Feral kitten and litter box

[Priscilla Ballou]

Folks,

I am crossposting this to health+behavior and rescue. I posted an
introduction about the feral kitten I'm suddenly responsible for on the
rescue group, but I now have a specific question that I would welcome
help with from either group. I will repost the introductory post at the
end.

My current issue is that the kitten feral, probably about 6 weeks old,
doesn't know what a litter box is for. I've put him down in it after
meals, but he doesn't do anything. Over night he left poop in one
corner of his cage and pee in another. Neither was in the litter box.

Is he not old enough to have good enough control yet to use the box? Or
what?

We're guessing he's six weeks old from a telephone conversation with a
vet. We're taking him in for a checkup and parasite treatment in a day
or three, depending on when there's an appointment available. His eyes
are open (and a beautiful deep blue), he's teething (and one can feel
the beginnings of his teeth when he closes his mouth on a finger or the
like -- like the end of my nose, heh heh), and he chomps down on canned
kitten food and sardines with vim and vigour when you put him next to
the plate, but he loses interest when the plate's just on the floor of
his cage with him. He's extremely friendly and seems almost desperate
for holding and attention. He purrs and cries, but does not suckle
inapropriately (i.e. I think he's fully weaned) and only occasionally
kneads. He can be held in one hand, but overflows the palm a bit. He's
still wobbly on his feet, and his head seems too big for his neck, but
he's very interested in exploring his surroundings and likes to play
with the edge of my nightgown or the sheet or my hands (I know -- I have
to train him out of that) or with actual soft toys. He's got a round
belly but is pretty boney otherwise. I think vet attention to parasites
will improve that.

He's a darling little guy, but I want to be able to leave for a
conference at the end of the week. My mother is coming down to sit my
older cats, and I've told her about the surprise kitten in the
guestroom, but I don't know about leaving if the kitten isn't using its
box. There's only so much one can/should ask from one's 80 year old
mother! ;-) (She is a cat person, though.)

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Priscilla

Here's the original post:

This afternoon my stupid neighbors caught a feral kitten whose mother
would probably have come back and gotten it if they'd left it alone.
After it was caught, who knows if she would? And then they didn't want
the kitten! One family said "no" to their daughter who wanted it for a
pet and the other has a daughter who's allergic, so guess who's taking
care of the kitten?

On the upside, this is the most friendly feral kitten imaginable, and,
yes, we're sure he's feral. It's a small street, and no-one has a cat
with kittens. We're estimating its age at about 6 weeks. Its eyes are
open and deep blue, it's got teeth barely coming in, and it laps up wet
food now that it knows it's food. I had to put some on my finger and
then smush it on his face before he got it and waded into the dish (yes,
two forepaws firmly in the goop) and slurped some up. He loves to be
held and petted, so all those instructions in how to socialize a feral
can be tossed right out the window.

The first chance my friend Melissa and I will have to get him to a vet
for a check-up -- and probably worming and anti-flea treatment -- is
Wednesday evening. For the time being he's in the big cat cage in my
guest room with a towel-lined box, a pillow-case covered hot water
bottle, a dish of food and one of water, a kitten-sized litter pan, and
a stuffed animal (fox). I'll sleep in there with him to keep him
company -- in the room, not in the cage! There are limits to my
suckerdom. ;-) I'm keeping my three cats out of the room.

He's black and white, more a leotard than a tuxedo, as I described him
to someone this afternoon. White paws, splotches on chest & tummy, and
one funny mark on his mouth. In the sun you can see the tiger markings
under the black. Too cute for words. He fits into one hand and has
tiny claws like needles. He very occasionally hisses but frequently
cries if he's not getting petted or otherwise having attention paid to
him. Melissa was petting him and found his "sweet spot" under his left
ear. She had him totally blissed out. Wierdest feral I've met, but
then he's very young.

He seems quite healthy -- not emaciated, nice round tummy even before
discovering wet kitty food -- curious, interested, playful. One eye is
watering just a little bit, and I want to keep an eye on that, but aside
from fleas he seems in very good shape. And we think he's a he.

So far names being tried on are Sprocket, Freckle, Spock (he has pointy
ears), and Sunshine Junior.

If all goes well, he will become a part of Melissa's family, but even if
it doesn't work out we are both determined he will be going to a good
home. Heck, he's already socialized! ;-)

[Cat Protector]

I would put the kitten in the litterbox and take his paw and dig a little in
litter. It is going to take time and patience and you may have to do this
several times until the kitten learns what the box is for.


