Terrified of cats but one's in need of rescue...

[JeddaSkywalker]

I'm terrified of cats. No real reason but I scream and run anytime I see one. It's an instinct. I will literally run for my life if I see one, maybe it's the claws or the teeth. I have nightmares about them too.
There's a cat at the bottom of our garden, has been for two days and looks pregnant. She is HUGE! The kids have been out to look at her and have confirmed her hugeness as has DH when he was here. He's gone on a business trip. He put food and water out for her and I've managed to get my 7yr old and 9yr old to put more out. I think she's close to birth and want to bring her in the house so she doesn't give birth in the cold winter.
Is this the right thing to do or should I leave her there?
I do have knowledge as to how to care for a cat as my best mates both have them.

Looks like she's come to you for help OP. Even if you can't take her in can you find someone who can?

Where are you? Could poss give pointers to local rescue that would help!

If she's friendly (so can be picked up) then it's definitely the right thing to bring her inside. But yes, we need to know where you are.

North West Manc area

Children have stroked her and she's let them. DD has picked her up before and she let them.

I don't know any rescues round there, but I'm sure there are some. In the meantime though, if you can bring her inside and put her in a spare room if you have one, that would be ideal.

Hi
I don't know anything about cats. Maybe the RSPCA could help? If you can't bring her into your own home could a neighbour?

www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/yourlocal/-/articleName/EM_your_local_RSPCA

Could try cats protection? www.cats.org.uk/contact-us They may be able to assist or point you in direction of more local help?

I grabbed her! I picked up a cat! I'm so so so scared of her but she didn't do anything when I grabbed her. I've put her in the living room. What do I do???
Call a vet? I've searched a phone number up for one.

If she gives birth outside the kittens are likely to either die or cold or be eaten by foxes. Although if she has a cold food source so she doesn't have to go looking for it then she can be there with them more to care for them, it's still a big danger though.

We also get mother cats dying of exposure when they try to give birth in the freezing cold.

So yes, she really does need to be inside.

Kitten karers, they maybe able to help - St. Helens and surrounding areas

www.catchat.org/shelter_centre/index.php?route=shelters/shelter&path=362

Well done you. Make sure all doors and windows are closed. If you have a cardboard box put it in a corner somewhere and put her in it.

Do you know any neighbours with cats? Can you borrow a litter tray from somewhere?

Just put down some food (corner shop?) or if you can get cat food then sardines, or chicken for example. And a dish of water.

I don't imagine you will get anyone to come to you this evening but tomorrow you should have more chance.

You don't particularly need a vet at the moment. She just needs food, a safe warm place and eventually a cat rescue to take her in.

Well done op! Great you can get past your fear to help her

Make sure she's warm and cosy and try contacting a local rescue. If you ask around on local selling sites I'm sure you could find one of the smaller charities

Cats Protection have a centre at Bolton/Radcliffe - any use?

Well done Jedda!
Can you give her a dark, quiet corner with access to food and water (not cows milk or cream, tuna, sardines etc would be great).
Some newspaper under everything would probably be good. If you have anything you could fashion a litter tray out of you might have a lot less cleaning up to do.
If you can all resist the temptation to peep at her constantly so she knows she can be safe in that corner, she'll probably come out to see the DCs quite happily.

You do know you're going to have to call her Mary!

Our local vets take on stray cats and re-home them. We got our kittens from them they were a stray cats litter, everyone was successfully re-homed.

You can buy a litter tray for about £2, & get some litter check your local large tescos/Asda etc.

Leave out fresh water for her and I'd line low cardboard box with an old towel for her to sleep in, in a quiet corner of the house.

I predict the OP going from being terrified of cats to being a mad cat lady in no time at all.

Oh well done, that's like me picking up a dog.

Cats don't like sudden movements, if you stay calm & steady she will too.

It's very rare for a cat to attack out of nowhere, so if she does something you aren't sure of just stay still & see what she does. They like to push up against you and wind around your legs but it's affection.

You are very kind to help her at all. Usually they get ignored

She is gorgeous so maybe I will be converted!
Nipped out to our corner shop with kids and grabbed a litter tray and tins of tuna. She is in a box and eating. I've got blankets in her box. She's a beautiful cat but not well groomed and has been quite friendly so far. Put down some water for her too.