FINALLY!!! The Cat Distribution System chose me!!!

[u/Elmolou90]

Born under a neighbours decking these babies were seen about a week ago exploring her garden, within 48 hours my partner and I successfully trapped and fostered 4 kittens and a mama (who is very obviously pregnant again).

All of our local rescues are full so we’ve become emergency placements 🤣

Mama is struggling with separation, so we’re placing one kitten on with her every couple of hours and this working to help them both, mum is now going longer between frantic searching for her babies.

One of the kittens (Long haired Ginger) was struggling to feed so has gone to a more experienced fosterer and is doing really well.

Mama will be neutered (and termination) next week.

And these little three have gone from hissy murder mittens to love bugs in less than a couple of days. Will be ready for adoption in the coming weeks, we’ve fallen in love with the little short haired ginger and he will be staying with us and our two resident cats who have actually taken to the current lodgers really well.

Only said to my partner a couple weeks ago that it would be wonderful to find a litter… whoops!!

Names
Mama - Doris
Grey - Dio (f)
Black - Ozzy (m)
Short haired Ginger - Axl (m)
Long haired Ginger - Lemmy (m)

[u/9for9]

Why aren't mom and babies being housed together?

[u/Elmolou90 → u/9for9]

There are a few reasons for the separation. Mum is feral, and socialising her is a much more specialist process than with the kittens. Keeping them together would likely slow the kittens’ progress, as they feed off her anxiety.

The kittens are estimated to be around 8+ weeks old, so they’re fully weaned and at the ideal stage for human socialisation and rehoming.

We also suspect mum may already be pregnant again, which can increase protective behaviour and stress levels. She’s booked in to be spayed (and pregnancy terminated if needed) in the coming week, so separation would be necessary regardless.

We are managing it as a gradual transition, we do allow one of the more confident kittens to spend short periods with her to help reduce her stress, but overall the kittens are settled, eating well, and are not actively seeking her out as they have consistent care from us.

[u/Radiant-Laugh-6519 → u/Elmolou90]

Just commenting some love and support on this plan. 💕 I wish you all the best things in the world for being a good human.