"Priscilla Ballou" > wrote in message
...
> Folks,
>
> I am crossposting this to health+behavior and rescue. I posted an
> introduction about the feral kitten I'm suddenly responsible for on the
> rescue group, but I now have a specific question that I would welcome
> help with from either group. I will repost the introductory post at the
> end.
>
> My current issue is that the kitten feral, probably about 6 weeks old,
> doesn't know what a litter box is for. I've put him down in it after
> meals, but he doesn't do anything. Over night he left poop in one
> corner of his cage and pee in another. Neither was in the litter box.
>
> Is he not old enough to have good enough control yet to use the box? Or
> what?
>
> We're guessing he's six weeks old from a telephone conversation with a
> vet. We're taking him in for a checkup and parasite treatment in a day
> or three, depending on when there's an appointment available. His eyes
> are open (and a beautiful deep blue), he's teething (and one can feel
> the beginnings of his teeth when he closes his mouth on a finger or the
> like -- like the end of my nose, heh heh), and he chomps down on canned
> kitten food and sardines with vim and vigour when you put him next to
> the plate, but he loses interest when the plate's just on the floor of
> his cage with him. He's extremely friendly and seems almost desperate
> for holding and attention. He purrs and cries, but does not suckle
> inapropriately (i.e. I think he's fully weaned) and only occasionally
> kneads. He can be held in one hand, but overflows the palm a bit. He's
> still wobbly on his feet, and his head seems too big for his neck, but
> he's very interested in exploring his surroundings and likes to play
> with the edge of my nightgown or the sheet or my hands (I know -- I have
> to train him out of that) or with actual soft toys. He's got a round
> belly but is pretty boney otherwise. I think vet attention to parasites
> will improve that.
>
> He's a darling little guy, but I want to be able to leave for a
> conference at the end of the week. My mother is coming down to sit my
> older cats, and I've told her about the surprise kitten in the
> guestroom, but I don't know about leaving if the kitten isn't using its
> box. There's only so much one can/should ask from one's 80 year old
> mother! ;-) (She is a cat person, though.)
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Priscilla
>
> Here's the original post:
>
> This afternoon my stupid neighbors caught a feral kitten whose mother
> would probably have come back and gotten it if they'd left it alone.
> After it was caught, who knows if she would? And then they didn't want
> the kitten! One family said "no" to their daughter who wanted it for a
> pet and the other has a daughter who's allergic, so guess who's taking
> care of the kitten?
>
> On the upside, this is the most friendly feral kitten imaginable, and,
> yes, we're sure he's feral. It's a small street, and no-one has a cat
> with kittens. We're estimating its age at about 6 weeks. Its eyes are
> open and deep blue, it's got teeth barely coming in, and it laps up wet
> food now that it knows it's food. I had to put some on my finger and
> then smush it on his face before he got it and waded into the dish (yes,
> two forepaws firmly in the goop) and slurped some up. He loves to be
> held and petted, so all those instructions in how to socialize a feral
> can be tossed right out the window.
>
> The first chance my friend Melissa and I will have to get him to a vet
> for a check-up -- and probably worming and anti-flea treatment -- is
> Wednesday evening. For the time being he's in the big cat cage in my
> guest room with a towel-lined box, a pillow-case covered hot water
> bottle, a dish of food and one of water, a kitten-sized litter pan, and
> a stuffed animal (fox). I'll sleep in there with him to keep him
> company -- in the room, not in the cage! There are limits to my
> suckerdom. ;-) I'm keeping my three cats out of the room.
>
> He's black and white, more a leotard than a tuxedo, as I described him
> to someone this afternoon. White paws, splotches on chest & tummy, and
> one funny mark on his mouth. In the sun you can see the tiger markings
> under the black. Too cute for words. He fits into one hand and has
> tiny claws like needles. He very occasionally hisses but frequently
> cries if he's not getting petted or otherwise having attention paid to
> him. Melissa was petting him and found his "sweet spot" under his left
> ear. She had him totally blissed out. Wierdest feral I've met, but
> then he's very young.
>
> He seems quite healthy -- not emaciated, nice round tummy even before
> discovering wet kitty food -- curious, interested, playful. One eye is
> watering just a little bit, and I want to keep an eye on that, but aside
> from fleas he seems in very good shape. And we think he's a he.
>
> So far names being tried on are Sprocket, Freckle, Spock (he has pointy
> ears), and Sunshine Junior.
>
> If all goes well, he will become a part of Melissa's family, but even if
> it doesn't work out we are both determined he will be going to a good
> home. Heck, he's already socialized! ;-)

[Cat Protector]

I would put the kitten in the litterbox and take his paw and dig a little in
litter. It is going to take time and patience and you may have to do this
several times until the kitten learns what the box is for.


