Is it bad to take stray kittens away from mom?

Here is a guide to age and appropriate action. Under 2 weeks-Eyes closed, very uncoordinated- kittens should NOT be handled or taken from their mother. This is a safe time to separate from mom, especially if mom is feral. Moms should be given 2 weeks for their milk to dry up and should then be trapped and spayed.

Is it wrong to take in a stray kitten?

Don’t Take Kittens or Their Mother to an Animal Shelter Even in the best of shelters a mother cat can become so stressed that her healthy is affected, as well as her ability to care for her kittens.

Is it bad to adopt a stray cat?

Stray cats can readjust to living with people and may be good candidates for adoption into indoor homes if people have the time and means to foster and adopt. Stray and feral cats can be difficult to tell apart, especially when they are trapped or frightened.

When should you take kittens away from their mother?

It’s important to separate the kittens from the queen when they’re ready. Don’t separate them before they reach eight weeks of age, as they will still be learning from their mum.

What do you do if you find a stray kitten?

Helping Abandoned, Stray Cats and Kittens

1. Make sure the cat or kitten has food, water, and shelter.
2. Call your local animal shelter or humane agency for guidance.
3. List the cat in your local “found” lists.
4. Report abandoned pets to your local law enforcement agency.
5. Try to find the abandoned cat a home.

Should I adopt a feral kitten?

These kittens typically become wonderful, loving pets. Feral kittens should be placed in adoptive homes soon after socialization, if possible, because some feral kittens, especially those captured at an older age, tend to bond with one person.

What happens if you just take in a stray kitten?

Just taking in a stray kitten could mean a temporary or permanent separation from its mother. Smaller or very young-looking kittens are likely still nursing, and only with their mother can they get the best nutrition at that stage. How do you tell if the mother is still around or nearby?

Are Stray Cats friendly to humans?

Some stray cats will be friendly right off the bat, but with others, it may take time and patience to establish trust. “If a cat is not comfortable with humans, they will mostly scratch or bite if you attempt to handle them. Go slow and always allow the cat a way to leave the situation so that they don’t feel cornered,” says Gouge.

What is the difference between a stray and a feral cat?

There is an enormous difference between strays and feral cats. That difference could come back to haunt you should you take in a cat you really should not have. A stray cat is, or used to be, someone’s pet. It may be a pet that escaped by running out the door and then failing to find its way home.

What are the costs of taking care of a stray cat?

Even after you get past the vet bills and any medical treatments necessary to bring a stray back to health, you are going to have to pay for daily necessities like food and cat litter. Those are ongoing costs that will continue for as long as the cat lives. Depending on where you live, you may have to license or register your cat.