Cat Breed Info and Feline Health Care > I have a semi-wild cat. She began coming around approx 1 yr ... >

I have a semi-wild cat. She began coming around approx 1 yr ago. Was very skittish but over time has let us pet her, pick her up and she occasionally will come inside. She usually only comes around at night and the times always vary. Approx 8-9 wks ago, she had kittens. We did not think any of them lived because she was acting very upset and was unusally talkative. Several wks after the birth we noticed on one side of her stomach, she had swelling and was very bumpy around her teats but did not seem to be in any pain. Over the last several days we've noticed hair missing around the teats on that same side then 2 days ago we found out that she does have 2 kittens. The kittens are very afaid of us sice she has kept them so isolated. Now my questions: 1. Is the swelling and hair loss around her teats normal ? 2. Is there anything we can do to make her and especially the kittens more comfortable and not so afaid ? I really would like to get them more comfortable and calm so that we can get them to a vet to be checked out, get shots, etc. The mama cat is really a sweet cat but she still seems to have some trust issues. Thanks for any advice you can give us because we really want the cat to trust us and we would really like to give her and her kittens a good home.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

It sounds like she has mastitis which is an infection of the mammary glands. She will need antibiotics to treat this problem. She can make the kittens sick from nursing on an infected nipple, so trying to get the kittens away and get the infection treated is somewhat important. Your local humane society may be able to provide you with humane traps that you can catch her and get her and the kittens into the vet for treatment. The kittens need vaccinations as well as spaying and neutering. Most vets will do this on feral kittens as young as 6 weeks because it can be so difficult to catch them. Probably the only way to turn her and the kittens around is to resign yourself to making them indoor only pets. You will need to work with them in order to gain trust. After having them vetted, confining them to a small room with food, water and litter and possibly a large cat tree will help you win their trust. Purchase a laser pointer or some kitty teasers from the pet store or on ebay.com and play with them from a distance at first. It will take time to win them over, but with patience, especially since the kittens are so young, you should be able to do this. You may want to talk with the vet about the treatment for mastitis as she is probably not going to be cooperative with you about taking oral medication. Your vet may be willing to treat and board her until the infection is cleared up since you are willing to give her a good home. Good luck with your new family and bless you for taking this brood in....you are wonderful!

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Lori McLaughlin
Your veterinarian should ALWAYS be consulted first and foremost when your pet's welfare is at stake.

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