Thanks for taking this girl in.

The jury is out on her ultimate personality until after she's had her
kittens and been spayed. She could come around or could stay shy. It largely
depends on what she's been though in her life and nobody knows that and
she's not telling. I've seen it go both ways. Give her some time after she
has her babies and gets spayed and see what happens.

Momma will clean up after her babies the first few weeks. There will be a
bit of a mess when she's delivering so put down old towels or bedding. It's
also normal for her to have a blood tinged discharge for the first week or
so. She will clean up most of that too but you will probably see some
staining of the bedding. Have a litter box, food and water in the room where
she has the kittens. When the kits are around 4 weeks old or so she will
show them how to use the box.

Start feeding momma kitten food now. She needs the extra calories. I always
give my pregnant mommas canned kitten food as well. The kittens will start
eating the wet food when they are 4 - 6 weeks old following mom's example.

As for the spay, do a web search for low cost spay/neuter and you should
find some sites where you can get low cost spay vouchers. One that you can
try is spay & save. They have a link on their page listing the vets who
accept the vouchers and how much they charge. You'll have to check with the
individual vets for actual costs because some require additional services
(blood work and/or an exam) to be rendered at regular fees to qualify for
the low cost spay. Bummer, I know. Also call around to SPCAs in your area
and ask if they know where you can get discounted services or vouchers for
the same. Some are more likely to be willing to work with stray cats than
others so you might want to try contacting a local rescue group to pick
their brains and get any suggestions they might be able to offer. They are
usually very willing to pass on information. They might be able to help you
find homes for the kittens as well.

Good luck with your little family

W




"Peggy Fair" wrote in message
ups.com...
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