New Here & Cats that need homes

[petlover2006]

I am new here, but wanted to see if anyone knew of anyone in Iowa that can take in a cat and kittens.
I will spare you a long story, but a momma cat started coming around at the end of last summer and we felt bad for her and started feeding her.
We had seen her around but always thought she had a home, guess not cause she came back daily to be fed.
Well about 6 weeks later, We saw her laying around in the tall grass and went to check on her and she had babies!!
Ok we have always had dogs, we knew nothing about cats but knew she just needed fed and helped a bit.
It was not long until she not only came up on the porch to be fed but she brought her babies. Winter was coming and we were having no luck finding them homes so we built kennels and filled them with hay for winter and have cared for them since.
They are so adorable and I will not stop taking care of them but I can't bring them in doors with our big dogs, and they deserve a good home.
We make sure they are warm, and fed and watered and petted but they deserve more.
Does anyone know anyone to contact that could help us find homes for them?
Thank you for any help. :)

[jenluckenbach]

You need to find a rescue group or shelter in your area. If you do not, your kittens will be having kittens by late summer.

www.petfinder.org is a great place to locate what is available in YOUR area.

[petlover2006]

You need to find a rescue group or shelter in your area. If you do not, your kittens will be having kittens by late summer.
www.petfinder.org is a great place to locate what is available in YOUR area.

Thank you for the information. I took a look at petfinder and I am not sure what to look for? I saw shelters, but don't they put them down?
I don't want that.
I care about these little guys and want to make sure they find loving homes if possible.
We have taken them in for antibiotic shots when they got colds, and are planning on spaying both the momma and little girl.
I just want to do this right.
I was told the boys will try to mate at about 10 months? Is that true?
Also how about the little girl, how young can she get pregnant?
I am asking because I have got different opinions. Thanks :)

[Killer Kitten]

Thank you for the information. I took a look at petfinder and I am not sure what to look for? I saw shelters, but don't they put them down?
I don't want that.
I care about these little guys and want to make sure they find loving homes if possible.
We have taken them in for antibiotic shots when they got colds, and are planning on spaying both the momma and little girl.
I just want to do this right.
I was told the boys will try to mate at about 10 months? Is that true?
Also how about the little girl, how young can she get pregnant?
I am asking because I have got different opinions. Thanks :)

They can commence sexual activity as young as five months. I'm not sure how long the boys will be shooting blanks, but I've seen a five and a half month female get pregnant.

The males need neutered as well as the females. Otherwise they'll start spraying, fighting and wandering in search of mates. Half the blame for every litter produced belongs to the male - just because the kittens aren't born where you can see them doesn't mean that they don't exist and don't suffer. It's usually cheaper to get boys done, too.

Try introducing them to your dogs and see about integrating them into your home. Take it from a former dog person, once you go cat you'll never go back!

[jenluckenbach]

Yes, some shelter do kill the over abundance of animals, but not all do. You need to do your homework. read each of the websites of the rescues, email or call and ask questions. If nothing else, find a low cost spay/neuter program for them. Kittens as young as 4 months CAN become pregnant and when they get pregnant at that early of an age, it is VERY hard on them. The males need to be done too! Just because YOUR females won't be getting pregnant, doesn't mean they won't wonder off and mate with every unspayed female they can find. Mom could all ready be pregnant with her next litter!

I know it sems hopeless, but with help from people like you we CAN make a difference.

[petlover2006]

catmandu This Sadly Is Getting Out Of Hand!
There Are Just Too Many People Who Take In Pets And The Unwanted Puppies And Kittens Are Starting To Acuse A Lot Of Problems,through No Fault Of Thier Own.
Sadly This Will Become A Political Issue And Its The Responsible Cat Guardian Thats Going To Suffer,not The Idiiots Who Dont Care For Thier Pets

catmandu
all i did was take care of a cat that had babies who came from someone other than myself. I don't think I did anything wrong because I took in a stray. We basically turned our porch over to them.
With winter coming we really had no other choice?
I understand the males need fixed also, but with there being 4, I was planning on getting the girls done first so that they don't breed with the 2 males here.
So I don't know if you were trying to say I was not being responsible, but please understand I am asking for help and want to see them get a good home.

[moosmom]

Petlover,

You did right by taking her and her babies in. No one here, and I do mean NO ONE should bash you for helping a cat and her babies in need.

They SHOULD be angry at the &*%$#@! owner of this cat who allowed it out without getting her fixed.

