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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.

Original poster

I appear to have cats

329 replies

ZestyDragon · 20/09/2022 21:32

Hi all, I am posting here for some advice please. I moved into a small country cottage three weeks ago and it appears that the previous owner left their cat behind 😮 One of the neighbours told me a few days later that they had left him behind. He had mostly been living outside but is slowly moving in - actually maybe not that slowly seeing as he is asleep on the sofa beside me right now.

So....do I just try and get him to a vet for a check up? I am assuming that he has been neutered but actually I don't know. Also will he need vaccinations etc?

Secondly - there are a LOT of cats around - the neighbour down the road is a farm and have 14....so when a mummy cat and baby were hanging around I assumed that they were from the farm. Turns out that they do not and now they seem to live in my shed.

So I have gone from no pets to one house cat and two ferals that basically appear to have moved in. I'm feeding them all but I am worried about the mummy and baby - the mum let me stroke her once and her belly seems kind of large. Could she be pregnant again?

I have wormed and flea-dropped the indoor boy (Apparently his name is Kevin) - should I do the same for the others?

First pic is the baby - he likes to hiss for attention at dinner time.

Second is Kevin - who is in the bad books for stealing a piece of chicken.

Third is mummy - I am worried about her potentially being or getting pregnant again.

BTW I am in NI.

I appear to have cats
I appear to have cats
I appear to have cats
OP posts:
Thread gallery
48
Namechangedincaseshesonhere · 20/09/2022 21:35

Sorry no advice, but they are gorgeous!!! ❤️

Carproblem · 20/09/2022 21:41

Aw congratulations on your move and all your lovely cats... What a surprise that must have been.

It's sad the previous owners left the cat behind. Yes cats need regular vaccinations every three years or so, and flea and worm treatment.

Can you contact the previous owners to ask if he's been neutered? You can tell if you know what you're looking for- basically a Tom will have two protruding furry bumps under his bum if he's a breeder, but it'll be fairly flat back there if he's been done. But it's still best to get him to a vet.

Likewise, no idea myself if your lady cat is pregnant but if she seems especially large and firm around the tummy then she could be, the vet is best.

ContSalw · 20/09/2022 21:43

They are very cute! Yes to the vets for Kevin, to check his balls are gone. And vaccines, check he's got a chip.

If mum is feral, you might be better off calling cats protection for advice. And also make sure if the kitten is a girl that she's neutered. She can get pregnant from 4 month.

Mama cat could well be pregnant. Just be aware that if she foes have kittens, she will be very protected. Mothers protecting their young can be vicious - I have 8 puncture wounds scars to prove it!

Original poster
ZestyDragon · 20/09/2022 22:06

Namechangedincaseshesonhere · 20/09/2022 21:35

Sorry no advice, but they are gorgeous!!! ❤️

They are I know! Although having Kevin climb through my bedroom window this morning to sit on my head wasn't so lovely....

OP posts:
Original poster
ZestyDragon · 20/09/2022 22:10

Carproblem · 20/09/2022 21:41

Aw congratulations on your move and all your lovely cats... What a surprise that must have been.

It's sad the previous owners left the cat behind. Yes cats need regular vaccinations every three years or so, and flea and worm treatment.

Can you contact the previous owners to ask if he's been neutered? You can tell if you know what you're looking for- basically a Tom will have two protruding furry bumps under his bum if he's a breeder, but it'll be fairly flat back there if he's been done. But it's still best to get him to a vet.

Likewise, no idea myself if your lady cat is pregnant but if she seems especially large and firm around the tummy then she could be, the vet is best.

Heya, I did actually contact the estate agent who was gobsmacked when I explained what had happened. Sadly the previous owners have not responded to his request for information...... assholes.

So I just tried to have a look but he really is a furball and he wasn't too pleased and has now climbed out the window and is off out for the night.

She does seem quite large in the belly to be honest as she is really only a small cat overall. I really hope there aren't going to be kittens. I am running out of cat beds.

OP posts:
Original poster
ZestyDragon · 20/09/2022 22:12

ContSalw · 20/09/2022 21:43

They are very cute! Yes to the vets for Kevin, to check his balls are gone. And vaccines, check he's got a chip.

