stray kittens under my porch?

Question

Today I went outside and found that a stray cat has had kittens under my front porch. I'm afraid they'll get too hot and die under the porch, but they're mama is wild and I can't bring her in my house. If I called the ASPCA would she kill her own kittens at the shelter? I've heard wild cats will kill their own babies if they think someones trying to steal them and taking them to the shelter might make her feel that way.. Should I leave them be or call somebody?

they're newborn kittens born either early this morning or last night I think- and I live in Tennessee-- its BLAZING hot here lol

Answer 1

I would leave them, but try to keep as close a watch on them as you can without scaring the mother too much. If it gets too hot under there, the mother will probably move them on her own. I'd also leave out food for the mother - while she's nursing she'll need extra calories and it may help win her trust and you may be able to eventually bring them all inside. Good luck!

Answer 2

Find the nearest animal center to you, even if you have to drive to the next town. They can give you a live trap (hopefully). This is just a cage with an opening and you put food in it, when an animal goes in the door shuts. Its the best way to catch a cat, and harmless for them. Seeing as how its winter, only put the trap out when you are home, don't want to trap a kitty and have it freeze to death. Keep a good eye on it, check it every 30 minutes. If anybody asks, tell them the humane society (or Canadian equivalent) is going to take the cats. You can borrow a cat carrier or two from them as well, because you probably won't catch all of them at one time. Feral cats can be scary when they scratch and bite, but if you put on a jacket and some leather winter gloves, they won't be able to scratch you when you're removing them from the live trap. Another option is to plug up the hole they run into when you know they're not in there, then just catch them by hand. They will run under the porch and have nowhere to go and hopefully you can corner them. Might want to bring a friend to help you if you go for that option.

Answer 3

The very same thing happened to me right before the 4th of July and I fed them for several days, but I never touched them because of toxoplasmosis and other diseases since they were strays. Besides as soon as I went out the back door they would take off running. So, I ended up calling Animal Control and they came out and set up some traps. It took about 2 weeks for the mother and the kittens to all be captured and then they went to the local animal shelter where they would be given immunizations and socialized because these cats were wild. So, I would recommend that you call Animal Control or the ASPCA to come and pick them up to ensure that they will be properly taken care of. Good luck!

Answer 4

Cats have fended for themselves for many years.If you don't mind them being there leave them alone and just watch to see the mama is still coming to feed them. If you want to help her from running off in search of food put some food and water out for her. When the kittens start coming out to play handle them and feed them by hand so they get used to you. If you have a no kill shelter in your area they will find good homes for them plus spay and neuter them. Maybe you'll fall in love and keep a few or find homes for them in the neighborhood. The more you handle them when they come out on their own the better off they will be. The mom will be very hard to catch you may have to buy or barrow a humane trap to catch her and take her to the shelter. Unfortunately most cats after a certain point are not able to be friendly enough and are put down. If you live in the country you can try to let her alone she obviously has done well enough to this point. Have fun and do the best you can for them!!

Answer 5

We had stray kittens under our porch recently...I would say let them be. The mom knows what she's doing and probably has more experience than any of humans ;-). If they get hot and die, at least you won't have contributed from calling the ASPCA and having the men scare the mother to the point of killing her kittens....let the momma cat do what she does. As long as it's not affecting you in any bad way, let them be.

Answer 6

No, call the ASPCA to pick up the cats because for one, you are right they are in danger especially with that's heat wave. Also, from my experience, I've brought a lot of stray cats and kittens to a humane society and everything was fine. If the cat tries to kill her kittens, the ASPCA will separate them. You should really get them to a shelter because wild cats carry a lot of diseases and you don't want those to be close to you because those diseases are contagious. So please do call the ASPCA it's best for the cats and for your own health.

Answer 7

Hmmmm...how many kittens did you find? That's a bit sad though. I hope the babies can eat. If they were just born, leave them be for now, they have their mother's milk. But if they are older, please try and at least get the babies in and feed them! And they'll need water for sure. If you don't think you can care for them, bring them to a vet or an animal shelter. Good luck!

Answer 8

You should call the ASPCA immediately! The ASPCA will take good care of the kittens and help catch the mom. It is the best thing you could do for both the kittens and the mom.

Answer 9

A similar thing happened to me. I started feeding the mama cat and in time she let me pet her. Turned out she was a real sweetie. As the kittens got older they became trusting as well. I found homes fot them and took the mother cat to a no kill shelter where they spay and find them homes. Good luck with whatever decision you make.

Answer 10

Call someone. They'll be just fine. The ASPCA is the best place they can be right now. They'll take care of them and give them everything they need. Don't worry about any of that stuff. The ASPCA knows what they're doing. Good luck!