We took in a stray kitten tonight. I don't think we plan to make it permanent, so for now it is staying in the basement separate from our cats.
It was running behind three kids on bikes. The kids were sailing by and the cat spotted me, came over and started purring right away. The kids came back. I asked if it was their cat or if it started running with them from the farm across which is very close (nearly across the street). The said it started following them from the bank which is about 5 or 6 blocks away. The bank is by a highway. I just wonder if someone dropped off a cat they didn't want.
The cat seems well groomed except for an area on its ear that seems to have been bitten or caught on something and has dried blood. It has all it's claws, no collar. I think it is domestic, rather than farm cat based on how it is interacting with us.
It is very cute and it is tempting to take it in, but I think we should find a home for it. The shelters around here are kill shelters, so I'm thinking I should post it on craigslist, but wonder if I should post a found listing before I go off offering it to someone else. How would I know it was the owner? I didn't see any lost kitten posts that describe this kitten.
Any ideas would be helpful...as I just want to do the right thing!
Found a Kitten
August 8th, 2014 at 03:08 am
August 8th, 2014 at 04:08 am 1407470919
You may want to have your vet or shelter scan the kitten for a microchip. If the kitten is lost from the neighborhood near the bank, the owner may put up signs in the next few days. It's probably worth a drive around the area in a couple of days to check for signs.
If you do not find the owner, please give the kitten only to someone you know or to someone known to and trusted by a friend or relative. That's the best way to insure this little one has a good start in life.
August 8th, 2014 at 11:48 am 1407498535
I will have it checked for a microchip and go from there.
Kittens are busy little things! I can see why people get them and then don't want to keep them. We adopted both of our cats at over 6 months of age and they were busy, but not like this little one.
August 8th, 2014 at 01:32 pm 1407504748
If you decide to keep the kitten, combo test for FeLV/FIV and vaccinate before you introduce him or her to your cats. Your cats might love someone new to play with, or they might be jealous. The reaction is not predictable.
Like dogs, a tired kitten is a good kitten. A couple of ping pong balls or a similar plastic ball with a bell in it are very helpful in using up kitten energy.
August 8th, 2014 at 02:06 pm 1407506817
In addition to the things Another Reader mentioned, call your area vets to see if any of their customers reported their kitten lost. Also check to see if there is a Facebook page for your area related to animals in need. You may be able to hook up with a rescue group or find an adopter that you can feel good about that way.
If you decide to place "found cat" flyers do NOT include a photo or include any details (not even size or gender or that it's a kitten) ... let the person who "lost" their kitten describe it to you.
August 8th, 2014 at 02:10 pm 1407507032
August 8th, 2014 at 02:12 pm 1407507177
August 8th, 2014 at 07:15 pm 1407525311
And very good of you to take her in.
Good luck!
August 10th, 2014 at 02:59 am 1407639549