Wow. Cats are so clever. I hadn't realised what I am up against.

[Pinkkahori]

A few months back a stray cat befriended us. At that stage she was happy to live out but on Easter Sunday she got into our utility room and had 4 kittens. They are all doing really well and we have homes for them.
For several reasons I like to keep the cats confined to one area of the house. The cat has access through a window to go in and out but can't get into the kitchen/living area unless we let her in (which we do when we are here and it suits).
A couple of times now when I have been here but can't have her in the main room she has waited patiently to come in and when I ignored her she went back in the window, got one of her kittens and brought it out to the door where I can see her.
She is so clever. She knows I won't let the kitten stay outside for long so if she takes one out I have to let them both in. She really lays on the guilt, sitting there looking smug while the poor little kitten cries to come in.
So cute but so devious

Oh a bucketful of kittens. They are unbelievably cute - how can you bear for them all to go?? I think I'd have to keep at least 4 1! And as soon as they are weaned mum definitely needs neutering - cats protection give vouchers to cover most of the cost if money is an issue.

We are having the mum neutered and keeping her and I am in negotiations with the kids to keep one kitten too.
The others are going to family members so we'll see them all the time.

Can you help make sure every feline gets neutered?

Yippee a happy ending! You'll wonder how you ever lived without a furry overlord in your life.

They sound endlessly entertaining! Lucky you - I bet the DC have loved watching them grow and play. Mum does look tiny, probably not that old herself. You thought she was feral initially didn't you? Has she become more affectionate since moving in with you all? I keep going back to the picture of them in the bucket..... sooo cute!!!

She was definitely used to people when she turned up but didn't seem bothered about living indoors. She doesn't seem like she is used to houses. She prowls around inside and sits or lies out on the floor but never snuggles up on the couch.
She is a great mouse hunter. She sometimes leaves little piles of mouse innards for me at the door.
She is currently outside stalking a magpie who is nearly as big as her.

Best just to capitulate now really. You stand no chance! Between their brains and beauty, cats have us licked.

But I don't mind being licked by a brainy and beautiful cat! Or two. Or three. Or four. Or five...

It's a fine balance with outdoor cats. We have 2 that are happy with being out. They come in about once a year. But we are in the country with a farm 5m from the door, hay to sleep in. We feed in our barn etc. They really don't like being brought in. They tolerate it nothing more. But they are serious hunters.

What a lovely story, you sound like a brilliant cat slave owner op. Congrats

I'd have been a sucker for a cat that cute(my oldest has me well and truly trained in Kitty servitude)
Whilst we have 2kittens I still want the bucket of kittens

That is clever . IME cats are variable. I have one feline genius (honestly, you have to live with her to believe it) and one who isn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but very sweet and beautiful.

Mine are not the brightest either. But they do suprise me when I ask them to do something and they Actually do it!

i love my eldest boy opens doors and "talks" to me.also understands instructions. His departed brother completely different.he was much less neurotic and daft as a brush.never learned anything other than rindins ment food!!