About a month ago, I took in a pregnant stray that has been in my
neighborhood for a couple of years. I was getting tired of her having
babies, so I decided to take her in so she can give birth in my home. I
gave her a flea bath on the first night and now a month later she is
still doing well. Her stomach has gotten bigger and I think that she
will give birth any day now. I have gotten a carboard box, turned it
upside down for privacy, with some old blankets and put it in a corner
hoping she will give birth in there.

I have a few questions:

1. I think she has been a stray all her life, and when she was out on
the street I fed her often so she knew me before I took her in. She
lets me rub her head but won't let me touch the rest of her body,
especially her stomach. She just stays under my bed and comes out to
eat, use the bathroom and whenever she feels like allowing me to pet
her. But if she sees me coming, she runs. How long will it take for her
to stop running away from me? She should know that I don't want to hurt
her by now, right?

2. When she has the babies, I am guessing that they will be
urinating/pooping right there with her in the bedding. What are your
suggestions for making this as hassle free as possible? Do they have
anything on the market for newborn kittens to relieve themselves in?(I
looked but couldn't find anything)

3. Once the kittens are weaned, I plan to take mother and kittens to
the vet to be fixed, shots, tested for diseases and all that good
stuff. Are there any agencies that will help offset the costs for all
these cats?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Peggy