Reptile & Amphibian Forums

THERE IS A SMALL COLONY OF CATS IN MY AREA IN SOUTHERN NJ. A NEIGHBOR FEEDS THE CATS AND SHE HAS A DOG HOUSE ON HER PORCH FOR WARMTH. CURRENTLY THERE ARE 4 KITTENS WHO LIVE IN THE HOUSE AND SEEM FAIRLY WELL USED TO THE FEEDERS. I WOULD LOVE TO FIND HOMES FOR THE KITTENS AND HAVE ONE OFFER. I AM HESITANT TO GIVE A KITTEN TO THIS PERSON BECAUSE SHE IS NOT AT ALL FAMILIAR WITH CATS OR KITTENS. I AM AFRAID THAT THERE FERAL BACKGROUND MIGHT MAKE THEM FEARFUL OF HER . SHE ALSO HAS A 6 YEAR OLD SMALL DOG.? I EVEN THOUGHT OF TAKING THE KITTEN TO MY VET FOR THE PRELIMINARY BLOOD WOR FOR LEUKIMIA AND FIRST SET OF IMMUNIZATIONS TO GET THINGS STARTED. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Hi,

How old are the kittens? Can you approach them? That might give you some idea of whether they can be tamed. The conventional wisdom is that they can be tamed up to 12-16 weeks. My experience has been that there is some variability depending on the personality of the cat. I think bringing them in and trying to socialize them is best done early if you want help place them in homes. Of course, to do that, a vet trip is important to make sure there is nothing your cats could catch from them. They will also need to be treated for fleas etc. As for the inexperience of the potential "parent," does she seem like a person willing to take advice from you? If so, and she has patience, she might be wonderful. The important thing is to get to know the kittens yourself so that you can explain to her the possible difficulties.

I think it is wonderful that you are trying to help them. Good luck!

ellen

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ellen
gracie & voodoo (& Puss 'n Boots)