"Priscilla Ballou" > wrote in message
...
> Folks,
>
> I am crossposting this to health+behavior and rescue. I posted an
> introduction about the feral kitten I'm suddenly responsible for on the
> rescue group, but I now have a specific question that I would welcome
> help with from either group. I will repost the introductory post at the
> end.
>
> My current issue is that the kitten feral, probably about 6 weeks old,
> doesn't know what a litter box is for. I've put him down in it after
> meals, but he doesn't do anything. Over night he left poop in one
> corner of his cage and pee in another. Neither was in the litter box.
>
> Is he not old enough to have good enough control yet to use the box? Or
> what?
>
> We're guessing he's six weeks old from a telephone conversation with a
> vet. We're taking him in for a checkup and parasite treatment in a day
> or three, depending on when there's an appointment available. His eyes
> are open (and a beautiful deep blue), he's teething (and one can feel
> the beginnings of his teeth when he closes his mouth on a finger or the
> like -- like the end of my nose, heh heh), and he chomps down on canned
> kitten food and sardines with vim and vigour when you put him next to
> the plate, but he loses interest when the plate's just on the floor of
> his cage with him. He's extremely friendly and seems almost desperate
> for holding and attention. He purrs and cries, but does not suckle
> inapropriately (i.e. I think he's fully weaned) and only occasionally
> kneads. He can be held in one hand, but overflows the palm a bit. He's
> still wobbly on his feet, and his head seems too big for his neck, but
> he's very interested in exploring his surroundings and likes to play
> with the edge of my nightgown or the sheet or my hands (I know -- I have
> to train him out of that) or with actual soft toys. He's got a round
> belly but is pretty boney otherwise. I think vet attention to parasites
> will improve that.
>
> He's a darling little guy, but I want to be able to leave for a
> conference at the end of the week. My mother is coming down to sit my
> older cats, and I've told her about the surprise kitten in the
> guestroom, but I don't know about leaving if the kitten isn't using its
> box. There's only so much one can/should ask from one's 80 year old
> mother! ;-) (She is a cat person, though.)
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Priscilla
>
> Here's the original post:
>
> This afternoon my stupid neighbors caught a feral kitten whose mother
> would probably have come back and gotten it if they'd left it alone.
> After it was caught, who knows if she would? And then they didn't want
> the kitten! One family said "no" to their daughter who wanted it for a
> pet and the other has a daughter who's allergic, so guess who's taking
> care of the kitten?
>
> On the upside, this is the most friendly feral kitten imaginable, and,
> yes, we're sure he's feral. It's a small street, and no-one has a cat
> with kittens. We're estimating its age at about 6 weeks. Its eyes are
> open and deep blue, it's got teeth barely coming in, and it laps up wet
> food now that it knows it's food. I had to put some on my finger and
> then smush it on his face before he got it and waded into the dish (yes,
> two forepaws firmly in the goop) and slurped some up. He loves to be
> held and petted, so all those instructions in how to socialize a feral
> can be tossed right out the window.
>
> The first chance my friend Melissa and I will have to get him to a vet
> for a check-up -- and probably worming and anti-flea treatment -- is
> Wednesday evening. For the time being he's in the big cat cage in my
> guest room with a towel-lined box, a pillow-case covered hot water
> bottle, a dish of food and one of water, a kitten-sized litter pan, and
> a stuffed animal (fox). I'll sleep in there with him to keep him
> company -- in the room, not in the cage! There are limits to my
> suckerdom. ;-) I'm keeping my three cats out of the room.
>
> He's black and white, more a leotard than a tuxedo, as I described him
> to someone this afternoon. White paws, splotches on chest & tummy, and
> one funny mark on his mouth. In the sun you can see the tiger markings
> under the black. Too cute for words. He fits into one hand and has
> tiny claws like needles. He very occasionally hisses but frequently
> cries if he's not getting petted or otherwise having attention paid to
> him. Melissa was petting him and found his "sweet spot" under his left
> ear. She had him totally blissed out. Wierdest feral I've met, but
> then he's very young.
>
> He seems quite healthy -- not emaciated, nice round tummy even before
> discovering wet kitty food -- curious, interested, playful. One eye is
> watering just a little bit, and I want to keep an eye on that, but aside
> from fleas he seems in very good shape. And we think he's a he.
>
> So far names being tried on are Sprocket, Freckle, Spock (he has pointy
> ears), and Sunshine Junior.
>
> If all goes well, he will become a part of Melissa's family, but even if
> it doesn't work out we are both determined he will be going to a good
> home. Heck, he's already socialized! ;-)

