I feel terribly sad for all the cats involved. I get "rid of" trash...not living breathing animals. Poor tom cat will be a statistic soon. :(
Printable View
I feel terribly sad for all the cats involved. I get "rid of" trash...not living breathing animals. Poor tom cat will be a statistic soon. :(
That sounds judgemental in itself. If she wanted people to pat her on the back and say "Gee, I'm so sorry you are in this mess honey.." its isn't going to happen here. Truth is she MADE this mess for herself by not spaying her cat. There are way too many people who put their heart and souls into rescuing animals just like her cat because their owners don't provide proper veterinary care or they do not work with their pets when problems arise.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lisamb
You want comisseration, find a message board where people are ignorant of cat behavior and care. Perhaps a site on rock collecting... but there you might find someone who knows abot cats and would tell you the truth.
Some people... I was thinking that about HER because SHE isn't listening to us. SHE is giving excuse after excuse. Youth is NOT an excuse. Yes, when I was young, I had limited resources but I still took care of my responsibilities. I have a new foster as of last night because my DAUGHTER brought him home. She couldn't bear the thought of him out in the snow.... and she made sure I took him in. I'll say it again: is NOT an excuse, merely a hurtle to overcome.
I am sorry you feel like you'd be attacked for something. Not everyone comes here knowledgable in all things feline. I know I didn't. But I aslso had enough common sense NOT to get my cats pregnant.
At the clear risk of getting my head bitten off....
I think the point has been made that this person has made mistakes in judgement, but she DID come seeking advice and education. Perhaps THAT could be the focus?
She has limited funds and kittens on the way and it is not clear how involved or aware of sensitive pet care her parents are. Maybe helping her LEARN would be good?
If it is a matter of proving I'm on the lines helping cats, well I live with ten cats...all with hard luck stories attached. Both of my dogs are rescues. Only the birds and the bunny were purchased as "premium" pets...and even two of the birds had health issues that were part of the reason the came to me.
I too have kittens that came from nightmares of neglect...Jack who was left behind in an apartment with two other cats and four pit bulls when his owners moved, was rescued by one of my students (who thought he was a she) and turned over to me when the landlord found out about him. Belladonna who was taken too young from her mother by a student and then given to me because she was not able to eat or eliminate. Her siblings were taken by the student's aunt and all died...Bella is going on three now. I often too go without so my animals have what they need. I spent hundreds of dollars to save the life of a stray I saw run over. I can not count the sick ones and the dying I have comforted and tried to bring to any easier life.
These are choices as adults we are free to make.
As a child I used to steal food from the pantry for our animals and vetted them as best I could with the help of my mom and gram. We did not go to thje doctor either but took care of what we could ourselves. Vets and doctors were for accidents. That was the reality for us. It would be wonderful if everyone has the wisdom and funds to make every cat life perfect...It would be wonderful if that were possible for humans too.
With education and guidance maybe someday it might be. It is hard not to blame when you are on the front lines with the victims, but please consider if blaming is going to do anything here except shut the door on learning how to become a responsible pet mom. Is continuing blaming going to accomplish anything except venting frustration at a problem that is way bigger that this young person? I'm not suggesting patting her back for mistakes, but how about helping her learn not to make those mistakes? Isn't that what adults are supposed to do? Or is our compassion for mistakes only for cats?
Thank you.......well said.
Lisamb since you posted your comments after my post I think you probably were referring to some of my comments, fair enough that is your right, however I wish to point out to you that usually I am the one to stand up for people and say not to be too hard on them etc etc, but you know what the shoe has been on the other foot in this instance, I am personally experiencing the end result of people not spaying their animals, and believe me it has caused nothing but a big headache and much not needed stress in my life, I have decided to be the responsible person in my neighbourhood because the owner won't and neither will anyone else, because I am an animal lover and cannot stand by and just witness terrible things happening, all of which is due to irresponsible people who refuse to spay their animals, the problems caused are far more than you think or even realise, I find it impossible to be sympathetic in this situation where normally I would, but hey I am now in amongst it all myself and truely understanding what Kim and other foster and rescuers really go through , and believe me if anyone has the right to speak up they do.
Having said that I do agree we can try and educate her, but being all sweet and nice as pie does not teach her or her parents anything, as kim would put it sugar coating it, I certainly will not defend anyone who choose to be an irresponsible pet owner regardless of their age, Kim is right youth is not an excuse, My own child is 13 and she is true animal lover who would take her responsibilities seriously.
Yes she said she gave the cat away, or should i word it as she did, she got rid of it, it was up to her to ensure the kitty was given to a good home and throughly investigate the prospective home IMO.
