somewhat from the operation, but I feel very intimidated at the thought of bringing her home and releasing her outside in this heat wave. But if I bring her in, she would have to stay in the cage because she is feral and has never been inside the house. What do you think?

Sam

[avebury]

62. Do you know anybody that could loan you a dog crate that is big enough to keep her contained but

has some space to it. She might freak out at being indoors. I totally understand your hesitation to release her outside.

Do you have any type of out buildings on your property that you could put her in with a fan hooked up?

[Samantha]

63. I have only a small carrier for Cheyenne and the shed is packed tight with lawn stuff

I have been out a couple of times since I posted my concern, and the heat takes my breath away. I can't imagine what it would do to a cat recovering from surgery. I think I should bring her in the cage, keep it covered, give her food and water and then check to see when I return what you guys think. I think the heat is going to be this bad for a couple of days and then might break.

Back in a couple of hours. Maybe I could borrow a larger cage from someone when everyone comes home for work.

Sam

[avebury]

64. Starting out be keeping her in the crate and the

crate covered up is a good idea. How close would she be to the room with her babies? If she hears them she might get stressed out.

I would check to see if someone or a rescue group could loan you a larger dog crate (big enough to contain a litter box) to see if that might help you transition her to being an indoor cat (or indoor/outdoor cat).

Did the rescue group indicate how soon the kittens could be fixed?

Just be careful when you handle Nikita because she might lash out if she freaks out. I would make sure that you have some peroxide or neosporin in the house just in case you get a bad scratch. She won't mean to hurt you might do so if she panics.

[Samantha]

67. Thank you - I have been outside now again and I know I can't release her outside for sure

I am going to bring her in and put her in the room where the last two kittens were kept after we caught them. They are now commingled with the other four in the small room. I never hear a peep out of them, so she will not hear them. If she cries like she did Tuesday nite all night long, they will hear her.

That's a great idea about asking a rescue group to loan me a larger dog crate. I can contact the person who trapped them. He has been doing this for 13 years. His rescue group might loan me one or he might have one.

I have some information on when the kittens will need to be fixed. I have to give all this some thought because there are 5 of them. If I have the same done to them as I did Nikita, collectively that is about $400. It was a stretch me for me to do Nikita, I am on a really tight budget, but I might try to find out if there some grant money some agency might give.

I have the information about the timing of the fixing of the kittens, but I have also told the size of the kitten should mean earlier. I have to get back to you on that later because day my big priority is getting Nikita back home. I spent some time cleaning out the litter box (my maiden voyage in this arena, and picking up after some of the kittens). I will learn on a daily basis how to do this better.

Thanks for all the help you are giving me.

I will try to talk more later after I get Nikita home and settled.

Again, thank you.

Sam

[BrotherIvan]

70. Just butting in

But the fact that she meows is another reason I wouldn't put her in the 100% feral category. What the kittens did is more like it. I've trapped a lot of cats and am always amazed that once they calm down and the cover is put over them, they are dead silent. Dead silent in the car. Dead silent when they come home. But one time, I trapped an orange cat who had been hanging around. He meowed the whole time, so I thought, maybe some do talk to people. I came to find out he was one of the neighbor's on this block who just let him run around on a busy city street with no collar

Ferals don't know how to talk with people. So it will be a good sign when the kittens start talking to you.

[Samantha]

72. What do you mean butt in -- you have helped me to make it to this point

and I would like to tell you, to borrow a few words from Eminen,

YEAH, I'M HAPPY, I GOT MY BABY BACK!

Nikita came home today around 2:00 pm. She started "talking" to me, to use your phrase, when she heard my voice in the doctor's office. I kept saying her name and telling her everything was all right. She didn't seem upset, just kept "talking" to me. I was so happy to have her back, I can't begin to express it. I drove carefully home and after thinking things over right before I left, I knew I had to bring her inside instead of releasing her in the heat. Sitting here now with her behind me in the cage eating the food and drinking the water I gave her, I am pondering something that was suggested to me right before I left.

Perhaps I should try to get a bigger cage, borrow one, and begin the process of making Nikita an indoor cat? I will be thinking that over the rest of the evening and tomorrow morning. I believe our heat wave will continue tomorrow, so I probably have one day to make up my mind before I can no longer use that for an excuse!

In the meantime, the kids are in the other room. I did my first litter box scooping and refilling this morning. I learned from the experience.

I am wondering if I should do this twice a day, and how many times I should feed them. The room is still clean and odor free, but perhaps I need to go in soon and scoop and refill again.

They are extremely relaxed, and happy. They each have found a spot they prefer but in the interims of naps, they wrestle and play with each other. Four of them have been huddling together during the naps on the sofa. Sunny found the brand-new bed and seems to always be in it.

