These kittens, along with two adult females, were abandoned on the doorstep of a country home.
Almost every summer, Carol goes out on the porch of her remote rural home and discovers an unfamiliar feline face. Another cat or kitten has been thoughtlessly abandoned during the night.Carol is a senior citizen, and all of her own cats are fixed. Her income is fixed as well, and she has no money for vet visits for new cats.
Yet the abandonment continues.
I volunteer with a feral-cat trap/neuter/return group in addition to my job with Petfinder. We helped neuter Carol's outdoor cats in 2002 (all of them were offspring of cats abandoned on her property), so luckily we are there to help when new cats appear in her life. When my phone rang this Sunday, the news was particularly bad: Two female cats and three tiny kittens (pictured) had been left at Carol's door.
Abandonment of domestic animals is illegal. In New York State it is punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or a year in prison. However, it's hard to catch someone who merely slows down and tosses a cat alongside a country road or leaves a box of kittens at a campground.
If you wander outside one day with your morning coffee and are greeted by the forlorn mews of an abandoned cat or kittens, you might be tempted to hope they will just "go away." However, ignoring them will only make the situation worse. A dumped pregnant cat may shortly have kittens beneath your porch. Healthy kittens, abandoned without their mother, will soon starve or become ill or injured.
While you absolutely did not cause the problem, it has become
yours, much like a storm that drops a tree in your yard. It's
unexpected and even may cost money to resolve, but nonetheless, there
it is, and it's not going to go away!
First, make sure the cat or kitten has food, water, and shelter. If you can bring her into your home, keep her away from your own pets until you are certain she is healthy.
Second, call your local animal shelter or humane agency for guidance (to find shelters and adoption groups in your area, use Petfinder' s animal welfare group search tool). They may be able to take your foundling and find her a new home. Be sure to give a donation if they do. However, if they are unable to accept the cat, or if you prefer to care for her yourself, ask the shelter or rescue group these questions:
You can also post her to the "found pets" section -- and, if no one steps forward to claim her, to the "pets for adoption" section, of the Petfinder classifieds.
The Petfinder library has an excellent article on finding a home for a pet. Please be certain, before you let a cat or kitten leave your care, that the pet is either spay/neutered or is going to a home committed to spay/neuter.
Be sure to report abandoned pets to your local law enforcement agency by making a statement in writing. Even if police are unable to locate the abandoner, the incident may find its way into the local news police blotter.
One summer I was walking by our local grocery and noted a woman on the sidewalk with a box of "free kittens." I went to speak to her, planning to explain why this was not the best way to find a home for cats. However, she admitted she previously had dumped kittens at local farms -- thinking they wanted them -- until she read in the newspaper that it was illegal!
While handing kittens out to strangers on the street isn't the safest way to adopt them out, it was definitely an improvement over abandonment, and it did get her into the public eye. We could offer her resources to get her own cat fixed and take the kittens to get them into foster homes, thus ending the cycle of kittens and more kittens at her home.
Have you rescued or adopted an abandoned animal? Leave your story in our comments!
First, make sure the cat or kitten has food, water, and shelter. If you can bring her into your home, keep her away from your own pets until you are certain she is healthy.
Second, call your local animal shelter or humane agency for guidance (to find shelters and adoption groups in your area, use Petfinder' s animal welfare group search tool). They may be able to take your foundling and find her a new home. Be sure to give a donation if they do. However, if they are unable to accept the cat, or if you prefer to care for her yourself, ask the shelter or rescue group these questions:
- Do they have advice on caring for very young kittens?
- Do they have a bulletin board where you can post a flyer for your foundling to help find her a home?
- Are they aware of other organizations that might be able to help you?
- Are there low-cost spay/neuter services available locally if you need them?
You can also post her to the "found pets" section -- and, if no one steps forward to claim her, to the "pets for adoption" section, of the Petfinder classifieds.
The Petfinder library has an excellent article on finding a home for a pet. Please be certain, before you let a cat or kitten leave your care, that the pet is either spay/neutered or is going to a home committed to spay/neuter.
