-
01
-
02
-
MORE INFO FROM OP:
I’ve been tracking a stray that appeared to be nursing for several weeks now on my door and porch cameras. This area of town has a resident colony of strays and it is kitten season, so that didn’t surprise me. She would always dart across the street to the double lot whenever she saw me, so I assumed her litter was over there somewhere. Many years ago, actually, this lot was vacant and I had found two kittens on it, brought them in, and found homes for them. Now it’s occupied, and I mentioned to the owner a while back that I suspected there were kittens somewhere and to be cautious mowing, etc.
He knocked on my door Friday morning with a little tabby kitten in hand and said he found this guy out in his yard. He suspects the litter is hiding under his low-clearance porch, and that area tends to collect water. Our weather has been chilly and rainy. Immediately I was like, “Give me the baby,” of course. The next morning another one was found, and his wife told me she’d definitely seen at least one more—if not two—around the porch area. I brought baby #2 inside, but when I went back to lure the rest out, they were gone.
-
03
-
04
-
THE STORY, CONTINUED:
I now have two little boys, I estimate about 6–7 weeks old. I’m already in love, but just like the two I had several years ago, I’m not sure if my two existing old lady cats will tolerate them. For the time being, they have a playpen for safety and an entire spare bedroom with anything they could need for overnights and when I’m not around. My older girls have hissed and complained, so I’m being extremely cautious. I have a friend who’ll take them if needed, but for right now I’m getting them vetted and vaccinated and all the things. I’m friendly-ish with my neighbor but not close enough to invade his property, and he’s not actively looking for the rest of them. I’ve circled the whole lot and nearby area several times, playing both mama cat and kitten sounds, with no success finding the remaining kitten(s), and I’m worried I won’t find them—or if I do, they’ll be too old to socialize. Feral litters are tough.
Regardless, these two are precious. I’ve raised cats my entire life, so I had no issues bringing them in. They’re eating wet food, drinking, using the litter box, they’re confident climbers, and are getting interested in toys. They both appear healthy, but the vet is closed today, so they won’t see one for a few more days at least. They’ve had no issues eliminating and seem to have adapted to my presence quickly. I can’t imagine giving them up. I also never imagined having four cats
I highly suspect their parents are the nursing tuxedo cat and the orange tomcat I see around here often. I also sometimes see a female gray tabby and a solid black cat of unknown gender. If anyone has any ideas about the remaining kittens, I’m all ears. I live rurally, but am also looking around for my closest TNR program for the adult strays.
-
05
-
06
-
07
"Better pic of the brown-nosed markings. He’s a strikingly beautiful cat."
-
08
-
09
-
10
-
11
-
12
-
13
-
14
-
15
-
16
-
17
-
18
-
19
-
20
For a weekly dose of animal-themed community challenges - Subscribe to our Newsletter!
Can't get enough of ICanHasCheezburger? Find us on Instagram!