I am going to order that litter you suggested tomorrow.

I am calling each one by their names and entering the room. Everyone is comfortable with my being in there. They know I bring their food, water and clean the litter, so it is very relaxed. I am talking to them and making soothing words to them all the time. But, in reference to your above post, none of them talks to me.

Elise is starting to stare at me with love looks in her eyes. She is very shy. I am thinking if I decide to keep one, and I am starting to lean that way so Nikita can have a companion, she will be the one.

In a perfect world, if I could place together in one home and two together in another home, that would be the best of all arrangements. They guys really love each other and play well together. It would be so perfect if they were placed by two's. Nikita and Elise here, Dane and Bo in another home and Monet and Sunny in a third home. I am going to try for that but keep in mind I probably won't get it.

Now that the really, really hard part is over is the status of things:

The kids are very happy
Nikita is calm and relaxed
I am a basket case!

So tomorrow we start to look at what remains: socializing the kiddies more and trying to find a way to GET FIVE MORE FIXED. I only paid $65.00 today, but that was a struggle for me. I sure got a lot for the money: Nikita got spayed, all her shots, her ears cleaned, a flea solution and I don't remember everything else on that sheet. Someone gave a suggestion as to perhaps looking for some grant money for the 5 kids and she is going to do that. It will cost $350 to have them all done, less a $25.00 discount if I take them in a trap (which I did today and received $5.00 off). But this place does excellent work at the lowest prices around.

Eventually, we will all get there.

The vet guesses her age to be two and logged her birthday as 7/17/2011. So when I first met her, Nikita had no name and her history was unknown. I mentioned that to someone, can you imagine living all your life without as much as a name. That is part of the reason I gave the kids names. It was the least I could do. So now, Nikita has a name, is spayed, has her shots, has 5 kids, an address where she lives and most of all:

a gazillion friends at DU who helped push her new owner to this wonderful point. You and other posters did just that -- pushed and pushed until I did everything you suggested.

YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE DESERVE A LOT OF CREDIT FOR HELPING US TO MAKE IT TO THIS MARK. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR STANDING BY NIKITA AND I AND THE REST OF HER KIDS. YOU HAVE A LOT TO BE PROUD OF.

[BrotherIvan]

76. Sounds better than expected!

The fact that everyone is calm is AMAZING. Fantastic job! And if the kids are cool with you already, you're home free! Just sitting in there and letting them come to you and they will be coming up to you in no time. Plus, they are learning that people are ok, that's socializing 101, they're learning what it's like to be inside and the sights and smells of the house. Cats love pleasure and leisure, so a nice soft couch or a bed is like kitty crack. Room service and pets is the key to their hearts.

Scoop the litter any time you notice it's been used. Not something to stress about, but it makes it easier for you in the long run and keeps smell to a minimum. Cats like clean litter boxes.

I personally wouldn't keep Nikita in a cage any longer than she has to be for her stitches/glue to heal. But other cat lovers may have more experience than I. My experience is that cats will freak out when confined too long. I still think your best bet is putting her in with her kittens. She will also get used to being in the house and she won't want to escape and leave her kittens behind. It is the very best way to get her to stay.

It is such a wonderful story that you are helping this little family. It's really something to be proud of as you literally have saved some lives. Nikita and Elise now have a person. Hopefully the other cats will have their people too, soon. A home is so much better than none as the life of a feral cat is pretty rough and usually short.

Also, I don't know your area, but check out these links as there is low cost or free spay and neuter. When they say for ferals, your cats do qualify. Often they want to do a large ear tip if the cat will be released back outside, but you can often tell them you want a small ear tip as you want to adopt them out.

http://www.homewardtrails.org/resources/pets/low-cost-spay-neuter-vets/

These clinics are usually always great and will do a flea treatment and shots as well. With small ones and especially males, it is an incredibly simple surgery, so clinics are a great place to go. They do thousands of operations a year, so they know what they're doing.

And one last recommend, if for some reason you are worried about fleas as it is summer, a good flea spray that is safe for kittens is also on Amazon. The drops for the back of the neck are rather expensive and too strong for kittens. Keeping them indoors helps cut down on fleas a lot though.

http://www.amazon.com/Ovitrol-Plus-Flea-Spray-16-Ounce/dp/B000EMWMJG/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1374192126&sr=1-1&keywords=ovitrol

I would like to help you financially with the kids. I will PM you about it as I know it adds up. Maybe some other DUers can chip in and we can cover the costs.