Be sure to report abandoned pets to your local law enforcement agency by making a statement in writing. Even if police are unable to locate the abandoner, the incident may find its way into the local news police blotter.
One summer I was walking by our local grocery and noted a woman on the sidewalk with a box of "free kittens." I went to speak to her, planning to explain why this was not the best way to find a home for cats. However, she admitted she previously had dumped kittens at local farms -- thinking they wanted them -- until she read in the newspaper that it was illegal!
While handing kittens out to strangers on the street isn't the safest way to adopt them out, it was definitely an improvement over abandonment, and it did get her into the public eye. We could offer her resources to get her own cat fixed and take the kittens to get them into foster homes, thus ending the cycle of kittens and more kittens at her home.
Have you rescued or adopted an abandoned animal? Leave your story in our comments!
I'am so glad to here all these stories. I am in a situation that Started a couple years ago. I started feeding a stray cat that I could not catch. I Named her Candice, she had an older Kitten I named Patches, Also could not catch. Well she had a stud that I use to chase away at no advail. Ended up excepting him,.Named him Toby Then she got pregnaunt again..
. She had her babies . I did not know where.she had her babies at .We had a bad rain storm & when I got up in the morning to feed the three cats there was one on the porch.But it was dead ,Looked like the baby had drown. Then I seen 3 more-Same drowned these 3 were in a box,I had given the cats for shelter.
She got pregnaunt again Had 4 Kittens. I named them, Toby Jr. Tigger,
Twiggy,Cali. My Son got Toby Jr. He keeps him in the house.
She got pregnant again -4 more. Cinnomon Spice,Boots,Diamond and
Toby the 3rd.
Mean while Twiggy had one kitten -Princess.
Cali had 3 kittens- Candy, AliKay, Norbit
Now Twiggy has had 3 more kittens I have not named yet.They are only a month old.
Toby & Candice is back so I'm thinking She had babies somewhere close.
I don't know who will be next -Oh ya we kindof adopted a Orange Taby thats keep stayiny over. We named him Big Red.
There are 3 Other male cats who come in the yard and I chase off.But I really know it will be for no advail either!!!!!
I called for some help but the shelters are full. I don't just want to give them away. I am not able finacially to get them all there shot & to be fix and I sure don't want them to be put to sleep.I try to make them calm so they can be adopted out,Some are tammer than others. I just don't know what to do. IIt is getting harder to feed them all too! I won't let them starve. But I know I got to do something!!! So you All have given me some great advice.If anyone else out there can help me -Please do. Thanks so much!! Animal Lover to another.
I just want whats best for
These Cats & Kittens!!!!
I even may keep a few BUT.
They all need there shots & Fixed
Last summer I was out on a walk and heard the loud mewing, Unsure where it was coming from I went around an abandoned house and found a very small Siamese point kitten. I happened to have a small dog with me and the kitten seemed very attached to the dog in the few moments we met. At first I couldn't get the kitten to come to me directly however would follow the dog. So I got the idea to let the kitten follow me home as I was only about three blocks from my house it started to work til two streets in he tried to turn around when I was able to pick him up. I brought him home despite the now many scars he was creating all over me. Got him home where we gave him some water and called the H.E.A.R which is our pet rescue. I turned him over to them.
About a month later I saw the lady from the rescue and she said that the Kitten was a boy, he was three weeks old when I gave him to her and he had been sick at that time. He had also been adopted while in her care and the new owners didn't mind that they would have to wait a few extra weeks to get him.
So three cheers to not only the rescuers but the good forever homes that are waiting with arms wide open.
Hi Robyn- We emailed you a reply but wanted to post it here as well.
Even if your local shelter is too full to take the mom and kittens to re-home, they are a great place to call first. They may be able to refer you to low-cost spay/neuter options, or groups that offer trap/neuter/return, a humane program for fixing outdoor cats, (see more about Trap/Neuter/Return programs here http://www.petfinder.com/how-to-help-pets/tnr-the-humane-alternative.html ), or a foster group that may be able to raise your kittens. If you email pets [at] petfinder.com back with your location we would be happy to assist you in searching for a local group.