I certainly have no apologies to make to anyone . Just one more thing I do hold her parents responsible, but she can also do her bit, maybe educating her own parents, worth a try. Barncat you raised some good points and I am not entirley disagreeable with you at all, and yes what is done is done I suppose, but still it is not easy just to let comments like we got rid of him slide by, not for me anyhow.
...Man some people ?? What does that mean ?? Those who have been trying to offer advice on this thread have been doing just that, even if it should come across as judgmental. It's not always intended to sound judgmental, and sometimes that's the only way to get a point across and into someone's head that all of this is irresponsible behavior of the cat owner. You only have 29 posts so I see that you are relatively new to this site. Many of us on here are dedicated to rescue and fostering and "man some people" comments like yours just aren't going to last long here. I was sick to my stomach when I heard that this person "got rid of the boy cat" because as it was said, that male cat was just handed his death sentence.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lisamb
You know if I asked a question and got ripped a new one I wouldn't listen nor would I take any advice(especially if I was young)...all I was saying was there are alot nicer ways to try to educate some one on what you all believe is right.(And my heart goes out to you all that take in rescues and take care of them until they can find a new home, that would be like giving a child away,I for one couldn't do it and I thank you all who do.) ;) I may only have 29 posts but I used to come here everyday sometimes several times a day(stay at home mommy of 2month old and 8 yr old boys) and I myself am an animal lover and I know you all are too. I wasn't pinpointing anyone particular just they way most were reacting, just take peoples feelings into consideration when you are upset and want to "help" them. Do like I do when my 8 yr old is being an 8 yr old, count to 20 (sometimes more :eek: ) and then answer. :)
Lisamb I have been here almost three years now, and most people know me fairly well, I am usually the type of person who gives people the benefit of the doubt and trys to be positive, however in this case I found it impossible to do that, because for once I am actually dealing with a problem in my life created by a person's irresponsibility, and guess what i DONT like it very much, sometimes you have to experience these things for yourself to really understand the full situation and now I believe i am, I fully understand peoples emotions riding high on this one, there are some people you just cannot educate, you just have to take the situation on yourself and right it, as I am trying to do with what I am faced with here.
Being all sweet and nice as pie does not always achieve anything, sometimes people need to hear it for what it is, I hear what you are saying, but until you have walked in some one elses shoes you really have not got a clue, and I say that referring to myself.,because before I had never been placed in a position as i am now, and never realised just how hard it all is and how emtionally draining it can all be, so anyone who does do rescuing or fostering, IMO have every right to feel annoyed at this thread, and say so, there has also been plenty of education offered to this poster to, and just for the record i do stop and think before i post.
:( well i'm considered a bad mom from yall :(
...and how exactly do you all elect a child take care of spaying a cat? the truth of the matter is that being in charge of what funds go where, her parents should've taken care of it. yes, she could rake leaves and give an adoption fee for each kitten to cover mom's spay, but what does that do if no one will take her to the vet's ofice? nothing. at. all.
We are not all born with a knowledge of care for every creature on the planet and a cloud mansion next to a vet's office. While I am not saying that all decisions made in this case were good, the "flame&blame" aproach does nothing to help reverse the situation. As frustrating as it is to most here, it's over. Done with. We can't un-impregnate the cat, and we can't pre-neuter the tom.
The cat is knocked up, the male is gone, the family can't afford one cat, let alone 3-9, and the parents don't care enough/are too broke to spay it. The best we can do now is offer info and hope everything goes well. It seems that in your situation, if something goes wrong during birth, you'd just end up losing your cat AND the kittens.
www.kitten-rescue.com has info on what to do in case the mom dies, as well as general kitten-care tips.
http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html has a list of low-cost and free spay/neuter clinics throughout the US.
http://www.messybeast.com/handrear.htm more info on handrearing kittens
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/howto15.html info on feline pregnancy and what to do when birth time comes
I hope she does fine and you can convince your parents to get her & the kittens spayed and neutered. Helping save up for it yourself and explaining the pros & cons of spay/neuter may help convince them to do it.
Just for the record I have always stated her parents are the ones responsible here, however she is the poster, not them, so we can only tell her what should be done and hope she can have some influence on her parents somehow, I do understand she is only young and does not control the finances, and can only do so much,but she can still play an important part, even if she is the one to educate her own parents, does happen sometimes.
Again, the advice you are getting on emergency care of kittens is great... but do not panic about all the things that could go wrong. Most cats have healthy kittens without much trouble.