[avebury]

78. Totally agree! nt

[Samantha]

57. I am going to pick her up today and there is a temperative 97 degrees here in DC; heat index higher

So this is a day after her surgery and I was told to release her outside. Keeping the temperature in mind, the fact she is a feral cat who not really been inside the house, I am feeling conflicted about what to do. I think it is bad to let her go free in this heat wave, I think she will go crazy running thru the neighborhood looking for her kittens, but if I bring her in and let her anywhere near that room, I have no idea how to let her out again without the kittens get out. It was a real chore to get them in there. And additionally they might still try to nurse. They will be 8 weeks old Sunday and are all eating kitten food. But two or three were doing both when I separated them.

I also read that post by one DU'er who let the cat inside and it was a mistake. The cat tore up up everything and just went crazy.

If you read this anytime soon, please tell me what you think. I am really worried about that heat but bringing her in seems to have dangers as well.

Sam

[love_katz]

53. Looking forward to hearing how Nikita is doing.

[Samantha]

54. I pick her up after 10:00 am Thursday

Her babes are sleeping in their room now and all is well. I am having a difficult time wondering what to do when I come home with her. We are in the midst of a terrible heatwave in DC. Nikita and I were just starting to work on coaxing her inside. If I bring her home and let her go outside, I have no idea what will happen. I do not think she should be in the heat. I was told to take the carrier where I wanted to release her, but that seems a little risky in this heat and not having time to assess her condition.

But if I bring her in, since she has been feral, I am clueless what she will do. And her cats are just a little ways away. I am sure she is missing them terribly but I can't let them out of that room, and I don't think they should be near her until she is completely herself again. And if I just open the carrier and release her, I do feel sure she will search frantically, looking for them outside.

Since you can be objective, any thoughts on what you think would be best?

Talk to you all tomorrow some time. Temperature will be high, heat index higher.

Sam

[BrotherIvan]

65. If the kittens are inside with you, put her with them!

Shut the door and let her do her thing. She wants most of all to be with her kittens. So this is the best way to teach her to be inside.

If the vet said it was ok to release her outside, then she should be ok with them. If they are weaned and won't be pushing on her stomach.

She will be very upset if she can't find her kittens and this is actually a really great opportunity to get her and keep her inside for a while if you can.

[BrotherIvan]

66. I sent a PM to you as well

[Samantha]

68. You hit on what is driving me crazy

I was told when she comes home, I cannot let her see the kittens or them her. I spent all last evening thinking about this and it is heartbreaking really. Why that rule? Is it because the rescue organization thinks the kittens will want to resume nursing. Or is because Nikita will always be feral, and her kittens will be indoor and there is some logic I do not perceive about separating them now.

I raised several litters of newborn pups, trained them and everything. But I did not separate them from their Moms until I adopted each one out. Because it was a gradual process, the Moms never adversely reacted.

So I am not sure what I am missing here. It might be associated with the fact some say Nikita might act strangely when she comes back and they are thinking if one of the kittens approaching for a nursing, she might lash out.

I just don't know the reason. But it will probably take some time to get the kittens socialized and adopted. As loving a family as they are, I think it would be extremely therapeutic in this time of transition for them to spend more time together. But if I put Nikita in that room, I could never separate her out from the kittens to let her go outside for a brief romp. It was just too hard trapping the kittens and Nikita.

Back soon.

Sam

[BrotherIvan]

69. The big concern is the surgical wound

That's why the idea of separation for a few days. It's usually at the base of the stomach and kittens "knead" a lot when they nurse to stimulate milk flow (a behavior they will transfer to their humans), so there is a risk they might break the suture. But if the vet is confident, then it should be ok.

Plus, she's not 100% feral, she did seek out your help and attention. She may never curl up in your lap, but she will probably get used to being in the same room as you are. Just sitting where she and the kittens are may help them to get used to you. And kittens being the curious creatures they are, might come up to you and let you hold them. As everyone is saying, that is now priority #1. They will also see you as the source of food, which is a powerful bribe in the friendship department.

And just in case no one has told you, no milk! That's a myth that cats like or need cow's milk and it often gives them tummy trouble. Wet food is best, but kitten formula in dry has more protein. It's actually better even for Nikita because they put the bare minimum in adult pet food (and don't get me started on "indoor" formulas or "weight control" or "senior" which are all marketing ploys to stuff them with corn and crap). I always wish I could afford better for my ferals, but at least they've got something to eat. And keep the food and the litter box as separate as possible because cats don't like to eat where they poop.

[love_katz]

74. Keep her inside if you can.

Maybe have a fan blowing on her carrier...you can buy a block of ice, put it into a large bowl or pan, and put the fan behind it so the air blows over the ice. Amazing how much cooling that can provide...and she might just decide that being an indoor cat beats being a feral cat outside in a heatwave.

Give her time to recover...then put her with her babies.

My cat likes to lay on either the bare hardwood floor or the linoleum in the kitchen when it is really hot out.

Wishing healing and peaceful comfort to sweet Ms. Nikita.