Also try calling your own veterinarian to see if they know of anyone who may help. Your vet's office may already be working with local people who assist outdoor cats, or may offer a discount to good clients who are helping strays.
If the mom cat is friendly, it would be great if you could bring her inside temporarily to keep the kittens safe in a separate room from your other household pets. If you can't, you might check with family and friends to see if they would provide a short-term place for them. (Here are some more tips on finding homes for a pet: http://www.petfinder.com/after-pet-adoption/find-new-home-pet.html and http://www.petfinder.com/after-pet-adoption/tips-finding-home-pet.html ). It is important for the kittens to have as much human contact as possible once their eyes open so you end up with friendly kittens you can find homes for, not wild kittens that will be added to your outdoor population.
In the meantime, provide additional shelters for the other cats so Mom Cat can have one all to herself. Be sure to provide her with good quality food. She'll need it to nourish herself and the kittens.
It is important to get all of your outdoor cats fixed, so you are safe from future litters of kittens. Even if they are feral (wild-acting) they can be safely captured with humane cage traps. (Here is some additional information on caring for feral cats: http://www.petfinder.com/how-to-help-pets/caring-for-feral-cats.html ).
Spaying and neutering will also keep your outdoor cats healthy, and reduce the likelihood that wandering tom cats will choose to visit (and stay) to court the ladies. While looking for help for your mom and her kittens, be sure to mention you are also looking for help in getting your entire outdoor clan fixed.
Good luck!
Me and my best friend were at her apartments.And all she hears is "meow very pitchy though. and she said let's go check it out and so we moved these cardboard things and there it was a black and white kitten. This kitten is very tiny. Hoping she will live!:)
Thank You.
Robyn - unfortutnately most shelters and rescues are overcrowded at this time and are not taking in any more animals, but contact a rescue group in your area. Most will at least be able to help you take care of the cats/kittens and then help to find them homes if you can keep and foster them until they're ready to be adopted. They will usually help with shots and neutering and may also help with spay/neutering all the adults so you don't have to worry about any more kittens.
good luck --
I have 5 stray cats that I have fed for over a year. I can't bring them in since I have 2 dogs and a cat of my own. Unfortunately, the smalles cat ate this evening and then proceeded to give birth to 3 kittens (at least that is all I see). She went inside the igloo dog house I have on my small back porch that I keep with little dog beds and blankets inside for the cats. I have 2 dog houses. I never knew she was pregnant. I cannot afford to feed any more cats, I know mommy will feed them for a few months, but how do I protect them being outside? I know shelters are over crowded and I cannot imagine them being put to sleep. These cats have been a part of my so called family for a while now and I don't know what would be best for them. Any adivice?
At the end of June, I began feeding 2 adult female cats. They seemed to either be sisters or mother & daughter. One already had 3 kittens. At the end of July, the other cat had a litter of 5. Swirly Mama was so skinny, I didn't even realize that she was pregnant.
When the kittens were about 3 wks old & their eyes started to open, they became matted. One kittens eyes were stuck shut, even if they had been recently cleaned. A few weeks later, Justin stopped eating. He wanted to nurse but Swirly would walk away. I wanted to take Justin to the vet Labor Day weekend, but they were closed. It would have cost over $100 just to have him examined at the emergency animal clinic. Eventually, he died on 9/8.
I took Ville, one of his sisters, to the vet that Tuesday. I received eye ointment & instructions on how to clean their eyes with saline rinse. Their eyes are all better. Sunday, I noticed that Michael had rough patches on his elbows. Monday night, Michael's elbows were wet & bloody from him scratching & licking. His sister Belle, who is the same coloring as the boy who died, was starting to look gray/dirty around the eyes & mouth. I am afraid that they are either extremely sensitive to fleas or have mange.
None of the adult cats have these symptoms. Oddly, Ville, the kitten who was taken to the vet last week & another female baby do not have these symptoms.
I am taking the 2 w/the skin problems to the vet today. Besides feeding all of these cats, these vet bills are starting to add up. I won't go into my financial situation as an excuse. I do live in a subdivision w/a Homeowners Association & I don't want to get fined or receive a nastygram.
