She passed away a few hours ago. She started fading quickly which alarmed me because of all the kittens, she is the biggest and the strongest. Sometimes, I wish I had all the answers and other times, I am glad I don’t.
There is a candle in our window for you sweet girl. I am sorry I couldn’t fly to the vet faster- but I tried my best. May heaven smile upon your cuteness and again, i am so very sorry I could not save you.
You died on another’s watch and that does not fit well with me. Your brothers are here back with me and this is where they will stay. I will not put them in harm’s way.
i am SO SAD to hear about Madigan…what happened??? i am totally addicted to this blog so it makes me sad to hear that one of the babies passed. i have a question for you…i have a black feral cat that my husband and i feed but she won’t let us get close. i have 2 of her kittens that i took in and now they are part of the family (4 cats total) and she just had another litter. i don’t know where their “nest” is but i want to trap her to get her spayed…i don’t want to trap her until the kittens are matured and i don’t want to call animal control because i think they will kill her rather than help her. i’m not even sure she can be tricked into a trap either (she’s so smart) what would you suggest? i look forward to your response.
I can only tell you what I would do if I had this black feral cat on my land. First I wouldn’t look for her nest. She searched high and low for the perfect spot to have her kittens to keep them safe from predators. If I went poking around under the house or porch with a light looking for them, she would move them the minute I found them. I would leave them alone.
Instead, I would feed Mama a combination of several things; Kitten Chow, KMR and canned cat food. I would also leave out fresh water for her daily as her body is going to be depleted taking care of the family.
I would find one spot that was secluded and safe but that had exit holes and start feeding her there several times a day (at least five) and always at the same time(s) She will quickly learn the routine and she will show up the same time the food and water are put out for her. Once, the kittens are weaned, she will bring them to her food spot and that is when I would be nearby sitting on the ground, my back to the family until they get used to me being there. I bring a book and read. Once they are used to me being there- that is when I would start trapping them- You can get kitten traps as well as adult traps, although I have had some adults go into the kitten traps too which makes for a fun time since there isn’t all that room.
I would bring the family inside where it is safe, put them in a room by themselves and get them to a vet asap.
My thoughts are with you, especially through the next few days. You have so much on your plate and yet you always extend a helping hand to others. I wish I lived close to you so I could help you…