[Le Taz Hot]

81. OK, this is how concerned I am for your fur babies.

Last edited Sun Jul 21, 2013, 03:36 PM - Edit history (1)

I'm actually posting in The Lounge and I NEVER post in The Lounge.

As one who has raised kitties for 30+ years, both feral and non-feral and everything in between, PLEASE, bring her in with her babies. I disagree with the person who said to separate her from her babies. That will add GREATLY to her and the kitten's anxiety and being around her babies will aid in her recovery. This is also a great opportunity to domesticate her, at least to some degree. This is VITALLY important because if she ever needs medical attention again, you need to be able to touch her to do it.

This is my methodology for bringing in feral cats:

Give them their own room, shut the door and let them be. Make sure they have a "hidy spot" that you always respect and never go into. I then, periodically throughout the day, go an just sit and talk to them. They're usually hiding but that's OK. If the kittens are used to you, bring something in to play with the kittens. That will interest mom. Once they're old enough, don't be afraid to bribe the kittens (hot dogs are great for this purpose). That will also interest mom. If you can just get to the point where you can touch her and give her "kitty rubs," that's usually what it takes to break the ice and she will become approachable.

[Samantha]

82. This advice means a lot to me

Last edited Sun Jul 21, 2013, 12:13 PM - Edit history (1)

I have only one question. It took me 3 days to catch those kittens. I only was able to put them in their own room with the help of someone from a rescue group. It took all night to (until 1:00 a.m.) to capture them. Nikita had to be captured as well and taken the next day for her spaying, shots and other items. When the time comes for me to go in and take the cats to the vet for the very same treatment, how do handle it if Nikita adversely reacts? I saw what the rescue person had to do to accomplish capturing them, and I know I could never do this.

Also when she wants to come out of the room to go outside, how do I mechanically accomplish that without the 5 kittens trying to follow her? They definitely have to stay inside. Sorry I am so lame about these matters.

I have in my lifetime raised a number of newborn cockapoos. Each litter was born in my home and the mother was present. I trained them all by the time they were four weeks, and started putting them in homes at six weeks. I told everyone if they had any problem with any of the pups, to bring them back to me, regardless of their age or medical condition. I repeated this process a number of times. No one ever returned one of the pups. If they moved, they took their pet with them, unlike some people today if leave their pets behind. So I have a foundation to build on, but absolutely no cat experience. People here have been coaching me. And it is quite different since Nikita appeared here and I had no knowledge of her background. So she is naturally very protective of all her kids, a wonderful mom, but I am clueless as to what will happen if I go in and pick them up to take them away to the hospital in Laurel.

I don't know if you saw my earlier thread this morning. I was really discouraged last night for keeping Nikita against her will. But there is a great update on that that I will post later.

Thank you for caring enough to post on my thread. I will check back later for your thoughts on my question. I am just a human being trying to make the right decisions but people are now giving me contradictory advice (not the DU'ers but those who are aware or involved with the situation).

Thanks again.

Sam

[Le Taz Hot]

83. Give them time to get used to the

indoor environment. Don't be in a hurry to let them out. They need to be comfortable whether inside or outside. I would say don't let any of them outside for AT LEAST 2 weeks if not 3 or 4. Again, you need to go in every day, several times a day, sit in one position, talk to them and let them know you are not a threat and are the source of their meals, shelter and care and continue to try to interact with them. The kittens are the most pliable and will be the easiest to domesticate. Interact with them by playing and bribing with yummy foods. Kittens HAVE to play and if you come in with string and something attached to it, they won't be able to resist. Play is one of the primary ways to be able to make physical contact which is your primary goal at first. Once you can touch them they become suckers for kitty rubs. Mom will be more reluctant but be persistent. It's vital that you be able to touch all of them freely. Once they've been domesticated, THEN AND ONLY THEN let them out. I can't stress that enough. While they're in captivity, of course, you can get everyone used to using a litter box which is a HUGE plus when considering adoptability.

There really is no immediate rush to get the kittens spayed/neutered as they won't be sexually maturing for another several weeks. But remember, once you can easily interact with them it should be no problem getting them into the pet carrier and to the vet when it's time for them to go.

Let me know if there's anything else you need.

LTH

[Samantha]

93. Perhaps you know the answer to this question

I need to figure out which kitten is not pooping in the litter box. I do have a suspect, but do not know for sure. Several are because I scoop it twice a day and it is obvious from that it gets good use.

But always in the same corner behind the right hand side of the sofa (stuffed the area around the couch with sheets and towels so they could not fall behind it) are maybe three piles of poop. This makes the room smell bad, and it is not easy to scrape it all up. Then I have to spot wash the linens before I put these items in my washing machine.