Be aware and prepared, but in most cases, the female does just fine. Good food (whether special food or just as much of her regular food as she wants to eat), a safe warm place to keep her kittens and plenty of fresh water and she will most likely do fine. Putting old clean towels in her nest box is a good way of giving her a soft warm bed that is easy to wash, but if that's not an option newspaper is a good insulater (warm) and can be thrown away when dirty.
Some cats become very protective of their babies, so if she gets hissy don't take it personally or worry. Some cats love to have their person admire their kittens. Watch your cat to see what makes her comfortable. (One of my females back inthe day used to come in the house for treats and cuddles between giving birth to kittens... that was very unusual. Moms don't usually eat while they are in labor, but Sootie was hand raised from two days old (her mom was killed by a car) and she was a very devoted mommy cat.)
The Found Cats,Porchies Angels and I are praying that the Kittens are born healthy.
As one who for the first time had Kittens in the house,due to Starry Pouncette,I pray that the Momma Cat and Babies will be All Right,and That The Momma Cat wont have to go through this again.
Amen to that, Gary!
Sweetie we as rescuers see cats and kittens put to sleep by the day by the thousands, and most cats never have a full life, because they dont spay and neuter, and therefore we as rescuers try to help as many as we can get out of the shelters and into good homes, but meanwhile in the back of the shelter they are dying by the zillions, and our hearts are sick at the thought that all one has to do is go to the vet and alter their animals. I would hope and pray that you spay and neuter mom and dad, dad immediatly! And mom when she is done, and then I would also hope you would spay and neuter each of her kittens prior to them leaving for their new homes, this is the education we are out to teach and this is how you can help to help them, the mistake has been made and now its time to make it right. If you need help or have questions please feel free to ask, but know how we feel seeing what we see and now is happening in the real world, it breaks our hearts and make us angry. Please understand, and help stop this trend,,,,,,,you dont want your baby kittens or the mom and dad in the shelter put to sleep, so this spay and neuter thing is a must, maybe we can help you find someone near you to help there are lots of organizations out the than can, where are you?Quote:
Originally Posted by babychicaleek
carrie
I feel awful for that "bad male cat" and the mom, and the poor kittens that will be born.
Here's an idea. Go on the internet and SEARCH for information. Considering you have many little lives on your irresponsible hands I'd recommend you get as much information as possible asap.
When these cats are born SPAY the mother and make sure you find good homes for the kittens. Do not give them away for free, and don’t drop them off somewhere to be killed. Interview each and every family and make sure you get them all perfect homes.
Ratchet22 you put everything so well, I commend you for your tolerance, I guess I would have liked to say exactly what you said and how you said it, but at the time I was feeling overwhelmed myself by a situation caused by irresponsible people with pets.
Please take the advice offered, and try to assure the kittens go to good homes and take time to do that, not just so that they are gone, make sure whoever takes them agrees to spay or neuter each and everyone of them, even get them to sign something and check up on them later, this even you can do at your young age, then get mama spayed as soon as you can, don't want another litter on your hands,at least if you do this you are taking responsiblity for actions you did not take (e.g getting mama spayed in the first place)and that is a real step in the right direction, I know you are only young and can only do so much especially as you do not control the purse strings, but just talking with your parents about it and telling them what you think should be done, might just work and it will indeed make you feel better about the whole situation. GOOD LUCK.
I don't think you are being irresponsible, it's parents. I am in the exact situation you are.... my kitten is pregnant because my dad woulden't spay her. I know how bad you would feel and that you have come for help. Again, good luck with the delivery.
It saddens me to see so many parents who are not being responsible and not teaching their young folk to be, but at least you both know what is the right thing to be done in both situations, do any of you earn pocket money or have little jobs, maybe you can save up to have the cats spayed, some places do them very cheap, worth a thought, and I am sorry if I have appeared harsh with some things I have said, they should have been directed at the real problem THE PARENTS, which I have always said all along should be the ones responsible here, but unfortunately it is not them who is online, I wish it were. :(
yep. I don't have a job, I am not old enough. and i can't baby sit because of hockey and school. I am pretty sure my dad will spay her after her kittens are weaned. How bout you babychicaleek?
Well I sure hope so, pity he had not thought about it before they were brought into this world, but what is done is done,some people have this belief a cat becomes better natured after having kittens, not a good reason to let your cat become pregnant IMO. :( .
well my dad really didn't want kittens at all. he just never listens to me :rolleyes:
well my cat gemini gave me the idea that she might have her kittens in the
bath tub (is that safe?)
also
i already have someone that is interested in having a baby kitty
Well that is a start, at least one baby maybe has a good home, have you checked out these people, do you think they will be good pet owners and will agree to de-sex the baby when it it time? :)
I think the tub probably makes her feel secure, just make sure she has a lot of blankets to keep warm. Hopefully its not a tub you need to use.
