Cat Blog 8b

Fostering a feral family

Perhaps you’ve decided to foster a feral family you’ve discovered (see https://iamcat.blog/helping-feral-cat-families/) yourself, but you have no idea how to go about it. Hopefully the guidelines below will set your mind at ease!

• Begin by preparing a safe spare room or a large, secure cage for the little feline family beforehand. It is crucial that the mommy cat must not be able to escape from the room or enclosure. If she does, she may try to make her way back to her original home, facing untold dangers along the way. She may also develop painful and sometimes deadly mastitis. So close all windows tightly, except perhaps if they are very high up and the mom won’t be able to reach them. But don’t underestimate a cat’s climbing ability! (If you need to leave any windows open, cover them securely with mesh to prevent the mommy cat from getting out.)
• The next step in fostering a feral family is providing a large box (the size of a small dog kennel) in which the mommy will feel safe. Tape the box closed to form a cube. Then place it on its side and cut a square opening (about 20 cm by 20 cm) in it as an entrance to the box. The opening must not be so small that the mommy may feel claustrophobic, and it must end about 3 cm off the floor. This is to prevent the kittens from crawling out while they are very small.
• Feed the mommy good quality kitten food (which she needs while lactating) and fresh water. When she begins to wean the babies, she will teach them to eat the same food. Also provide a litter box. At first add a layer of real soil from the garden on top, as the mom won’t recognise commercial cat litter.
• Give the family a day or so to settle. Then begin to approach the kittens carefully and slowly. The mommy may hiss at you initially, but will then probably seek refuge in the box.
• Sit next to the kittens and begin to handle them carefully and gently. Speak softly and reassuringly to the mommy and blink at her slowly to show her you are not a threat. Do this for a few minutes only the first time. Repeat the process later the same day. From day two, begin to lengthen your play sessions. Continue until the kittens are completely used to being handled and are climbing onto you of their own accord.
• Don’t change the bedding the entire time the kittens are being suckled. They do best with their own, familiar smell, and the mommy will do all the cleaning that is necessary. Once the kittens begin to eat solids themselves, provide them with a flat litter box. If they make droppings anywhere else, move the droppings to the litter box. They will soon get the message!
• When the kittens have been weaned, at around 7-8 weeks, begin advertising for homes. You could also contact welfare groups and shelters in your area. Ensure that you screen new homes carefully beforehand (see a later Cat Blog for tips), and deliver each kitten to his or her new home yourself. Don’t hesitate to take the kitten back with you if you find that the home is not suitable!
• Arrange for the mom to be sterilised and return her to her own territory, provided there are reliable food sources there.

Cat quote of the week

I have felt cats rubbing their faces against mine and touching my cheek with claws carefully sheathed. These things, to me, are expressions of love.

James Herriot

Cat story 12

Another cat heroine: Pearl Smith, Port Alfred

This week I’m using some wonderful info and pics very kindly shared with me by my highly regarded NCat colleague from the Eastern Cape, Adri Moller. She’s told me much about a remarkable lady she’s come to know, who is making a real difference in the lives of the community cats in the area: Pearl Smith.

Pearl is unemployed and spends all her time caring for community cats by means of feeding and sterilisation.

To quote Adri: ‘Another of our heroines is Pearl Smith, who lives in Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape, where she has dedicated her life to helping feral cats.’

This wonderful video says it all!

As one can imagine, funds are a huge stumbling block. The donor who has been supporting Pearl with food and donations is not able to help any longer due to illness. Pearl is therefore now working on her own with Adri’s assistance and guidance.

It would be absolutely amazing if you could support Pearl by donating towards her TNR efforts in Port Alfred! Contributions can be made directly to:

Kowie Veterinary Clinic cc
FNB cheque account Port Alfred
Acc no 62851053224
Branch code 210717
Reference FeralPearl