Fostering kitten

[OlafLovesAnna]

We are in a country where lots of pets are being dumped as people can no longer afford to look after them. A local cat charity was looking for foster homes and an 8month old girl arrived this afternoon.

The charity caught her on the street and brought her to us with instructions that she be kept in a quiet room with her food and bed for around 5 days but that we go in frequently to just sit with her and let her get used to us.

She's so sweet but she is cuddled up at the back of a cat igloo bed and is very very shy.

We are hoping to get her used to family life so she can go to a forever home.

I’m afraid I can’t advise as I can’t see any kitten pictures.

Just give her time.

We could give much better advice if we could see pictures. Several pictures.

I would love to take pics but she's huddled at the back of the igloo and I don't want to freak her out with a flash.

She has let my DD stroke her back but hasn't eaten or drunk as far as I can see.

She came with no name so we're in negotiations about what to call her. She's a very pretty tabby and Luna is on the table, as is Tulipa and Violeta.

I had a stray kitten that went up the chimney in terror of me and stayed there two days before moving fo behind the microwave one night, she stayed there for most of the next 3months.
Ended up being the cuddliest kitty ever, tho she never let anyone but me pick her up. Just give her time.

You must have been worried that you'd never see her again!

Luna seems fine this morning, she's eaten and is tolerating us sitting with her. Her eyes are a bit gummy so I need to keep an eye on that. I'm pretty sure she's been a pet as she has used the litter box.

Oh, she's quite a big girl. She will be fine - she'll warm up to you once she gets over being nervous.

She's hiding in the cat igloo at the moment. It's ok to leave it in there I presume? It gives her somewhere to hide which makes her feel more secure but is it the best thing to do ultimately?

We adopted a very timid cat in January. He had been with a fosterer for 3-4 months before homing to us and had been feral/semi feral. The first few days were eventful (think fire brigade and hole in my kitchen cupboards) but I borrowed a big dog crate from the rescue and him havi G a secure place with his bed did help. I also bought a feliway diffuser from amazon (cheaper than pets at home etc) to try and help calm him. He's coming on really well now, it is worth the work!

I would leave her be for a bit but you can't let her hide away in the long term. Can she be enticed out to play? We have a feather wand and a wand with ribbon on that he could never resist - no matter how hard he tried he just had to come out and play! Posting another picture because he's lovely!

www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/pettex-sparkle-tube-cat-teaser

www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/pettex-long-felt-cat-teaser

He's gorgeous 💗

The rescue think she's around 8 months and she was with her 2 brothers who they trapped a couple of weeks before they trapped her. She is in her own (bath)room so that it's not too noisy and upsetting for her and they said to go in and sit with her to make friends and get her used to us without worrying she is going to to make a dash for the door and out onto the road.

In a couple of weeks the plan is that she'll go to be spayed and vaccinated but she needs time to settle in a house first.

I'm going to buy some treats and a toy or two tomorrow to see if that tempts her out.

I've just come downstairs to actual kittens!

She must have been pregnant when she came to us and the bit of weight she'd put on was clearly not from all the fancy cat food she's been enjoying.

I think there are two but I can't see well as she's tucked herself into a cupboard with her back to me. I can sort of hear two tiny squeezing voices though.

The charity I fostered them for haven't replied to my message yet but do I do anything special? Should a vet visit?

I'm googling now!

Oh shit! But also Awwwww!!!!
No wonder she was a bit shy. Get her lots of food. I’m not sure what you need to do medically (I foster newborn kittens and mums but only after the vet has already given them a checkup) but I’m sure there will be people along with advice soon, and you should ring your rescue charity.

Thanks - I've called and left a message for them to ring me back urgently.

Can I try and look closely do you know or will it disturb the mother/ make her abandon them?

No, leave her to it. Just check she's not in distress because it can take hours for them all to come out.

Poor things still a kitten herself.

I know - it's so sad isn't it.

I think there are three newborns but the seem to be suckling ok. She hasn't eaten the afterbirth though which surprised me.

You now have 4 cats

🥰
I think they're all tabbies but if I get too close she's death glaring me!

The rescue said to just watch and wait for a couple of days, not to disturb them but make sure the kittens are feeding well.

I've put her food and water in her little den but left her litter tray where it is currently in another room as I'm worried that if I move it she'll be confused.

Well their very protective of them. She’s so young to have given birth already.

4 kittens plus mum - I must have overlooked one.

Oh my goodness!!❤️❤️❤️

Poor little kitty. Bless her. At least she had a safe and warm place to have her babies.

Oh my goodness what a surprise

You have accidentally gone from 1 to 5 cats!

I'd just leave them alone for the moment tbh - just make sure mum has lots of food and water available.