How Old

[dawn (Premo)]

do you think these kittens are. One of my feral cats had kittens and I think it may have been sometime around Easter (maybe the week after I am just not sure). She just brought them to my porch to eat for the first time yesterday. Does anyone know how old they are before they start to follow momma and they are able to climb porch steps. The SPOT has authorized for me to get them fixed, I was told they need to be at least 2 pounds, does it matter how old? I am clueless as to their sizes at what age.

TIA

[cattitude (Premo)]

The pictures look at least 6 weeks and they're probably older...8 weeks maybe, I'd have to see them..how well they're walking, etc. Age doesn't matter much as long as they meet the weight.

Can you trap the momma and get her spayed too?

AND...if they're truly feral, you better grab those kittens now before you can't. Feral kittens can shred your hands.

[Chasey_Lane]

Originally Posted by cattitude

The pictures look at least 6 weeks and they're probably older...8 weeks maybe. Age doesn't matter much as long as they meet the weight.

Catt, my sister started her job as a vet tech yesterday. Her first operation was a German Shepherd c-section.

[cattitude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by Chasey_Lane

Catt, my sister started her job as a vet tech yesterday. Her first operation was a German Shepherd c-section.

Good for her!! Where?

I used to love the c-sections. Hectic but very rewarding when you hear the little yelps and see them start squirming.

[Chasey_Lane]

Originally Posted by cattitude

Good for her!! Where?

She's in Waldorf at the emergency place.

She told me they had a dog in from the night before that was shot in the head. Apparently it strolled onto the property of someone who didn't want it there.

[dawn (Premo)]

Originally Posted by cattitude

The pictures look at least 6 weeks and they're probably older...8 weeks maybe, I'd have to see them..how well they're walking, etc. Age doesn't matter much as long as they meet the weight.

Can you trap the momma and get her spayed too?

AND...if they're truly feral, you better grab those kittens now before you can't. Feral kittens can shred your hands.

they seem to be walking pretty good, one is a little wobbley, but the others are walking pretty good. I set out traps recently and the only cat I caught was the momma and I couldnt take her because the babies were very little, but the traps will go out again, I am just hoping they dont remember they are traps and stay out of them.

I thought the same thing about them attacking my hands. They were very very scared on the porch this morning, and I know I could have grabbed them, but I didint know if I could take them yet. I will call to see when I can get the next appointment.

Thanks

[dawn (Premo)]

Next question, after I get them fixed, I should release them back right, since they are feral?

[cattitude (Premo)]

Originally Posted by dawn

Next question, after I get them fixed, I should release them back right, since they are feral?

If you snatch them up now, you can socialize them. If you let them stay with mom much longer, they're gonna be buggers to catch and then it will take longer to socialize them. They can eat on their own. I'd still wait until they are about 8 weeks or so to have them spayed/neutered.

And, no, I wouldn't release them. They aren't going to be hard to "tame" at all being as young as they are.

If they're wobbly, they're probably more like 4 weeks or so.

[Pandora (Premo)]

Originally Posted by dawn

Next question, after I get them fixed, I should release them back right, since they are feral?

The kittens? I don't have the knowledge others have about animals, but I would think finding the kittens homes while they are young and can be tamed would be a good idea.

I have a feral rescue, best pet I've ever had and don't regret one moment of work. It takes time to get them to trust you, but they are babies and it can be done. Mom, on the other hand, may never be able to be tamed.

[Robin]

I have 3 feral kittens that were caught last week. only 1 is taking a little longer to adjust. Still hisses and spits. the others are starting to come to the food while I am filling the bowl the 1 is in the background hissing. but I work with her more. once she is caught she gives in and likes the attention.
Mom was spayed last week and returned outside this morning. It has taken patience and after 8 months I can now pet her at feeding time. she follows me at a distance around the farm from barn to barn.