Rescue kittens arrive tomorrow! Help!!!

[SmellTheGlove]

Our new kitties are coming home tomorrow! They were abandoned starved in a box and covered in spray paint . They have been in foster until now. I'm stressing about doing everything right, for the new babies but also for our 15 year old cat. I have been reading up on here and have my feliway plugged in, the spare room set up for the new arrivals, cloths for scent swapping. Beds, toys, litter tray, same food they have been on until now. They are fully vaccinated but not yet spayed. How soon should I get that done? They won't be going out before that obviously, but I don't want to stress them too soon with an op? They are around 17 weeks, not sure if siblings but close in age and very bonded. Please pass on any words of wisdom and advice!!!

[Rockbird]

Patience and lots of it! We adopted a bonded pair of stray kittens who had a rotten start in life and had been very ill. They were scared of their own shadows but now, two months down the line they are starting to settle and boycat comes over to me to let me rub his tummy.

For most of the past 9 weeks I've wondered if they'll ever trust us but it is slowly happening.

[Rockbird]

What sex are they btw? You'd need to get one neutered ASAP if they're mixed.

[SmellTheGlove]

Both females! And resident cat also female (neutered). It's the logistics I'm most worried about. We've met the kittens, they are very confident (in their familiar environment anyway). I think they will be frustrated being in one room. And then when they are out of the room but not outdoors yet what do I do about the catflap as big cat used to coming and going?? I'm excited but worried!

[ImNotKitten]

They might be a bit curious and excited to explore the house but it’s best to prioritise your existing cat as it’s her territory being invaded. They won’t come to any harm being kept in one room to begin with, infact it’s often a good idea while they settle.

The cat flap definitely needs blocking off to stop the kittens escaping. I wouldn’t rely on keeping the door to that room shut as it’s too easy for it to slip someone’s mind.

Some vets will spay as young as 4 months. Others prefer to wait until 6 months.

Good luck! Very exciting waiting for new kittens!

[Beaverhausen]

Hi OP you see well set up, kittens can be neutered from 16 weeks, so might be an idea to get them booked in, also while they are under get them microchipped.

Lots of patience, I would not let them out until they are atleast a year old, that is when they tend to be a lot more mature. As for introducing with older kitty, just take your time and let her decide how she wants to do it.

No doubt kittens have had quite a lot of trauma in such an early part of their lives, so lots of love and let them know you wont let them down.

Good luck and god bless. xx

PS KittenHQ or GranpawMason pages on Facebook might help as they deal with a lot of feral, stray and neglected kittens.

[SmellTheGlove]

Thank you for all the advice -I just want them to be here now! Just been to Pets at Home and bought lots of toys, which the older cat is currently enjoying! I really want to make sure she doesn't get upset by the kittens, hopefully with 2 they will annoy each other and not her! She's a bit of a cowbag but we love her!

[SmellTheGlove]

Well they are here, and completely at home already it seems! We found out when we picked them up that one of them has just gone into season - which was suprising as the vet who saw them had put her at about 15 weeks. She is very small but then was half starved so may be a bit older. So I can't have her spayed for a couple of weeks. Other than that they are fab! Wanting cuddles, playing. Resident cat doesn't seem to have twigged that they are in the spare room, although she is standing by the closed door a lot, but that may be because she just likes that room! The older kitten seems desperate to explore..

[EachandEveryone]

Well we cant advise anymore until we see them.

[mathanxiety]

They can be spayed once they weigh 2.5 lbs. At 17 weeks I would imagine they have passed that point, though early starvation might have a lingering effect. Poor kitties.

[SmellTheGlove]

Maisie

[SmellTheGlove]

Muffin

[Snowwontbelong]

Absolutely beautiful!!
Congratulations on being a dcat slave.
Accept your fate!!

[SmellTheGlove]

Sleepy babies

[SmellTheGlove]

Thank you! They are just so lovely! Trying to remember to make a big fuss off the old lady too, although she's never really been one for a fuss...they are very curious about her, everyone is sniffing under the closed door...

[Vinorosso74]

Oh they are adorable! I like Muffin's ear floofs.

[Beaverhausen]

Oh my gosh they are gorgeous and brown tabbies, you hardly see brown tabbies.

tooo cute!

[TombIhadaGraveChange]

How cute!

Can we see your old girl too?

[Bagpuss2304]

I’ve got a 7 month old who is allowed outside and learnt to use the cat flap from an older cat I had. He was never shown what to do. I’ve now got a 15 week old kitten who isn’t allowed outside as she’s not been ‘done’ and guess where I found her yesterday? Outside, she’s learnt how to use the cat flap on her own so now need to quickly get her sorted.

[SmellTheGlove]

I'm fully expecting the little one to learn every trick there is bagpuss! That girl is smart. There were introductions through a slightly open door today, hissing from the old lady and curiosity from the little ones. We are going to try opening the door this evening. Wish us luck! Pic of older lady to follow. She is very gorgeous too, even if the most miserable creature known to man!

[SmellTheGlove]

Furry (named by the then 3 year old DS - bad move)

[MintyCedric]

I think Furry is thinking 'wtf kind of Christmas present is this?!'

Babies are gorgeous...we have quite similar sisters...Edie and Piper. Don't let the little one fool you - our tiny cat (Edie) is a furry menace!

[sweetkitty]

My two rescue kittens now aged 7 months, both spayed and neutered at 5 months all fine now and crazy/brilliant

[SmellTheGlove]

Ooh minty they are quite similar! Sweet so snuggly! I hadn't realised how attached to each other kittens can be! Ours are so sweet, washing each other and cuddling up. I think their tough start may have made them even closer..

[MintyCedric]

It is really lovely having two. I had a cat growing up and I'm so glad we've got two now - they are absolutely devoted to each other even though they are very different characters, which is really sweet.

[TimeIhadaNameChange]

She looks likes a sweetie! Though I can see her taking no nonsense from the babies!