I'm sad... please advise

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-05-2003
I'm sad... please advise
7
Tue, 08-24-2004 - 1:32am
I went to feed my feral river cat tonight for the first time in a couple of weeks. I've been out of town. I knew she had had her kittens, but hadn't seen them yet. Anyway, I saw her and she looked awful. She was skinny (she is a little cat, though) and her eyes had black around the rims. She also had some black around her nose. Is this some sort of infection? She was hungry and thirsty, and while she ate I went to look for the kittens. I saw four of them. They're about 6 weeks old and are prob. ready to be weaned. They looked healthy, but they are skittish and I can't get to them. The poor cat has had at least 5 litters that I know of, and I tried MANY MANY times to trap her, and never could. I'm afraid she is just worn out. Does a cat ever get to a point where they eventually just die from having too many litters? I'm sure her system is just worn out, and she looked so unhealthy. I just can't attempt to try to trap the kittens and give them away, plus try to trap her again. I'm trying to job hunt, I've been traveling, and it's just exhausting and too emotional to go down there and feed her everyday. There are fishermen and campers around the area, and I hope she gets some food from them. The poor thing is just worn out, and my emotions are just really down after seeing them tonight. What should or can I do?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-01-2003
Tue, 08-24-2004 - 9:04am
That just breaks my heart. Is there nothing you can do or someone to call to help that poor cat and save her kittys from the same. This really upsets me and makes me so sad and I know you have tried but is there nothing else??

Avatar for cl_lcni
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 08-24-2004 - 10:32am

I'm so sorry about the cat.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-06-2004
Tue, 08-24-2004 - 5:40pm
Yes, please try to find a rescue group or someone to help you trap her and the kittens. Do you have a live-trap? They work really well. Borrow one from a vet or shelter. Trap the kittens separate from the mom as she could hurt them trying to get out. I'm sure she will go in the trap if she is hungry and you put some good smelling food inside. I wish I was nearby, I'd help in a second. You are her only hope. Please try and find some help. Good Luck. donna
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-23-2002
Tue, 08-24-2004 - 7:28pm
I am so sad to hear about this poor mommy cat & her babies. I agree with the advice here so far to catch her and her babies (separately) asap....checking with the vet or rescue agency is a great idea. The poor thing needs to be caught & nourished back to health (& spayed so she won't have to have any more litters).

Please keep us posted. My prayers are with you & the kitties.

Suzy


iVillage Member
Registered: 04-05-2003
Wed, 08-25-2004 - 12:48am
Thanks for your responses. I know- this situation breaks my heart. This is why I'm so emotional over this. The poor cat needs to be trapped and taken to the vet. She needs to be spayed and have her shots, etc. She is VERY feral, so I would probably release her back to the only environment she has ever known, but I would feel SO much better if I knew she was spayed and was healthier. The kittens need to be trapped and given away. I can't take any b/c I took a kitten from her last time, and she is just 4 mos. old. My cat doesn't like her as it is, and she really wouldn't like another one!

The only thing that I know of in my area is animal control. I live about an hour away from the largest city that would have a program or a group who could help me. I can't call animal control b/c they would put her to sleep since she is a feral. I don't want any of them to go to the local shelter, b/c it's not a no-kill facility. I have borrowed traps from animal control before to trap other cats and kittens down there, so I know I could do that again. It's just a matter of being sure I caught all of the kittens. Plus, I don't think a vet will spay the mother if she is still nursing.

My only option is to ask this lady I know who might be able to help me with the situation. She might be able to go down there w/ me and try to trap them all, but it's going to be such an effort. It's hard to do when I'm trying to find a job and move. But- I can't NOT do anything about it. It breaks my heart. Plus, the thought of all of those kittens having kittens, etc.....it just goes on and on. I have to put a stop to it.

I wish a few of you were here and could help me! None of you happen to live in Arkansas, do you? ;)

Thanks for the support. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Oh- why do you think her eyes are kind of a watery black around the rims? Do you think she has an infection?
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2003
Wed, 08-25-2004 - 10:35am
Hi ktbear632,

I'm in NY, so I can't help you in person, but I did a quick search on petfinder.org, to see animal welfare groups in Arkansas. There are 83! (http://www.petfinder.org ) I think you can do a search and see all the places listed in Arkansas and email them and see if someone might help you out, even if they're not in your immediate area. I have read heartwarming stories of people involved with petfinder driving long distances to help a pet who needed a home or assistance. You might also post on some of the other ivillage pet boards; someone may well be in your area or have other ideas. Keep posting; through the wonders of the internet I think you may find helpers.

Are there any local publications you could post something in to find other animal lovers who might help you out? Or possibly making an announcement or posting at a local church or YMCA, school, etc. Good luck, and please keep us posted.

Cynthia

Avatar for cl_lcni
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 08-25-2004 - 10:45am

I'd love to help you but I'm way over on the W. coast.


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