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[Sirus]

We found a bunch of kittens living under and behind our woodpile. Deciding that it would be better to try and find homes for them than to let them join the ranks of stray feral cats around here, we built a shelter, laid out some food and water, and spent a good hour digging them out of the woodpile and transferring them to the shelter. Now we're beginning the process of trying to get them used to humans and setting up fliers looking for adopters. We're also planning to keep one, a prospect I'm...less than enthusiastic about.

Sadly, it appears that one of the kittens is already going feral; it'll hiss at, claw, and bite anyone that tries to touch it. We're hoping it's just stress from getting caught, but if it doesn't improve soon we'll probably have to send it to a shelter to be put down.

Unless they're significantly older kittens, I really doubt that one is "going feral". It's probably just the biggest of the group, and it's stressed, afraid, confused, and possibly injured. A calm environment, gradual socialization with humans, and time will make a significant impact over the next few months of development. It's possible that it might still end up being a grumpy cat, but I know people who love grumpy cats, so don't give up yet.

Were you planning on finding them homes directly, or bringing them to a shelter? Since they're wild-born, odds are they have picked up a parasite or two, so the regular regiment of shots are in order. I'd advise getting them to a no-kill shelter ASAP, where they'll be given medical care and human socialization. It's their best chance for adoption.

We're not gonna be keeping them for "months". They appear to be weaned already, or at least capable of eating solid food, but taking care of five kittens on top of our older dog who's not appreciative of other animals is going to be a bit of a strain. We're hoping to find homes in a week, possibly two.

Not sure if there's a no-kill shelter in the area. It'd probably be a good idea though.

[Solifuge]

I didn't mean you keeping them for months. I meant the shelter, where they will socialize with them. You can do a web-search for no-kill shelters nearby. That's my best recommendation to you.

[Sirus]

Ah, I see. Good idea, especially if no-one shows interest in the fliers we put up.

[Solifuge]

My biggest concern is people taking them in directly from the wild, without realizing they probably need to be de-wormed and immunized, and should also be spayed/neutered to prevent further catsplosion. Shelters would be the best bet for a first stop, though you could still put up fliers that point people to the shelter.

Side note: if they're less than a year (basically if they're not full-size), they ought to be on higher-calorie Kitten Foods. Any food is better than no food, though.

</CatLore>

[Sirus]

Way ahead of you on the food front

How much do shelters charge for all of that stuff? 5 kittens, don't forget.

[Solifuge]

To my knowledge, it usually doesn't cost anything. They're wild cats, not your cats. Most of the shelters I've been to are non-profits, and do their work on behalf of the environment, and animal welfare.

[Xantalos]

Sirus, you are a good person.

[Sirus]

 

Not really...I don't want any of the kittens here because I still miss my old cat. It feels like we're replacing her, or something.

[Vector]

Okay.  Document turned in.  Now I can go have my full-blown panic attack, because I've been holding off that fainty feeling for about an hour now.

Phew.  Relieved.

[SalmonGod]

Sirus, you are a good person.

Meanwhile, Solifuge operates a national network of secret factories, churning out priceless <*Cat Bone and Leather Goods*>.  The shelters are a front and material supply.

[Xantalos]

It does feel like that at first.
They ingratiate themselves to you.
Also, it isn't really replacing her any more than ...
...
...
...
than moving to your godparent if your parents die. Depressing metaphor, but the lesson holds.

Sirus, you are a good person.

Meanwhile, Solifuge operates a national network of secret factories, churning out priceless <*Cat Bone and Leather Goods*>.  The shelters are a front and material supply.

*Solifuge's corpse has been found, mysteriously disfigured!*

[Ogdibus]

.

[Solifuge]

Sirus, you are a good person.

Meanwhile, Solifuge operates a national network of secret factories, churning out priceless <*Cat Bone and Leather Goods*>.  The shelters are a front and material supply.

*Solifuge's corpse has been found, mysteriously disfigured!*

It's called a "haircut".

IS IT REALLY THAT BAD, GUYS? D:

[Neonivek]

I am getting the urge to do something again... I REALLY want to...

But I really shouldn't.

Ohh well, this feeling should pass in a month.

[SalmonGod]

Sirus, you are a good person.

Meanwhile, Solifuge operates a national network of secret factories, churning out priceless <*Cat Bone and Leather Goods*>.  The shelters are a front and material supply.

*Solifuge's corpse has been found, mysteriously disfigured!*

It's called a "haircut".

IS IT REALLY THAT BAD, GUYS? D:

THAT DEPENDS.  DO YOU HAVE ANY REMORSE FOR YOUR CAT SLAUGHTER?!

_{* Having successfully drawn blame away from himself, SalmonGod melts into the shadows and stalks away into the night with his cat bone crossbow to hunt more cats for profit}