Another finding kittens problem...

[pebble4u]

Thanks to Traci's advice on being patient and following, and several cuts later we have kinda located the kittens. They are under our house, now for the new problem. The reason we do not know where under our house is because she has made a hole and is in our insulation somewhere.. we were able to follow her only so far with watching the movement in the insulation, then blood went gooshing everywhere (husband cut himself on a panel that required 4 stitches). Does anyone know of any type of device to help locate her? I really don't want hubby to have to go back to the hospital for any more stitches. Hubby is worried about them being in the insulation. Not so much for our insulation, but for the kitten's health. We called our vet, and she told us that we should know where they are in a few more days if they are still alive, and it broke my heart when she said IF they were still alive.

[Traci]

Your husband is right to be concerned about the insulation....through no fault of the momma kitty, she chose it for warmth for her little ones, but, it can prove detrimental to the kittens....they shouldn't be breathing it, and it could be irritating their skin in a bad way.

You mentioned panels, so I am assuming this area is accessible to a human. I would suggest cutting the panel about two feet away from the area you saw movement, then reaching inside and seeing if you can feel the kittens. Any movement would cause them to mew so you would know they are there, they would be thinking it is momma kitty.

If you do choose to cut a panel, start at the top if possible so that you don't harm the kittens below by falling debris, etc (depending again on where you saw the movement). Ideally, if the panels are nailed in, remove the nails and pull the panel off instead of cutting.

If you were talking about open insulation that has no sheetrock or other paneling, put on some gloves (kitchen gloves) and search carefully, little by little for the kittens.

Sounds like the area is accessible, but time is of the utmost concern, the kittens shouldn't be nestled in insulation, it's too dangerous.

[E's]

Could you get a stethoscope (sp?) from a vet, and/or have humane society or animal control folks come help? Confine the mama when she comes to eat, then someone go to the place where movement was seen and listen... this might give a better idea of the exact location of the nest.

I agree with Traci and my heart goes out to you and your husband. Here's hoping for quick success!

Dotty B, New Orleans