Not long ago we adopted a cat from a friend of a friend of a friend. Apparently she was spayed. Given that half an hour ago ds1 called me to tell me she had just given birth to three kittens in my bed, I tell think we can safely assume she was not.
DH is there and I am on my way home. I have told him to make sure they are warm, away from the other cat and dc, that the mum has food and drink and her litter tray close by, and to keep an eye to make sure the kittens are alive and nursing. I will stop off my way home to get things we need but I don't know what we need. Does the mum need special food and/ or drink? I was planning to get a big pet bed and line it with old towels, (atm they are apparently in a makeshift pile of blankets) is that OK? What temperature should their room be?
Medium term, there is no way anyone can stay home in the day time to keep an eye, how much food will the mum need left with her each day? There will be no one home for about 8 hours each day. Can she have dry food as well as tinned?
Longer term, I assume we have to keep the kittens with the mum for a while until they can be rehome via a reputable rescue place... how long is that? When can she be safely spayed? She has been treated with flea repellent spot on as normal since she came to live with us, will that have hurt the kittens?
I am in absolute shock. Will be at the shopping centre en route to home in about 30 mins so any advice on essentials to buy before then would be hugely appreciated. I have no idea how to look after newborn kittens other than keep them warm and in a private place. Help me please!