hi guys!!!!!!!!

[peachesmommy]

when i posted back in january i thought that she might be pregnant but she took off for a while and when she came back she didn't seem so big so after talking with my vet over the phone he said that she most likely was just getting a bigger belly due to over eating, cause i had 2 food dishes outside or that she had had babies and maybe left them! he told me that when i feel it is safe to bring her in and have her checked that i should do so.. well in the mean time i got really sick and ended up in the hospital and now under neurologist care i am unable to drive for 6 months and have been in and out of the hospital and drs. so i just took her to the vet, they told me that she was to far along to abort the babies, but the shelter told me different! i asked them what to do with her and they said that in this case it is up to me what to do! but that she is really wild (dr. said) i have cuts and scratches all over my hand from her, she has gotten very territorial and other then a little love every now and then she isn't all that nice! believe me when i say that i am trying everything i can think of to help this cat, i would like nothing more to get her a good home or take her in but i haven't been able to find one! i am calling the petsmart in my area now, since this is what is suggested, but if this fails what other options do i have! i am a very responsible pet owner, peaches is well taken care of and is up to date on all her shots, i take her to the vet regularly, but not to sure about this situation! i am really affraid also that if i take her somewhere she might go into shock and it would cause a lot more problems for her and her babies and that is the last thing i want! i know that i can get these kittens homes, and once she has had these kittens take her and get her spayde, but is it safe for me to put her back out there after that! i am so new to the outdoor cat thing, i am all about keeping the cats indoor, i just don't think she would be happy as an indoor cat and i am just so lost!! i know you guys are probably going to think that i am horrible or something but believe me i want what is best for her!!! the vet told me that she is to far along to do any xrays so they don't know for sure how far along or how many but are quite certain that she will deliver within the next week if not sooner!!! so tell me what ya'll think and please don't be rude on this, my heart is breaking with all of this, i LOVE animals and would never do anything to hurt an animal!!!!

[Marty]

I am sorry if I came across as being rude...that was not intended, but it just didn't make sense to me. Thank you for explaining it better!

I am sure when Tambrey comes on, she may have some suggestions for you, as she has experience with feral cats.

[Traci]

This is not intended to be "rude" but may in fact become a rude "awakening". Don't take it personally.

1) This is what happens when people talk to their vets on the phone rather than physically get the pet in for a real examination. Never rely on any advice over the phone, since they cannot examine the pet.

2) Once you did finally get her seen, it was obvious she was too far into term to abort, this meaning, for her safety, and for ethical reasons on the vet's part. The majority of vets will not abort kittens in a full term pregnancy, it is unethical to do so, unless there is a grave risk that endangers the health of the queen.

3) The shelter probably said to you they would abort, for the simple reason that they do not have room for more homeless animals. However, the fate of the queen would obviously be in danger, since again...they have no room for more homeless pets.

For reasons 1, 2, and 3 above (amoung others), is why we advised you early on to get her examined by a vet to determine if she could be safely spayed at that time, and/or to call rescue organizations to help foster her until a permanent home could be found for her. We are repeating that to you today.

Petsmart, via the links pixiemaxiris provided you, would be a good place to start, in locating people to help. You can also ask your vet to help you in locating foster homes or clients he may know that would be willing to help in this situation. It doesn't sound like you have the means to care for her and her kittens once they are born, and by keeping them outside, they are at risk for weather elements as well as various other outdoor hazards.

So, contact Petsmart, your vet, and any foster/rescue organizations you are directed to. Someone needs to take this kitty in for care and care of her and her kittens. They need appropriate care, and the mother needs a spay appointment ASAP after the birth of the kittens. An indoor permanent home is the solution, but whomever cares for her and the kittens must also nurture them for up to 12 weeks before adopting the kittens into permanent homes.

Btw, x-rays and ultrasounds can be taken on pregnant cats. If your vet was aware of your situation, I'm surprised he didn't offer you the option, most vets are kind to such situations and will snap a quick x-ray or ultrasound for free, providing they know the cat and kittens are going to be cared for.

