Advice sought: new kitten family...

[Karen]

Definitely do check in the kittens, and get them used to human hands, gentle attention for now, but as long as momma is feeding them, and cleaning them, all should be fine. She will be the one to teach them about the litterbox, and it varies anywhere from 4-6 weeks they will start weaning themselves and be ready for kitten food.

[phesina]

Thanks, Randi and Karen. What kind of food should mama kitty get? Should she have kitten food or some other particular type that's best, so it will pass through her system into her milk for the kittens?

I will see what I can do as for any personal attention I can give the kitties. At this point it's just verbal advice.

I do want to be sure the mom gets spayed when it's time, and I am going to research prices for getting that done.

Thanks again,
Pat and kitties

[momcat]

Pat, is there any possibility that you could go over and check on this new family? Hopefully mommycat is doing all the right things for her babies. As for mommycat getting spayed when the time comes, I'll chip in - just let me know how much you need.

[kittycats_delight]

Momma should be eating kitten food and as much as she wants. I gave my Bella (she was a stray at the time) Royal Canin Baby. I also gave this to Misty (pregnant kitty I took in 2 years ago who is now living the good life with my hubby's boss). The one I am feeding now (she won't let me near her and her kittens are already weaned...didn't know she had them at all until they showed up next door about 2 weeks ago), she and babies are getting Forza 10 (it is a vet brand from here given to us by ENPA...they are our SPCA). So, kitten food and the higher the quality the better especially in the first month when they are only feeding from mom.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I don't really have any advice but I just wanted to wish you good luck with everything.

[phesina]

Thank you, Eileen and Michelle and Tracey. I called the Humane Society of Huron Valley (the local one, hshv.org) this morning and learned that they charge $75 to spay a cat ($125 if vaccines - some required by law - are administered also), and it can be done after she has finished nursing the kittens (usually between 2-4 weeks).

I then called Debbie (whose boyfriend has the cat and kittens) and left her a message telling her this and asking how the kitten family are and would she please call me. She hasn't called me back yet. I just called again, got the recording again, left another message about the spaying, said if the money was a problem I'd help and a friend offered to help too (thanks, Eileen! ). I also told her to give the mom kitten food and named a couple of places that have good quality food, and I asked if I could come see the kittens, I'd love to see the little family. I said (again, I also had earlier), once the kittens start walking around to be sure and keep them in one room and keep the door shut, so they don't get lost somewhere else in the house. (I have no idea what this place is like.) I left my phone number in case she'd mislaid it. We'll see if she calls back, and if so, what she says. I'll probably see her on Thursday, but I hope I hear from her sooner than that.

Pat

[Cataholic]

Pat- there must be a better deal in town then the one you just quoted from the humane society. We have two local low cost places, and I think both max out at $45. This person may be way overwhelmed, and to hear these prices- it might push her away.