So here is my question: do you know of any product you might recommend that I can use to deodorize the room. It can be something that plugs up (like my air cleaner) because I have the one plug covered. I have seen a couple of the cats "pick" at it. So I am thinking about a stick up type thing or maybe something else that will absorb the odor. It would be difficult to put a natural product in a bowl, because I am sure where ever I put it now in that room, they can get to it.

So I am not sure if you have any suggestions about how to pinpoint who is pooping behind the couch. I thought about taking one out every night and putting it somewhere else, but there is no where else. But if you have any thoughts on either of these matters, I would love for you to share them

Regards,

Sam

[Le Taz Hot]

94. For the pooping where they're not supposed to poop

problem, get a second litter box and put it where they've been defecating. Some cats get the litter box idea right away, many figure it out on their own. But some have to have training and persistence is the key. Having said that, there are some cats that just don't like sharing a litter box so you have to provide them with one of their own. How you keep the OTHER cats out of it is a whole other problem.

As for the smell, I use baking soda in dishes in places where the cats can't get to. It's the cheapest, the most environmentally friendly and the most effective. All but one of my cats are outside cats so I only have one in the house to contend with.

Also, I try to completely replace the litter once a week. That should cut down on the smell as well.

[Samantha]

95. You are really quick

I thought about putting another litter box up there, but it would be really tricky to balance since it is in a corner. I will have to rethink this now that this is what you recommend. The baking soda is a great idea. I do have 5 in there, and I am overwhelmed.

Thanks again.

Sam

[BrotherIvan]

97. Le Taz Hot is giving EXCELLENT advice

Putting the litter box in the problem area is the answer. Hopefully the carpet pooper will learn from the others. There are enzyme cleaners that help with the smell, like Nature's Miracle, but they are pricey.

I also wouldn't stress too much about keeping the kittens in the room until they are fixed and adopted. They have each other to play with, you said they can look out the window, and they get to take naps all day. Perfect! As they start to get bigger, I'm sure the smell will be more of a stress on you. But letting them out is a whole world of trouble in trying to get them back. They should be house cats from now on. You got them early enough.

And I do have to say that the man giving you advice from the rescue program does seem a bit, shall we say...I guess I just don't agree with him. Yes, Nikita is "feral" but as I've said, she's more like a stray. She has all the marks of a fully domesticated pet who has been living outside. So keep trying to bring her in. She's only been inside in a cage, so she has yet to experience all the wonders of a couch and a bed. She may take a while, it took about 4 years for one of my cats who was born outside and very skittish to come around, but now he sits by us constantly and even wakes us up to get pets.

She will not hurt her kids, that's just foolish. She may want to go in and out as she's habituated to outside and that's a hard habit to break. Plus she's old enough to be bossy and willful. But don't let the kittens get away with that

[Samantha]

98. Today's shocking developments

Monet and Bo are sleeping together. Caught them twice. Once I walked in, and Monet was lying in the bed with her feet propped up on one kitten and her head was raised because another one was licking her face.

I am thinking Monet has got to go to the head of the list for spaying!!!

The litter box being placed on the problem area is tricky because it is behind the couch in the corner. So balancing would be an issue. I will continue to try to figure out how to solve this problem.

I desperately want Nikita to come in.

I hope to get the fund raising issue settled quickly, so I can then totally focus on the adoption issue. I am getting very overwhelmed and in a chronic stage of fatigue trying to keep up my business, do my work about the house and handling financial issues, but I seem to be moving from the kittens' room, the front porch and Cheyenne a lot of my day. I also clean the kittens' room twice a day, I go in and play with them as well, and I scoop the litter at least twice a day.

So I guess I am starting to wear out. I am hoping that everything is finished in 3 weeks.

Will post fundraising thread pretty soon.

Thanks for being a friend to me, as well as to Nikita and her 5 kids. You are golden.

Sam

[BrotherIvan]

99. HA HA it's like a brothel in there!

Just kidding, I wouldn't worry about it unless she starts showing signs of heat. Cats love to cuddle and sleep together, but it's nothing sexual. If you feel the need to get them done soon and don't have all the funds together, get the males done first and any female that might be in heat. Males are usually significantly cheaper (because the operation is so minor) and if they're all safe inside, no pregnancy. But a cat in heat is usually a pain in the you know what because of the behavior issues.

I hope the fundraising goes well and you can do them all at once. The younger cats also seem to rebound faster than older ones.

And I do hope you have some time to get some rest. I know this is an ordeal, but for now everyone is safe. I'm hoping some good luck comes your way in the adoption department. If you need help, I can help you post them on petfinder today. A good picture of them will help. Because they are kittens, they should be adopted quickly because everyone wants one. Perhaps you could get the new parent to help with the cost because you will get a much cheaper deal than they ever could. Let me know.