If mum is feral, you might be better off calling cats protection for advice. And also make sure if the kitten is a girl that she's neutered. She can get pregnant from 4 month.

Mama cat could well be pregnant. Just be aware that if she foes have kittens, she will be very protected. Mothers protecting their young can be vicious - I have 8 puncture wounds scars to prove it!

I'm going to call the local cat protection people tomorrow and see what they suggest. I am happy enough for them to live here but I also don't want anymore.

Can anyone tell how old that kitten is?

OP posts:
Wallywobbles · 20/09/2022 22:17

We have ferals regularly and generally if I feed regularly on a waist high surface I can normally catch them after a month or so. Then vets for sterilization. I stérilisé everyone I can catch.

Worming is going to be a big priority. You can hide the pills in tasty treats.

kingsleysbootlicker · 20/09/2022 22:22

There's an animal rescue that run a program to help people look after feral cats, if you're happy to have them living in your shed! It's called Project wildcat
www.7thheaven.org.uk/project-wildcat

Carproblem · 20/09/2022 22:24

Can anyone tell how old that kitten is?

5 months? Probably coming up to the neutering age soon...

StarDolphins · 20/09/2022 22:26

Oh my word, they’re gorgeous & you are just lovely! What a kind person.

StarDolphins · 20/09/2022 22:27

Breaks my heart thinking they just left & the cat would’ve been so confused☹️

smileandsing · 20/09/2022 22:33

This is your life now, good job you seem to like cats!
Almost all the cats my parents ever 'owned', and there have been many, arrived in their lives in a similar way. As soon as you feed them they know you're theirs! Just ask the one curled up next to you Grin

Bestcatmum · 20/09/2022 22:34

Haha they have all headed for the suckers house. I am a sucker9 as well.

Moonchild18 · 20/09/2022 22:34

Oh they are gorgeous! No advice but we need regular updates 😍

Pixiedust1234 · 20/09/2022 22:42

gah.. that baby is a real beauty 😍 Also about right for babies.

Contact cats protection and rspca first. Are there any other cat rescues in your area?

Congrats on Kevin. Pretty sure he's adopted you and you are stuck with him. But try and get the shed cats taken away, they do deserve a warm bed with their own human. I have a feeling Kevin won't be happy sharing his bed otherwise they would have snuck in by now.

MrsMoastyToasty · 20/09/2022 22:47

They are gorgeous, especially Baby. Remember, nobody puts Baby in the corner!
Those cats own you now, I'm afraid.

Original poster
ZestyDragon · 20/09/2022 22:50

Thanks so much for the replies everyone!

Mummy and baby have started to wander into the house now and then with me shouting "You don't live here you know!" - they still wander in though but are a bit skittish.

I knew Kevin lived outdoors so I bought him a cosy bed for the shed - but he was sleeping on the floor and the others were in the bed. Now we have more beds but he tends to climb into my bedroom at night if he fancies it. I near had heart failure the first 4am visit.

@Wallywobbles - So I really need a cat box now then to take them to the vet?

Anyone have an idea of the cost for sterilization? I'm really supposed to be spending money on the house......

@kingsleysbootlicker - thank you for that link. I will contact them for advice and see what they say.

@StarDolphins - I thought the same but as he wasn't allowed in the house much before he does seem to be enjoying the change (and chicken) and his fur has really puffed up in the last few weeks - he seems to have a ruff around his neck now.

@smileandsing - I was planning to get a dog actually 😬maybe not now though seeing as the house comes with its own pets as it were.

@Bestcatmum - there is no doubt I am a sucker for sure.

As for updates....well there will be a few I am sure. Kevin also gatecrashed a teams meeting this morning by jumping on my desk and scaring the shit out of me - my colleagues laughed....a lot.

OP posts:
Original poster
ZestyDragon · 20/09/2022 22:52

Pixiedust1234 · 20/09/2022 22:42

gah.. that baby is a real beauty 😍 Also about right for babies.

Contact cats protection and rspca first. Are there any other cat rescues in your area?

