Feral Porch kitties update & Question

[catcrazylady]

I wanted to post some pictures of the little cuties and I have a question that should probably be posted in health but while I'm here...
I noticed last week that the little gray kitten had a very large lump on her side. I planned on getting a trap and getting her to the shelter but the next day the lump was gone and she had a bunch of dried up goo on that spot. I figured she had an abcess that had busted. Well in the last week that poor thing has had two more places show up on her. I don't know it until they bust and I can see where they were. You know that has to be incredibly painful! Why would such a little one get so many abcess'? I never see much rough play and she/he doesn't hang out as close to the other two. She/he is more independent. I say she all the time because she just looks like a girl!
I'm confused as to what would make her get so many of those nasty things. She eats well, plays and seems fairly normal. She is smaller than the other two but not by much. I'm hoping some of you have either dealt with something like this or why she keeps getting them. I know she needs meds but I want to know what might be wrong with her.

Here she is



You can barely see here right above her leg on her side is where the most recent one has been. It leaves a bald spot with a small scab in the center.


Here are the other two orange cuties
This one I can't even begin to get close too. This picture is zoomed.


I know this is hard to see but I swear this kitten has got the biggest widest head! I bet he turns into a big orange lovebug someday!


Any ideas on the abcess situation would be welcome. I'm afraid to try and catch her and bring her in because I don't know whats wrong with her.

[QueenScoopalot]

CCL...well you know there's a daddy cat around somewhere, and maybe a few at that! Perhaps one of the tom cats is trying to 'dispatch' the kittens so he can sire a new litter. Some toms can be incredibly aggressive toward kittens! I'd get a trap and get them all...especially after reading all the good news about Mowgli! They little grey lady probably could use antibiotics too. Adorable litter, and if you need any tips on trapping, or have a great deal of patience, you could get the most outgoing two using a rope to control the door. The fraidy cat looks like a tough one! Good luck...and don't wait till they get older...

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Sorry, I've got no idea about the abcesses, but she sure is a cutie - and she does look like a she! They are all adorable and I just want to wish you good luck with them.

Like QSA says though, it might be best to trap them all ASAP. They are easier to tame when they're younger and the younger ones find homes easier. And if what she says about the adult males is true...well...that's really scarey for that little cutie pie gray girl.

[sirrahbed]

That little grey girl sure is sweet looking! I agree that she *looks* very girlie-girl anyway. Hope you are able to trap everyone Lisa!

[catcrazylady]

I'm fighting it so hard because I don't want to take them to the shelter and see them caged. Until they are good and tame they will stay there! I have seen some ferals grow up and are still there. I don't want that for these babies. I have just about convinced a woman at work to take the two orangies. She has a very nice farm and she also has ten cats. She lets them in her basement and gives them the option to be barn kitties if they want. I would rather see that than the shelter where I know they will get sick. I may have to break out Magoo's cage again and see what I can do for this little one.
I CAN'T TAKE ANOTHER CAT! I really can't folks! I'm at my limit and then some. Anybody want a really cute little gray kitty??

[sirrahbed]

oh! I was thinking like a TNR thing - but that isn't an option is it? Would they do the neuter for free there?? That would be asking too much wouldn't it How much would they charge to neuter - do you know? That sure seems a much better alternative to life in a cage.

[Laura's Babies]

That cutie pie looks exactly like one we have at the shelter that I call Silver and I agree, trap them, get them treated and tamed..Then take them to that lady out in the country.. I am like you, I would rather see them live like that, than in a shelter, in a cage... They were NOT created to live in cages!

[catcrazylady]

Originally posted by sirrahbed
oh! I was thinking like a TNR thing - but that isn't an option is it? Would they do the neuter for free there?? That would be asking too much wouldn't it How much would they charge to neuter - do you know? That sure seems a much better alternative to life in a cage.

I am hoping that I can get the lady with the farm to take them. I have an idea that maybe...just maybe I can convince my mom to take the little gray one now that her stupid idiotic husband is about to become an ex!! I haven't talked to anyone at the shelter about it yet. I could get it for free if I asked but I would pay for it. Maybe a little at a time since there will be three kittens and a momma. I intend to TNR the mother but the kittens will end up dead soon when they start really roaming. I need to find them a home!
I'm sure the shelter would let me pay a little at a time so that wouldn't be so bad. I feel very sorry for the momma and I know it will kill me to see her outside this winter but she is wild that she will never get adopted.
They won't fix the kittens at the shelter until they are 2 pounds and I think we have reached that point. Maybe if I fix them people will be more apt to take them so they won't have that expense. At least that is what I'm going to try!
I know I have two more males that I need to trap and get fixed. They will also have to be TNR because they are buck wild! There is one more young cat that is sneaking up here to get food and I don't know if she belongs to someone but if I get her I will fix her too! I have got to stop this kitten madness!!!

[kimlovescats]

Good job, Lisa ... you are doing all you can, and that is all that anyone can expect. Just do what you can, when you can!

(((HUGS)))

Kim

[catnapper]

Gosh is she pretty! I feel just awful when I think of the pain those abcesses must cause her! I don't know anything to add in the way of advice... just that I wish you good luck with them!

[leslie flenner]

the shelter doesn't do socialization! Or have foster homes that do socialization? The fastest and most effeciant (kindest) way to socialize a feral kitten is with a cage- cats are den animals by nature- they are quite comfortable and feel safe in a covered cage with slow human introductions? There is no one around that can do that?

[catcrazylady]

Yea Leslie, it will probably be me! The shelter attempts to socialize when they have time and foster care just depends on if someone has an opening or not. With it being kitten season chances are not good to get them into foster care. I guess I'm the only one left huh?
I won't stand by and do nothing. I just wish I could find them a home.

[rg_girlca]

OMG that little gray girl is soooooooo adorable and so are the orangies.
I wish you all the best of luck in whatever you do for these precious babies and for the mama.

[NoahsMommy]

Lisa,

I wonder if little grey kitty is being bit by something and then licking it until the fur is gone and the bump bursts? If you can, I would trap her and get her to a vet just to make sure there isn't any infection. Gosh, she sure is a cute little thing.

Oh how I wish I lived closer to you. I would LOVE to come help you socialize those little ones. If it were me, I think I'd socialize them myself. You know them, they know you.

Thanks so much for the super cute pictures! Those orangies are way cute too!! (of course!)

[catcrazylady]

I'm gonna go to work on her soon. Probably this weekend before something bad happens to her. I don't know what I'm gonna do with her but I will do something!