Why would your husband reject the option of you caring for mother and babies until you can spend dedicated time in finding them ALL responsible homes? Perhaps he should be assisting you more in this endeavor.

[peachesmommy]

i would love it if he would assist me more, it would take such a load off of my back!! i want more then anything to bring her in and care for them until the babies are 12 weeks but he is so set against having anymore animals in the house and i have already fought with my about it more then you know! i am going to have to do what it takes to make sure that the cat as well as the kittens are going to get the best care possible!! thanks so much for all your help guys, i am really really heart broken about all of this and appreciate all you guys can give me!!! i will keep you updated on everything as it transpires!! thanks again!!!!

[Cleo]

I understand you're going through a tough time with your health and your husband not pitching in to help with the cat(s) but I would not keep anyone -- especially a mama and new kittens -- in a cage outside. This leaves them wide open as prey with no where to run.

Many rescue groups are associated with Petco so definitely seek out help there. Within these rescue groups are people who will foster the cats. Be sure it's a reputable group and explain your situation to them. Despite your love for animals, it may be too much for you to handle yourself. Offer a small donation, a case of food, beds, etc. to go along with the cat on your behalf.

Above all, do not bring anyone into your home without a thorough vet check and up to date vaccines. You do not want to jeopardize Peaches in any way. Plus, if you are stressed trying to manage this by yourself on top of other things you are going through, it will most definitely affect Peaches emotionally. I know this from experience.

[Tambrey]

My husband and son are also deadset against more cats in the house...but when I see one that needs help, and I can catch it...it comes in...to the bathroom for a few days, then to a spare bedroom...to keep it separated from the others....it gets whatever care it needs, special attention to learn to trust me...when I can afford it, it will get spayed/neutered...it gets shots, dewormed, ears checked for mites and whatever else needs done...usually a round or two of antibiotics...and by then, we have all usually fallen in love and it is soooo hard to let go, that many of them end up becoming a part of the family..

However, IF the perfect fitting home ever came along...I do adopt them out...some of them...

I hope you can continue to talk to your husband and try to set the momma and babies up in a separate room so you can properly care for them in a safe environment...

[peachesmommy]

i am absolutely devastated, i went out yesterday to get her, i was taking her up to the local petsmart and she is gone!!!!!!!!!! i have called her and called her and called her and she hasn't come, and usually she never leaves my back porch!!!!!! i don't know what to do, i am hoping nothing happened to her, but i am also hoping that she didn't go off to have the babies which i am pretty positive that she did! what do i do, i am so upset about this, my heart is breaking and i just don't know what to do! i keep going outside to call her and hope that she comes but she isn't and she has been gone since about this time yesterday! do you (knowing how feral cats are) do you think she will come back for food, and or bring the babies with her or take off!!! uuuuuuggggghhhhhh, i am so mad at myself right now, i know she has taken off to go have the babies!!! i was going to take her yesterday to the petsmart, i even called them and they said they would find her a suitable foster home, and now look i am to late!!! UUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Traci]

Depending on your neighborhood, why don't you go look for her? You can leave food out as you've done before, but I would check within a couple block's radius to see if she's around.

If your home has a backyard, shed, or other large things in it, look in them carefully, she may be looking for shelter, and an enclosed place to provide safety for her and her kittens if giving birth.

[peachesmommy]

i have been looking out there for ever this morning, the only thing i have found so far is a snake, and that isn't anything i wanted to find!!! there is no way i could find her in this neighborhood, i have gone to my neighbors houses but they haven't seen her either!! i am going to be sitting out there all day if i have to and keep calling her, i just don't know what else to do, i am so upset!!

do u think there is a chance for her to come back and bring her babies????

[Traci]

Look closer around your house, if she was staying on your porch all this time, chances are, she is nearby. Do you have a crawlspace, or space under the porch, etc? If so, check them out thoroughly.