CAT OWNERS/dispel the myths & misconceptions

 

About two weeks ago, I discover a tabby cat and her 3 kittens were living in my backyard. They were living in an old wooden bench that has a hole at the top, so they would hang out on top of the bench and then jump inside when they wanted to hide. I started feeding them, once a day for about a week. Then last week Friday, I realized that the mother had moved her kitties.  During this past week on 3 days, I put out cat food.... I figured the mother might roam about for food and I wanted to use up the cat food I bought.  

 

This past Friday, I discovered the mother cat and her kittens are back. I'm guessing the kittens are 6-9 weeks old.  The mother cat looks well fed, but she's not wearing collar so I don't know if she has a home.  The mother cat is a bit wary of me when I go to put food out for them, but the last 2 times she has approached me but keeps her distance. I think the mom has made the connection of me and food.  The kittens know the spot where I put the food, so they'll go there looking for food.

 

Purplehaze, I like your idea of the cat boxes.  Right now, my backyard cats are living inside of a bench and they seem pretty comfortable and familiar with it.... but I wonder what will happen as it gets colder.  Although for all I know, the mama cat may move her babies again tomorrow.

 

 

You are lucky....My husband would shoo them away and Scold me for feeding Strays....

 

I had the lady from PAWS (she is like the CEO of the shelter on Base) in  awe that the Ferals were use to me and that I could actually Pet...Touch 5 out of the many (she witnessed me in action).....She was near my house because she captures/rescues the kittens for future adoptions...She thinks I would be an excellent candidate to nurse the kittens..etc...etc..... My husband would have a friggin HEART ATTACK!!! 

 

 

 

Purple haze,  I love your adoption story. The part of your statement that I bolded reminds me of my dad.  He used to describe our first cat as "from a shepherd boy to a king". When I was young, my dad went to a co-worker's party and they had some kittens they were trying to get adopted, so my dad, knowing I wanted one, brought one home suprisng me and my mom.  And sure he enough he became the little king of the house.

 

I think Paws usually round up all the kittens for adoption but the few stray kittens eventually find my house by following an adult Cat...Kit Kit, Tiger and Lily have adopted Eyes as their mother....since Bella scratches the hell out of them if they get to close to her...

 

 

 

I saw the mama and all 3 kittens on Sunday when I fed them. But later that afternoon, I did some cleaning in the backyard and garage and the mama and kittens diappeared into the bench. On monday, I did not see any of them, so I figured the mama had moved all he kittens....due to my noise.  On Tuesday, I saw and fed the mama and 2 of the kittens. But I never saw the third one.  This afternoon, I saw the mama an only one kitten.... I fed them and kept wondering where is the other one I saw yesterday.  About one hour ago  (it's now dark out) I look out an upstairs window... I can see one kitten sitting on the bench by him/herself (they usually come out when the mama cat comes out). Then out of the corner of my eye I see what i think is the mama running in the parking lot next to my house.  About 5-10 minutes later, I see the mama and the missing third kitten running in the parking lot toward my house.  It's dark out , but I keep looking out and see the 3rd kitten and mama in my backyard.....the kitten is looking at the 'food spot' for food.    When I go out to give the kitten some food, (I figure he's not gotten any kitten chow since sunday...he's got to be missing this extra food) I don't see them. But as I am putting out the food the kitten comes running past me and then I hear a boy in the parking lot next door yelling "did you see that cat!"   So i figure the mama is nearby or went to get the other missing kitten. So the mama and  2 of my 3 kittens got food today, but there is still one who is missing.

 

So does anyone know if a mother cat would keep her kittens separated on purpose?

 

I would love to adopt one or two kittens, but right now unfortunately it is not possible.  So I'll just settle for feeding them..... although as this post shows I think and worry about these cats wayyyyy tooo much!!!