4 little Kittens: 2 have mittens
While picking up food at the local vets office I overheard a phone conversation concerning four kittens and a mother cat near an expressway in need of assistance. I arranged with the caller to establish a feeding area until I could investigate thoroughly. The next day after work I met up with a young woman who explained her co-workers had called every place they could think of for help but no one had the resources to assist. The young woman continued to feed each day and I took over feeding at the weekend.
Part of being an animal advocate requires that you speak and educate the surrounding individuals where the affected animals reside. In regards to feral cats, we can prevent not only a population explosion with TNR (Trap, Neuter and Release) but obtain local support for the cats. Saturday morning I noticed the Plumbing contractors store was open and I went to speak with the guys about the kittens. Not only were they aware of the kittens but they had been trying to feed the mother and catch the kittens. I left my name and number and two days later I was contacted that two of the kittens had been caught. I instructed them to continue feeding in the same spot so I had a chance of trapping the rest on the upcoming weekend.
Both Kittens were extremely thin and lethargic, Pinto (male) and Smudge (male). I was aware that fosters/rescues were “full” at this time so home with me they went. I took them to the vet and was so glad I did. Pinto had a fever of almost 105 and both had worms, conjunctivitis and severe diarrhea. Smudge had a puncture wound on his chest that had begun to abscess. At the weekend I was finally able to begin trapping for the others. I spent close to 20 hours that Fri, Sat and Sunday attempting to catch the mom and remaining two kittens.
I was successful with the mom and one kitten (female named Oreo) but unable to retrieve the fourth kitten. I contacted additional local businesses to let them know what I was trying to accomplish and obtain any information on sightings they may have had.
The mom (Molly) was TNR’d (Trapped, Neutered and Released/Returned) and the kitten received the much needed medical attention since she too was sick just like her brothers. Another group of meds were sent home with Aunt Shelly with strict instructions on application.
It had been two weeks now and this fourth kitten was causing me several sleepless nights and increasing concerns. I had the one business still feeding and even assisting with trapping but I knew the little one needed medical attention. On the following Saturday, I had family in town and some animal advocacy events requiring my attendance. Luckily my friends Diane and Marge were kind enough to trap for me on Saturday. They were able to trap a very grumpy male cat named Emilio but saw nothing of the fourth kitten.
Sunday, I trapped all day with no visual of evidence of the last little dude. By this time, many folks were asking for updates on these guys and really didn’t think the fourth one had survived. Everything inside me told me this last one was still alive, sick and in serious need of rescue.
Monday, at lunch time I ran over to the area and was able to finally speak with the sign shop about the situation. They verified the kitten was still alive and they were seeing it on a regular basis. They were very glad to hear the feral cats were being altered and someone was taking care of the kittens. I left them my kitten trap and within the hour they had caught the fourth kitten. THANK GOODNESS!!
My friend collected the fourth kitten until I could get out of work. I picked the last guy up (male named Marble) and shuttled to the vet. Not only was this one ill like the others with a high fever but also suffered from ticks and multiple fleas. Emilio (Male cat) was TNR’d and returned to his home while the businesses agreed to feed him during his lifetime.
I truly believe that as sick as these kittens were they would not have survived without medical attention and nutritious food. Even though, I know I did exactly what I was supposed to do, a $1,200 vet charge was not something I was planning on YIKES!
I am hoping that if you can donate to help me pay for these kittens medical bills it would be greatly appreciated. All three kittens are FIV/Leuk negative and are expected to make a full recovery.
My plan is to get the kittens settled into a rescue where adoptive families can be found and contracts will be signed to insure they will be spayed/neutered when the time comes. Smudge has been spoken for by a tech at the vets office so one already has a happy home in his near future. I know we can find happy endings for the other three as well if we all work together.
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide and know that I will continue to do my best to make sure these guys have the best chance possible for a lifetime of happiness.
Part of being an animal advocate requires that you speak and educate the surrounding individuals where the affected animals reside. In regards to feral cats, we can prevent not only a population explosion with TNR (Trap, Neuter and Release) but obtain local support for the cats. Saturday morning I noticed the Plumbing contractors store was open and I went to speak with the guys about the kittens. Not only were they aware of the kittens but they had been trying to feed the mother and catch the kittens. I left my name and number and two days later I was contacted that two of the kittens had been caught. I instructed them to continue feeding in the same spot so I had a chance of trapping the rest on the upcoming weekend.
Both Kittens were extremely thin and lethargic, Pinto (male) and Smudge (male). I was aware that fosters/rescues were “full” at this time so home with me they went. I took them to the vet and was so glad I did. Pinto had a fever of almost 105 and both had worms, conjunctivitis and severe diarrhea. Smudge had a puncture wound on his chest that had begun to abscess. At the weekend I was finally able to begin trapping for the others. I spent close to 20 hours that Fri, Sat and Sunday attempting to catch the mom and remaining two kittens.
I was successful with the mom and one kitten (female named Oreo) but unable to retrieve the fourth kitten. I contacted additional local businesses to let them know what I was trying to accomplish and obtain any information on sightings they may have had.
The mom (Molly) was TNR’d (Trapped, Neutered and Released/Returned) and the kitten received the much needed medical attention since she too was sick just like her brothers. Another group of meds were sent home with Aunt Shelly with strict instructions on application.
It had been two weeks now and this fourth kitten was causing me several sleepless nights and increasing concerns. I had the one business still feeding and even assisting with trapping but I knew the little one needed medical attention. On the following Saturday, I had family in town and some animal advocacy events requiring my attendance. Luckily my friends Diane and Marge were kind enough to trap for me on Saturday. They were able to trap a very grumpy male cat named Emilio but saw nothing of the fourth kitten.
Sunday, I trapped all day with no visual of evidence of the last little dude. By this time, many folks were asking for updates on these guys and really didn’t think the fourth one had survived. Everything inside me told me this last one was still alive, sick and in serious need of rescue.
Monday, at lunch time I ran over to the area and was able to finally speak with the sign shop about the situation. They verified the kitten was still alive and they were seeing it on a regular basis. They were very glad to hear the feral cats were being altered and someone was taking care of the kittens. I left them my kitten trap and within the hour they had caught the fourth kitten. THANK GOODNESS!!
My friend collected the fourth kitten until I could get out of work. I picked the last guy up (male named Marble) and shuttled to the vet. Not only was this one ill like the others with a high fever but also suffered from ticks and multiple fleas. Emilio (Male cat) was TNR’d and returned to his home while the businesses agreed to feed him during his lifetime.
I truly believe that as sick as these kittens were they would not have survived without medical attention and nutritious food. Even though, I know I did exactly what I was supposed to do, a $1,200 vet charge was not something I was planning on YIKES!
I am hoping that if you can donate to help me pay for these kittens medical bills it would be greatly appreciated. All three kittens are FIV/Leuk negative and are expected to make a full recovery.
My plan is to get the kittens settled into a rescue where adoptive families can be found and contracts will be signed to insure they will be spayed/neutered when the time comes. Smudge has been spoken for by a tech at the vets office so one already has a happy home in his near future. I know we can find happy endings for the other three as well if we all work together.
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide and know that I will continue to do my best to make sure these guys have the best chance possible for a lifetime of happiness.
Organizer
Shelly Pinter
Organizer
Canton Township, MI