What do you do when a cat has kittens in your yard?

Do NOT take the kittens to an animal shelter. See if a friend or family member can care for them, or contact local rescues, animal protection groups, or advocates. You may be able to find such advocates near you through Alley Cat Allies’ Feral Friends Network®.

How long do feral cats stay with their kittens?

Feral cats leave their kittens at about five weeks old with the weaning process, though they don’t leave them outright. The mother restricts nursing, encouraging them to go out on their own and hunt.

Will a stray cat leave her kittens?

A Mother cat will leave her kittens for hours at a time. She will NOT return if you are standing over her kittens. The mother cat offers her kittens’ best chance for survival, so wait and watch as long as you can. The best food for the kittens is their mother’s milk.

Do outdoor cats move their kittens?

It may seem counter-intuitive, but the best thing to do for the kittens is not to move them. Keep an eye on them and see if a mother cat comes for them. Mom cats move their kittens often and she may be in the midst of moving them and on her way back to these seemingly abandoned kittens.

What does it mean when a stray cat brings her kittens?

Your cat keeps bringing you her kittens because she wants them to get used to you and be well acquainted and let them familiarize with your code of conduct. Your feline knows she lives with you, and her kittens will as well, so she wants them to be used to humans.

Where do cats hide their kittens outside?

A frightened cat could hide their kittens in the bushes, in the sheds, under the decks. Try to look up too, because cats prefer high places, and they may be hidden in the roots of a tree or on the roof of a store or shed. It’s a smart idea to search a peaceful time of the day.

Will a feral cat abandon her kittens if you touch them?

A mother cat will NOT “reject” kittens that have been touched by humans. You can try scattering flour around the nest and leave the area completely for a while. Look for paw prints in the flour when you come back.

Where do feral cats hide their kittens outside?

A frightened cat could hide their kittens in the bushes, in the sheds, under the decks. Try to look up too, because cats prefer high places, and they may be hidden in the roots of a tree or on the roof of a store or shed.

Why do cats bring kittens to you?

Will stray cat brings kittens to food?

Wait for the mother cat to return. You want to help, and your first impulse may be to swoop up the tiny kittens and bring them straight to a shelter. However, a mother cat will periodically leave her nest to hunt for food. If you see young kittens without their mother, it is likely she will return.

Can kittens survive outside in winter?

Cats, even if acclimated to outdoor temperatures should always have access to warm shelters. Kittens, cats advanced in age, or sick should never be kept outdoors when the temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.” If pets are kept outdoors during winter weather Dr.

What should I do if I find a litter of kittens?

Kittens in a box. It can be very dangerous for a litter of kittens to be on their own, unless their mom is out for a couple hours with the intent to return. If you find kittens in a box, someone most likely dumped them there. If the kittens are found behind a bush, it’s best to closely monitor them, and see if the mother returns.

How do you pick up a stray kitten?

Do the weighting near the nest, so the moms sees you. You take a kitten, gently but swiftly, weigh it, and put back, gently but swiftly. 10 seconds, or at most half a minute if you are slowly. Moms usually do accept it, as long you are respectful and gentle. Even most semi ferales do it, yours is a stray. Keep reporting and asking! Good luck!

Is it OK to keep a kitten in a small bathroom?

Being so tied for space as it is kitten season that may help you get some help. She would be fine in a small bathroom for at least a few weeks till you can get a better plan on your cats/her and the litter. Any others who are not spayed will have a litter in the next few weeks/month or two.

What to do if you find a baby kitten in a box?

Taking in the young kittens If the kittens were left in a box, take them. If there is no box and you need to step in because the mother doesn’t return, find a box, gather up the kittens, and place them inside the box. The one thing you should not do is nothing.