[PlayFair8888]

71. Our experience

Our experience has been that once the weening process starts, it is like a switch is thrown in the mamma cat's brain. No longer does she brood over the kittens, in fact, she usually wants to get as far away from them as possible. Now don't misunderstand, she is never mean to them, she just views them as other cats. The kittens, on the other hand, still want to nurse and pester the mamma to death. Breeders usually have a way of separating the mamma from the kittens. Some have other areas were they keep them. Some have large crates where they can keep the mother so the kittens can't get to her. The problem you are facing is if there is no way for Nikita to get away from the kittens, Nikita won't have a minutes peace and that is what she needs right now. Personally, I would suggest that you don't put them together. The idea of a cat "family" may seem charming, but it isn't reality. In a very short time, the mother stops viewing them as "her" kittens.

[Samantha]

73. Well, for right now (this day) I believe I have accidently done the right thing

I brought Nikita inside to avoid her being in the heat. I placed her in a room by herself in a cage. The kids are in the other room and I posted an update just now on everything.

So I was given the suggestion right before I left by avebury to try and borrow a large cage, with room for a litter box, and start keeping her in. I am really thinking seriously about that because that would be ideal.

Under your premise, it would be better to keep them apart, but I am thinking I might keep one as a companion for Nikita. Elise is the prime candidate.

The man across the street told me Nikita hung around there a lot because she became friends with his cat, Catherine. Catherine lived to be 21 and then sadly passed away. Nikita keeps returning there to find her. Perhaps if she had a companion here, that would be a great scenario.

Thank you for posting on my thread -- or perhaps I should say, Nikita's thread!

Sam

[avebury]

75. That is a great idea to keep one of the kittens as a companion

for Nikita. Two of the cats that I arranged to have spayed and returned are a Momma cat and one of her babies. They spend a lot of time together. If you socialize the kittens it might be able to convert them into adoptable indoor cats. If you give Nikita some space to adapt she might find that she is happy to stay indoors, particularly if you live somewhere with extreme weather - hot or cold.

I would recommend picking up some cat treats that you can use to bribe Nikita and the kittens so that they see your presence as a positive thing in their lives.

If Nikita and her daughter cannot adapt to indoor life you might be able to make some space in your shed so that they can get out of the elements when the weather is bad. In cold weather you can also get one of those water dishes that has an electrical cord that can plug in and keeps the water from freezing in the winter so that they can still have water to drink..

[avebury]

77. One of our neighborhood female had a litter of kittens.

All of a sudden all but one disappeared. It is possible that she led them off and left them but I have no clue what happened to them. The one kitten that remained seemed to be the least independent minded nature of the litter. The Momma cat and her baby are the two that I got spayed and released under our community program. Momma (now Sophie) has had no problem with her baby (Boo - the name does fit her) hanging around her and they stay together most of the time. Boo does not try to nurse from Sophie, they just have become steady companions.

While it might not be a good idea to put all of the kittens in with Nikita, if you are thinking about keeping one of them, that would be the kitten that you might want to have spayed first. Once she is over the surgery, you might put her in the same room with Nikita (but not in the cage) and see how they interact. If things go well, then they may prove to be good companions for one another.

[PlayFair8888]

79. We have kept a kitten

Once the kittens are weened, there is no problem. We kept a kitten from the last litter and mom and grown kitten get along just fine. BTW, the one we kept was the only male from the litter. Obviously, both mom and grown kitten are now "its". I wish you well. Sounds like you have done a fine job.

[Samantha]

80. If you love her, let her go

Last edited Fri Jul 19, 2013, 05:11 PM - Edit history (1)

Last night I decided the first thing I would do when I got up this morning was to locate a large cage into which I would move Nikita today. Acting on the advice I had received here, I was going to get one large enough to put a litter box in and food and water. I would transition Nikita to becoming an indoor cat, safe from the predators and weather threats outside my door.

Right before I went to bed she started crying a little bit. I had fed her, changed her papers and given her water shortly before. She looked at me and "talked" to me. I knew what she was saying. She wanted out and her life back. Upset I tried to soothe her and decided that I needed to take the night to think about things. I would know when I got up this morning which way this would go.

When I got up about an hour ago, I knew what I was going to do. I was not going to do what I wanted to do. I was going to put the decision properly where it belonged. So then it was I who started crying. But inside my heart told me, if you love her let her go. This has to be Nikita's decision. It is her life and her choice.

I came inside this room and had a private conversation with her. It ended with my still crying and begging her to please come back to me. I put some food in a dish and filled a water bowl for her. I put it out on the porch where during this journey she has always come for food and water.

Today is an excessive heat day again in Washington, D.C. But I knew this was the moment.

I carried the trap out to the front porch. I faced it so she could see the food and water. And then I opened the door. She bounded joyously out and headed out of the yard.