I already have 2 spayed indoor cats, ages 12 & 15. I would be willing to spay Swirly & keep her indoors, if the FIV/FLV test doesn't cost too much & the results are negative.
The 2 older kittens are feral. One runs off when it sees me. The other will stay on the patio when I feed them, will stare & squint @ me when I sit & watch it, but she won't come up to me or let me pet her. Once I am able to find new homes for the kittens, I would like to find homes for the ferals, but doubt anyone would want 2 wild cats. I don't have the heart to just stop feeding them, though.
If I had known these kittens would have had any problems, would I have started feeding their mother and aunt? Probably yes.
Our first kitten Homer, we found in a drain at Home Depot (my boyfriend works there). He pulled him out and the cat continued to follow him around the store. My mom always said no cats but i promised her i would find a good home for him. Well, 3 months later she was in love with him & we kept him. He later developed an immune disorder & was put on pretnizone & had to be put to sleep due to a stroke but shy of his 2nd birthday. He was a very sweet & playful cat & i was very grateful that we at least showed him a loving home for his short stay on Earth.
Soon after we adopted our current cat, Mr. Socks, from the local animal shelter and he is one of the sweetest cats you will ever meet! He love everyone & loved outside (he is fixed), but even our neighbors will call him & he will come running over. Sometimes we wonder if he is a dog trapped in a cat body! =) It was one of the best decisions we made going to the shelter so many of them need out help!
2 summers ago I found a mama cat with 2 tiny kittens in my front yard. I was able to catch the kittens and take them to a local shelter, but the mama was feral and did not want anything to do with me. Even if I could catch her, my local shelter was not willing to take her because she was feral. But they did offer a spay/neuter release program. I went to my local pet supply store and got a metal cat trap. I was able to trap the mother and take her in for surgery. After a night of recovery in my house I was able to release her again to the neighborhood. I was disappointed that I could not find her a home, but at least I know she won't have anymore unwanted kittens.
Don't forget to take the cat to a vet to have him or her scanned for a microchip!
You asked, "Have you rescued or adopted an abandoned animal?"
Yes, two of our animal companions were "strays." One cat and one dog. Both were about a year old when we found them.
The cat, Otis, was living in the wash (dry river bed). He literally decided to live with us. He just appeared on our porch one day. We scanned him for a chip, put up found cat posters, contacted the local shelter... then we got him fixed and were going to care for him as an outdoor, feral cat. But he didn't want that. He liked our home and wanted to stay with us. So he did :)
The dog, Bella, was living on a construction site and running into the roads regularly. Someone was feeding her, but she didn't have a name, collar, chip, shelter, or water. And she had an urgent medical need: her canine tooth was broken and causing her pain. We took her to the vet, got her fixed up (spayed, removed broken tooth, removed matted fur). When the only people who claimed her even admitted she was abandoned and they were merely feeding her every now and then, we decided she belonged with us.
My cousin found an overturned box by the side of the road that was full of kittens. He tried to get them, but they were skidish and ran off into the woods. He was able to get one. He brought her home. She was very skinny and every inch of her was crawling with fleas. They called local shelters, but no one could take her. I came over to see her. I held her and she fell asleep in my arms within a couple minutes. I went home, but couldn't stop thinking about her. So I decided to be a foster home till the shelter could take her. Within about 24 hours I was in love and had decided to keep her. My niece named her Pickles and she is a long hair gray and white kitten. When I took her to the vet I was told she was 6 mo. She was so small, we had thought only 3. She was anemic from all the fleas. One month later she has put on over a 1 1/2 lbs and she is beautiful and healthy. For anyone who complains about costs for adopting a cat, let me tell you how much my little stray has cost me. She is getting fixed in a few weeks and that will make the total so far about $400. I'm not complaining, she is wonderful and I don't regret a thing, but choosing to get "free" kittens from some one instead of adopting is only going to make people think that they don't have to get their cats fixed. Shelters are over run with cats just looking for good homes. I got very lucky. She has had a rough start in life and has managed to be a loving cat with a wonderful personality.