I will try and see if I can get some information to help you out. I have contacts that might allow you to "courtesy" post on Petfinder.com

Everyone here has forgotten the most important phrase...

THANK YOU!!!!

for helping her and her babies out.

[moosmom]

I sent an email to my friend who heads up MCARN (Maine Coon Alliance Rescue Network) to see if she'd be willing to post them on Petfinder under MCARN and she agreed.

Give me as much information about them as you can. Up to date on shots?? Fixed? Etc.

What I need to know is how friendly are they? Are they feral (wild)? Will they allow you to touch them? If you can get a picture of them, that would be great too. This way anyone who is interested can see them. Also, once it is posted, they will need either YOUR phone number or email so anyone interested can contact you.

I hope this helps.

[petlover2006]

Thank you for your help and for not bashing me. Its sad someone who really cares post asking how to help an animal and they get sent nasty messages and people have to be negative in their post.
I can understand if I had allowed this cat to roam and get pregnant, then I would understand. But I am a responsible pet owner who Keeps their pets on a leash or in a fence. I also keep them current on shots and etc. After all I adore animals.
I am sending you information by pm, but wanted to say thank you once again.
:)

[moosmom]

Jean,

I'm doing what I can. I sent along your description of the cats to my friend. I'll see what she can do. Thanks for caring for them. ;)

[Killer Kitten]

Sorry, didn't mean to come off as if I were bashing.

Was just answering your query about maturity age in cats. Suggestion about neutering the boys as well was because from your post it sounded as if you weren't planning to neuter the boys. No offence meant.

That and if you end up stuck with them (and at the moment I'm still stuck with 5 cats I can't find homes for - even using Petfinder) they will integrate into your home better if they're fixed.

I think helping them is a great thing to do.

[mrbluekittie]

Petlover2006:

Check out these rescue groups located in the state of Iowa:

http://www.pawsonline.org/

http://www.animal-lifeline.com/

http://www.noahsark.org/

http://hometown.aol.com/careanimalrescue/home.html

I hope you can find one that will help you!

[petlover2006]

Thanks for all the links. We are still trying to find homes for them. Thanks

[lvpets2002]

:) First of all Welcome to Pet Talk & enjoy all the pictures & talks..

Second of all You are a good person to have taken momma cat & babies.. I would love to help but I am in Texas a bit to far away.. Best of Luck..

[catmandu]

Oh My God!!
I Didnt Mean You In My Criticism.
I Meant The Original Owners Of That Poor Pregnant Cat.
They Are The Ones That Are Causing The Explosion Of Unwanted Cats And Kittens.
You Like I Try To Help Theses Poor Cats Where You Can.
Moose,scrappy 2,and Tubby 2 All Got Homes This Way,and There Are Several Cats That Have Been Rehomed Through My Hotel.
I Know That You Are Doing Your Best For Those Poor Cats And I Pray That They Find Thier Furrever Homes.
I Am So Sorry If You Thought I Meant You ,in Any Way Shape Or Form.
I Am Truly Sorry.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/catmandu/cat%20photos%202/Picture1537.jpg
MY NEWEST PORCHIE ,HANK.

[petlover2006]

I wanted to let everyone know we were able to find a home for one of the kittens, so only 2 more kitty’s and momma cat to go.
We found a lady who had 2 other indoor only female cats to take the only girl kitten. She fell in love with her and was very patient with me asking 100 questions and going to meet her and her other cats!
I tried hard not to get attached but I couldn't help it and even though I know the kitten is in a good home I feel very sad and miss her.
She is taking her to the vet Monday morning after she’s settled in a bit for a check up and to get her fixed.
So what do I do to make it easier for the 2 remaining kittens that loved and cuddled the kitten I found a home for? They will be looking for her I am sure, cause they just loved her.
I am taking Momma to get fixed on Tuesday and going to continue to take care of them until I can find homes for them.
Also Catmandu Its ok, I understand what you meant now.
I just want you all to know I am trying and feel obligated to make sure they all find good homes.
Thanks again, Jeannie

[jenluckenbach]

Congratulations!! I would not worry about the other 2 babies, they have each other for company. Good luck with the others. :)

[petlover2006]

I spoke to the lady who took the little girl kitten tonight and she said the kitten has been with her 24 hours and is already using the litter box and cuddling with her 2 older female cats and she acts real happy.
So thats great news. Here's a photo of who we called baby, and by the way shes keeping that for her name.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/emptynestmomma/baby.jpg

[jenluckenbach]

She a beauty!!!