I came back inside and took a few minutes to let my raw emotions out. I don't know what Nikita will decide but I do know I did the right thing, not the thing I wanted to do, but the right thing.

If she loves me the way I love her, she will get living outside out of her system and come back. And I will open the door and invite her in. At that moment, Nikita will decide for herself what her proper future will be. And I will respect that decision.

I needed to sit down and tell you all what I have done. I am sure many of you will think I made a mistake. You should feel free to say that and I will accept your opinion. And perhaps you will be right. But there is one opinion that will not be in that arena, and that is Nikita's opinion.

If I love her, I needed to let her go and respect her wishes. I started one minute later checking to see if she had come back for her food and water. And that is what I will be doing incessantly from now on.

I don't know if I will ever see her again. Perhaps she will have a difficult time forgiving me for the last 3 days. But I do know that I did the right thing and by having her spayed and given all her shots, I have given her the opportunity for an extended, healthier life.

I have to go and clean out the kittens' room. The next few days I will be socializing a lot with them, keeping their environment clean, and trying to work out a future for them. I plan to keep Elise. So I still have to try to get the 5 of them the same treatment I managed for Nikita. I have to work on finding families that will love them as much as I have loved Nikita. I hope you guys will stay with me for that. I need you to stay because you helped me get to this point safely and achieving great results.

I am signing off now to try and get a grip and feed the kittens and clean the litter tray. Later I am going to approach a woman who wrote me after hearing Nikita's story. She might know where some grant money might be available for medical costs for the kittens. I am also going to contact a friend who told me to let them know if I need money for the kittens. I have a person from here who sent me a message saying they are going to help. So I plan to keep on trucking to help these kittens have a wonderful life. I am going to contact the wonderful place that took care of Nikita and ask about an idea I developed last night.

So I thought I should tell you all this morning's events, and I leave this room praying Nikita will come back. Eventually the room where the kittens are staying will have only one kitten left. That is Elise. And if my baby does come back, that is where she will stay -- in Nikita's and Elise's room.

Thank you for listening. I will be back in an hour or so to see any comments.

But most of all, thank you for all the fine advice and information you have given me through these 3 threads.

Thank you.

Sam

[Samantha]

84. Nikita has come back home

I feel good about this decision I made this morning, although I was really upset for 2 hours. The decision to let Nikita decide what she wanted seems right because I gave her the opportunity to go. And go she did.

When she first stayed in the house, she was carried in in a trap. When she came home, she was carried in in a trap.

So last evening the man who helped trap her called to see how the kittens were doing. I told him they were doing great. They loved their room. They were using the litter box. They were playing quite a bit. And they were napping. They are also eating well, and pooping even better!!! He was thrilled to hear that.

And then he asked if I had released Nikita. I said I had not. I told him I was thinking about letting her stay in the house. I thought this would be a good transition time since I had the kittens. He at first disagreed, telling me she was a feral cat and I had to let her go. I kept saying I wanted to keep her inside, and he outlined a lot of things I needed to do, conditions that I just could not meet. But he emphasized again she could not be with the kittens.

So I ultimately decided it was her decision where she would live, in or out, and if she came back in, I would show her where to find her babies.

So Monet has discovered if she jumps onto the vanity, she can look out a window. Today she discovered she can jump from the vanity into the bed perched atop of a cat scratching post. The last time I looked she was asleep in it.

Sunny and Elise were "sleeping together" in the new bed I had bought for the room. I hope this does not become a habit!!! Bo was running around trying to find a partner for another wrestling match. Dane was keeping a low profile, probably under their hiding place. They go under the couch when they want to be out of sight.

I call out each one's name and then throw a Pounce treat at them. I am teaching them their names so that when one misbehaves, I can call out the name and verbally discourage him (or her). That way all of the kittens know specifically which one is sitting in the hot seat, so to speak.

So happy was I to see Nikita, I went out and sat on the porch with her for awhile. She ate a tremendous amount of food, almost sucking it down in gulps. She also drank a lot of water. Then she walked to me and started rubbing my legs, and laid down beside me. I gave her cat massage as usual. I kept telling her I loved her. She seemed pretty calm and relaxed.

So I stood up and walked to the screen door and opened it. "I have your babies," I told her. She looked inside as if contemplating whether or not to come in. I thought she was going to. But she turned around and started eating again. I kept telling her I have your babies. Believe it or not she knows that key word. She also knows the word food, and the phrase "see you later."

So I think she will come in, perhaps not tonight. And when she does, it will be her choice. And that I believe is the way it should be.

We will see. But I am going out tonight to get another litter box and some more litter. I am pretty sure I will be needing it.

She is shedding a lot. When I was petting her, her hair was blowing out like crazy. I have one of those cat combs, and I am thinking she might let me use it on her tomorrow.

