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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

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

129 replies

JeddaSkywalker · 02/12/2016 19:37

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.

OP posts:
ClarissaDarling · 02/12/2016 20:12

Jedda you are the best!!

Original poster
JeddaSkywalker · 02/12/2016 20:14

Ahh thank you guys.

OP posts:
BBQsAreSooooOverrated · 02/12/2016 20:15

Well done! That's great that you're helping her even though you're scared of cats. She's clearly chosen youSmile

Original poster
JeddaSkywalker · 02/12/2016 20:16

Rang up a local cat centre and picked a litter tray up from a neighbour. Neighbour is very knowledgeable about cats and is sure that this one has not been seen in our area before. She's had a look at her and has said that she looks like she's in labour.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 02/12/2016 20:17

Poor little cat. They don't groom when their on the skids.

Snowflake65 · 02/12/2016 20:17

Jedda Flowers Wine you have saved that cat and her kittens lives

M0stlyHet · 02/12/2016 20:18

Aw, wow, you are my new mumsnet hero Jedda.

(I wasn't a cat person till my local stray moved herself in - but I was starting from a baseline of indifference rather than fear. I'm just so blown away by the thought of you overcoming your fear because you knew she needed help. )

MollyHuaCha · 02/12/2016 20:20

You are a lovely person to do this. Smile

FannyFifer · 02/12/2016 20:22

Well done OP, you're a total star.

anonymice · 02/12/2016 20:22

I agree. You are great !

Sleepybeanbump · 02/12/2016 20:26

You're very brave and very lovely!!

You know that once a cat has chosen you that's it, don't you? You'll have to keep her!! Grin

Will be checking for kitten updates!

Original poster
JeddaSkywalker · 02/12/2016 20:26

Should I stay up over night with her? I'm putting the kids to bed and neighbour is still here. I'm desperately hoping she will stay but I'll just have to man up if she doesn't. She's just mentioned that she helped birth her last cats litter.

OP posts:
wishparry · 02/12/2016 20:28

Good for you OP.
get a cardboard box and line it with old newspapers.put it in a quiet place and make sure she has something to eat and drink.
try to give her a bit of space when she has the kittens (some mother's could get defensive,or abandon kittens)
good luck.I'm sure you will grow to love cats by the time you regime her.Smile

wishparry · 02/12/2016 20:29

*re-home

ChaChaChaCh4nges · 02/12/2016 20:32

I'm ridiculously proud of you!

thecatneuterer · 02/12/2016 20:32

No you don't have to stay up. You can just leave her to get on with it. Obviously check on her first thing in the morning but I'm sure she'll be fine.

crrrzy · 02/12/2016 20:32

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ for privacy reasons.

bumblebeetuna · 02/12/2016 20:33

awww this is lovely, well done you, its so cold!

AuntMatilda · 02/12/2016 20:36

Lovely, heartwarming thread! Keep us updated!

Keep her safe and warm and keep a close eye on her. Well done!

AddToBasket · 02/12/2016 20:41

OP, you total Star.

I'm so excited for you. Kittens are very cute. We'll keep you company.

shggg245 · 02/12/2016 20:47

Jedda you're a total 🌟. I'd stay up just because I've never seen new born kittens but I'd keep my distance. It's a beautiful thing you're doing. Flowers

ragingsister · 02/12/2016 20:49

If you can make yourself a bed in the same room as her that might be helpful.
I think you've found your new pet Grin

shggg245 · 02/12/2016 20:49

I'll also wager a bet that you'll lose any fear when you see little kittens. Keep us posted.

SecretNutellaFix · 02/12/2016 20:57

Sometimes it takes a creature in need to stop being scared of them- as a human you can help them, and I like to think it is human nature to want to help in times of need, no matter if it's human or animal.

Twolittlejobbys · 02/12/2016 20:57

Well done you op what a lovely thing to do! Hope the night is not too long for you? I'm not sure I could sleep knowing a cat may be giving birth downstairs!