I'm giving up my room for Gemini and her kittens too :)
she deserves it its a way of saying sorry for being a bad mommy :(
tonight i'm going to prepare for her and kinda let her know its a good idea to have her kittens in my room my room is really safe i don't have that much stuff just a bed a few shelfs and a mirror which should be removed
i wanna know if thats a good idea your the cat experts :confused:
That's a great idea!! She'll be less stressed when her babies are born. If you have a radio, play classical music when you're gone. She'll be fine. The more relaxed she is, the better her chances are.
She'll start to get restless, not eat much, mess her bed up (messing up the covers trying to get comfortable). When it's really close, she'll start panting and pushing. Just let her be. If she's on the bed, move her to a box on the floor. This way none of the babies can fall off the bed and get hurt. Talk softly to her and praise her on what a good girl she is. It lets her know that you're there for her. She'll clean each kitten up as they're born. It's normal for her to eat the umbilical chord and placenta of each kitten (sorry, I know it's gross). They should start nursing. It'll take up to 10 hours from start to finish.
Good luck kiddo. It's been a harsh reality. I do hope your Dad wises up. There's alot of good advice here that he should definitely listen to!! ;)
You are a good girl for wanting to help Gemini through this, Donna has given you great advice, hope all goes well and post some pics of mama and babies when you can. :)
P.S Don't be too hard on yourself and consider yourself a bad mommy, just a mis-informed one, you are trying to make amends and have Gemini's well-being as your top priority , that in itselfs shows you have learn't alot here and are growing towards becoming a very responsible pet owner and that is all good.
Thank you for all of your help :D
Do you mind saying which state your are in? My kitty passed away earlier this year and I wouldn't turn down a kitten in need, I am not actively looking for a kitty right now because I am trying to get my new puppy a little more grown but I probably wouldn't turn down one in need.
I live in Michigan :p
Oh...never mind..I am in California...I am sure you can find home for the babies, they are easier to adopt out that grown up cats, and actually that is why I will probably eventually get a grown up cat. My neighbor just adopted a mature kitty, its a dilute calico and she is so sweet.
That's Great :D
I'm also wondering what name would go perfect with
Gemini
I only can keep 1 kitten when they are ready to leave their mother :(
I was thinking Melodi would be kewl but I wanna hear from you :eek:
Melodi would be an awesome name, It is one I have picked out for any future kitties, I have a rather long list lol, mine is Melody spelt differently and Harmony. You are fortunate to beable to keep one, but remember NEUTER AND SPAY both mama and bubs when the time is right, keep that uppermost in your mind. :)
Is Gemini looking around in a lot of different places lately? :confused: She may enjoy having a box in a closet where it's a bit dark, but with enough room for her to move around and clean off each kitten as they arrive into the world. And as Moosmom said they do (hopefully) chew the umbilical cords, and eat the placentas, but not always. Doing this is natural to a cat (and other mammals) and helps her to produce milk. ;) If she doesn't do so, you should be prepared to cut the cords off yourself. I have needed to do this with new mamas, and all I did was tie off the cord about two inches from the kitten's belly, and then cut the rest off with scissors. Cats teeth use a scissor like motion which shreds the cord on the ends so it doesn't bleed, but humans can't replicate that one! :eek: It will dry up naturally in several days and fall off. Be sure you are feeding Gemini a lot of wet food, and kitten chow also, as it provides her with calcium which will not only help what came out of her own body to make the babies, but also helps her milk supply. ;) I hope you take everyone's suggestions and get all the babies spayed and neutered along with mama before they leave. I rescue way too many kittens, and statistics say that out of a litter of four kittens, only one will have a forever home. Some will be dumped on the street, and some will end up in shelters that are already full. Michigan is one of those states where there's far too many adoptable pets already suffering, and it's the lucky ones who either find forever homes, or are euthanised humanely. Far too many end up on the streets, and it would be a shame for any of your babies to be to end up like that. :( ;)
The one thing is that the kittens will be weaned in late winter. There are very few kittens available then for adoption, so should go quick.
But please get Mama spayed after.
You know the boy cat that got Gemini pregnant I named him Melodi before I found out he was a boy and I always thought those two names flowed :)
Gemini & Melodi
She's been sleeping all day
aww baby Gemini ;)
http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/5...pclose39tj.jpg
This is Gemini's 1st picture
December 2005 (7th months old)
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/4...melodi11zo.jpg
Gemini (white and grey) and Melodi (black)
August 2005