ALLEY CAT RESCUE
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Feral Kittens

Picture
Female feral cats usually look for safe, hidden places to give birth. The young offspring of feral female cats, or of abandoned domestic cats, learn from their mothers to be wary and distrustful of humans, and to hide and defend themselves against any perceived threat.
 
The tiny kittens will spit and hiss if approached by humans, and although small in size, will bite and scratch if not handled properly. When working with feral kittens, as with any wild animal, you should have a pre-exposure rabies vaccination and keep your tetanus shot current. Minimize all risks by using the correct equipment.
 
In most areas of the U.S., except Northern regions with extreme cold, kitten season can extend from February through November, however, most kittens are born during spring. Cats can have three litters each year, although two are more likely, with a gestation period of approximately 65 days. Cats, like other wild animals, overproduce to ensure survival of the species.
 
Kitten mortality rates are usually very high—often around 75% (Nutter et al., 2004). Many become sick from diseases that are treatable, such as upper respiratory infections (URIs), but without medical care and supportive treatment, weak kittens usually perish. The kittens who survive this initial period, often build up immunities to common diseases, and once a colony has been sterilized and stabilized, most of the cats remain healthy and viable for many years under the care and supervision of caretakers.
 
Orphaned Kittens 
So you found a litter of kittens in your yard, now what? Assess the situation before swooping in to rescue them. The mother cat is most likely nearby and will return shortly. However, if the kittens appear to be cold, wet, thin, sick, or under duress, with no sign of the mother cat, bring the kittens indoors immediately. Read More.
 
Fostering Kittens 
Fostering kittens in a home environment can be a wonderful experience; however, it is important to keep in mind that being a foster parent means increased responsibility. Prior to fostering, make sure you are fully aware of and fully equipped for what it means to be a foster parent.  Read More.
 
Socializing Kittens
The critical socialization period of a feral kitten is from 2 to 7 weeks of age. During this period the kitten should form bonds with humans and other animals. The process of taming kittens can take 4 to 8 weeks depending on their age and degree of wildness. Read More. 

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Reference
Nutter, Felicia B, Jay F. Levine, and Michael K. Stoskopf. “Reproductive Capacity of Free-Roaming Domestic Cats and Kitten Survival Rate.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 225.9 (2004): 1399–1402. Print.

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  • Home
    • About ACR >
      • Our Team
      • History
      • Board of Directors
      • Email Sign-up
      • Financial Information
    • ACR in the Press
    • ACR Publications
    • Adoptions >
      • Adoption Application
      • Advice for Adopters
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Contact Us
    • Partnerships
  • Action Alerts
    • The Feral Fix
    • Spay Neuter Pledge
    • No Declaw Pledge
  • Spay/Neuter
    • Early Age Spay/Neuter
    • Misconceptions About Spay/Neuter
    • State Low Cost Spay/Neuter
  • Community Cats
    • What is a Feral Cat? >
      • Feral vs. Stray Cats
      • Benefits of Feral Cats
    • Trap-Neuter-Return >
      • TNR Statistics
      • TNR Step-by-Step
      • TNR/Community Cat Care Resources
      • Introduce TNR to Your Shelter
      • Solutions to Common Complaints
    • CAT Action Teams: TNR Groups by State
    • Feral Kittens >
      • What to do if you find kittens
      • Orphaned Kittens
      • Fostering Kittens
    • Providing Shelter
    • Health Care
    • Cat Overpopulation
    • Relocation
    • How to Adopt Out Cats
    • Protecting Cats During Winter
    • Protecting Cats During Summer
    • Feral Cats and the Law
    • Cats and Wildlife >
      • Why Eradication Methods Fail
    • Handbook 2023 Ed
  • Cat Health
    • Health Care for Your Cat >
      • Vet Care Financial Assistance
    • Common Cat Health Issues >
      • FeLV and FIV
      • Feline Panleukopenia
      • FIP
      • Rabies
      • Zoonotic Diseases
      • Indoor/Outdoor Cats
    • Cats & Claws
    • Animal Cruelty Against Cats
    • Poisonous Hazards >
      • Poisonous Plants
    • Cats and COVID-19
    • Pet Food Banks
    • Pet Disaster Preparedness
  • Cat Behavior
    • Solutions to Prevent Surrendering your cat >
      • Rehoming
    • Introducing Cats
    • Tips for Entertaining an Indoor Cat
    • Lost Cat
  • African Wildcats
    • AWC Conservation Projects
    • Press Release on African Wildcat Campaign
    • AWC Photo Contest
  • Donate
  • Store