Congrats on Kevin. Pretty sure he's adopted you and you are stuck with him. But try and get the shed cats taken away, they do deserve a warm bed with their own human. I have a feeling Kevin won't be happy sharing his bed otherwise they would have snuck in by now.

Do you think they should be rehomed? I have been told that they are feral and they are both quite nervous although I have been able to stroke mum when I am outside. I thought ferals couldn't be rehomed?

OP posts:
PeloFondo · 20/09/2022 22:54

It could be worse
This couple bought a place and got an entire colony... of 16 feral cats. And she was scared of cats Grin

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CfO7iwVgfWI/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Pixiedust1234 · 20/09/2022 23:00

True feral wouldn't let you touch them or go in your house. Unloved and abandoned strays act skittish and scared because well... they are scared. Its frightening not knowing where your next meal is coming from or if you are going to have to fight a big tom, dog or fox just to exist. If you can't take them on properly then let a rescue give them a real chance.

I have done this with two cats who turned up like yours. One had a microchip but owner didn't want her back, the other I have no idea. Both took months before I could stroke them but once I did the switch was flipped. They were so loving and friendly.

I wish I was close to you...that baby is calling to me 😂

Muezza · 20/09/2022 23:10

That kitten looks suspiciously related to Kevin, he definately needs to be checked for troublepuffs 🤣😻

Original poster
ZestyDragon · 20/09/2022 23:15

PeloFondo · 20/09/2022 22:54

It could be worse
This couple bought a place and got an entire colony... of 16 feral cats. And she was scared of cats Grin

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CfO7iwVgfWI/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

@PeloFondo - there are a lot of cats at the farm down the road and worryingly two have started to wander up around dinner time....

OP posts:
PeloFondo · 20/09/2022 23:17

I don't think there are many that are true feral
We had a stable cat, he spotted the aga and decided indoor life was for him
So we got two stable kittens, semi feral. The ginger female saw an opening when stable cat 1 died, batted her eyelashes and now lies in front of the aga all day
Neither of the kittens are feral at all now

I mean you get ones that prefer outdoor life and some that don't like being cuddled etc but..

Original poster
ZestyDragon · 20/09/2022 23:20

Pixiedust1234 · 20/09/2022 23:00

True feral wouldn't let you touch them or go in your house. Unloved and abandoned strays act skittish and scared because well... they are scared. Its frightening not knowing where your next meal is coming from or if you are going to have to fight a big tom, dog or fox just to exist. If you can't take them on properly then let a rescue give them a real chance.

I have done this with two cats who turned up like yours. One had a microchip but owner didn't want her back, the other I have no idea. Both took months before I could stroke them but once I did the switch was flipped. They were so loving and friendly.

I wish I was close to you...that baby is calling to me 😂

You have got me thinking @Pixiedust1234 maybe they aren't feral. I assumed they were because that is what I was told. But yes I can pet the mum if I am careful and have food with me and she seems to like it. If she is a stray then that changes things. Damn it, now I have to work that one out and see what happens. I just don't know how much room there is on my bed but they do have cosy cat beds for now that they seem to enjoy.

Ok I will start worming etc and see whether they become friendlier - I just have a horrible feeling she is pregnant and she is only a wee thing. And I need to see if baby can be spayed too asap.

OP posts:
Banana2079 · 20/09/2022 23:21

I can’t tell you how jealous I am! I do feel sorry for you though you didn’t know this when you moved in ha ha but your post really made me laugh -actually made my night!
A feral cat would never let you touch her esp her tummy so she is obviously just Stray/ farm cat

The cats look well fed have you asked who has been feeding them
Any cat protection agency or rescue would never advise rehoming feral or farm cats -they would Just tell you to leave them be as they are perfectly capable of looking after and feeding themselves, The baby included.
The previous owners obviously fed them if they’re coming round at dinner time and if you Read them they will keep coming round to yours as well.
As for the cat they left behind if you don’t want the cat then have that one rehomed Hey no kill shelter but leave the others alone, I would recommend that you keep her as she’s Mainly living outside anyway And maybe the reasons why her owners cruelly left her