Thank for listening.

Sam

[KC]

85. They are all

so adorable. I would have liked
to see a picture of you walking the dog
with the mama and all the kittens
following lol I bet that was cute!

[Samantha]

86. Thank you so much

I would have liked to have had a picture of that myself, but I guess the opportunity has passed. Nikita has resumed living on my porch. I spent most of the evening outside, and each time I came inside I opened the screen door and asked her if she wanted to come in. She stood there thinking but did not make a move.

Today, we are still in the midst of a heatwave. I mentioned in one post that whenever I devise a plan, it never works out because Nikita always has a different plan. She has learned that if she meows, I will come springing out the door to find out why. Usually, she just wants more food. I keep the water dish filled, and she finds shady places to rest. I also give her great cat massages, and sometimes she just wants one of those. But on my last visit last evening, it occurred to me that Nikita is hesitating to come in because she has a different plan. I should live outside! I figured this out after about the 5 late-night visit. She had a friend come visit.

So you see, if I come outside her every need will still be fulfilled but she can also keep her feline friends. The best of both worlds.

We are going to have a storm later, and I will try to coax her in again. Perhaps after the thunder and lightning hit, she might rethink her plan and walk through the open door. But I am not counting on that...she likes to be at the controls.

But since she was released yesterday morning, I have noticed a big difference in her. She is very calm and relaxed. She was totally exhausted after her 7 week ordeal taking care of the kittens. I could see it in her eyes. And they continued to want to nurse, even though they were eating their kitten food. So she is in a recovery from a long, stressful stint, and I think she is very, very happy.

So while many people had cautioned me that she might put a distance between us since I had breached her trust, the exact opposite (to my relief has happened). She has become very loving toward me, and follows me everywhere. She always seeks to be petted, and she has been rubbing up against me in a very sweet way.

Thank you for posting on my thread.

Sam

[Samantha]

88. PLEASE LOOK FOR AN IMPORTANT UPDATE MONDAY OR TUESDAY

in a separate thread in General Discussion.

I hope you guys stay with us.

Sam

[LoveMyCali]

89. Any news on Nikkita

I know you said Monday OR Tuesday but I'm getting anxious.

[Samantha]

90. Nikita is home and thriving -- she is doing very well

Last edited Tue Jul 23, 2013, 01:32 AM - Edit history (1)

The kids are in the small bedroom, and they too are thriving. I am starting to play with them, and they have learned their names.

I couldn't post the announcement today because I am waiting for a call-back from the hospital. I am trying to set up a fund to have the 5 kittens receive the same treatment Nikita received. I don't know how old they have to be, but I need to get all the details from the hospital. I want them to be get all their shots, spayed and/or neutered, HIV tested before they leave this house.

As soon as I get the information I need, I am going to post it here.

Thank you so much for caring. This is has been quite an ordeal.

Regards,

Sam

[LoveMyCali]

91. I'm so glad that things seem to be working out

My kitten (well she's about a year old now so I guess I should say cat) Raven was about 3 months old when she was spayed. She weighed 3 pounds but she sailed right through the surgery like it was nothing.

[Samantha]

92. One person here told me her organization does this at about 14 weeks

They turned 8 weeks old yesterday. I am hoping it can be done a little earlier, but I do not know if 14 is absolutely the safest age. I am going to try to adopt them out, finding good homes, and I want to make sure they have everything they need before they leave here. But the way they are growing just in the last few days is startling. I can't imagine the 5 of them staying in that room another 6 weeks.

But I also want them to have all the shots they need and to be tested for HIV, as well as given a treatment for fleas.

Then when I have all the information intact, I am going to start a fundraiser to see if I can get enough money. I have already taken Nikita, and I estimate it will cost about $320 for all of them. I already have one pledge and two people who have offered to contribute so I think I would have to raise about $150 - $200, depending on what the hospital says. Also the person who trapped them said I should ask for the rescue rate since I did rescue Nikita who was pregnant at the time. So we will see when they call me back.

They are all beautiful, and they now know their names. I go in play with them and they are getting to know me. I need to get a couple more human beings to hang out with them so when the time comes, they will not be shy.

Rest assured, I am working my posterior off on this and I hope to be finished soon so I can resume working on making a living in order to keep a roof over Nikita's and Cheyenne's heads!!!

Thanks for posting on my thread and keeping it kicked for exposure. You will hear more from me when I get the rest of the info I need. And thank you for caring.

Sam

[BrotherIvan]

96. I will definitely donate!

I hope other DUers will help as well. $1 here and there really adds up. Any help to get the word out for donations would be greatly appreciated.

Please help!

[Samantha]

100. THE THREAD IS UP IN GENERAL DISCUSSION

Please check it out. Please help if you can.

Thank you.

Sam