[[email protected]]

Often cats that have lived exclusively outdoors all or most of their
lives have no idea what to do when presented with a litterbox with the
expectation that they pee/poop in it. They are used to going in dirt and
have no idea what litter is. Your best option, and one that I have used
many times successfully, is to put dirt from outside in the litterbox.
Putting one of the kittens poops in the box should help as well.
Gradually add litter to/remove dirt from the box until it is changed
over enough that you can dump the contents and use plain litter.

Megan



"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
nothing."

-Edmund Burke

Learn The TRUTH About Declawing
http://www.stopdeclaw.com

Zuzu's Cats Photo Album:
http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22

"Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one
elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and
splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then
providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and
material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his
way."

- W.H. Murray

[[email protected]]

Often cats that have lived exclusively outdoors all or most of their
lives have no idea what to do when presented with a litterbox with the
expectation that they pee/poop in it. They are used to going in dirt and
have no idea what litter is. Your best option, and one that I have used
many times successfully, is to put dirt from outside in the litterbox.
Putting one of the kittens poops in the box should help as well.
Gradually add litter to/remove dirt from the box until it is changed
over enough that you can dump the contents and use plain litter.

Megan



"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
nothing."

-Edmund Burke

Learn The TRUTH About Declawing
http://www.stopdeclaw.com

Zuzu's Cats Photo Album:
http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22

"Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one
elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and
splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then
providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and
material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his
way."

- W.H. Murray

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
wrote:

> Often cats that have lived exclusively outdoors all or most of their
> lives have no idea what to do when presented with a litterbox with the
> expectation that they pee/poop in it. They are used to going in dirt and
> have no idea what litter is. Your best option, and one that I have used
> many times successfully, is to put dirt from outside in the litterbox.
> Putting one of the kittens poops in the box should help as well.
> Gradually add litter to/remove dirt from the box until it is changed
> over enough that you can dump the contents and use plain litter.

Good idea. Thanks.

Priscilla

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
wrote:

> Often cats that have lived exclusively outdoors all or most of their
> lives have no idea what to do when presented with a litterbox with the
> expectation that they pee/poop in it. They are used to going in dirt and
> have no idea what litter is. Your best option, and one that I have used
> many times successfully, is to put dirt from outside in the litterbox.
> Putting one of the kittens poops in the box should help as well.
> Gradually add litter to/remove dirt from the box until it is changed
> over enough that you can dump the contents and use plain litter.

Good idea. Thanks.

Priscilla

[Cat Protector]

Well I think the OP said this kitten was about 6 weeks old so they may get
used to a litterbox without the dirt trick. I have to wonder where the
mother cat is though. 6 weeks seems kind of young to be taking this kitten
away from the mother.

> wrote in message
...
> Often cats that have lived exclusively outdoors all or most of their
> lives have no idea what to do when presented with a litterbox with the
> expectation that they pee/poop in it. They are used to going in dirt and
> have no idea what litter is. Your best option, and one that I have used
> many times successfully, is to put dirt from outside in the litterbox.
> Putting one of the kittens poops in the box should help as well.
> Gradually add litter to/remove dirt from the box until it is changed
> over enough that you can dump the contents and use plain litter.
>
> Megan
>
>
>
> "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
> nothing."
>
> -Edmund Burke
>
> Learn The TRUTH About Declawing
> http://www.stopdeclaw.com
>
> Zuzu's Cats Photo Album:
> http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22
>
> "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one
> elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and
> splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then
> providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
> raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and
> material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his
> way."
>
> - W.H. Murray
>
>

[Cat Protector]

Well I think the OP said this kitten was about 6 weeks old so they may get
used to a litterbox without the dirt trick. I have to wonder where the
mother cat is though. 6 weeks seems kind of young to be taking this kitten
away from the mother.

> wrote in message
...
> Often cats that have lived exclusively outdoors all or most of their
> lives have no idea what to do when presented with a litterbox with the
> expectation that they pee/poop in it. They are used to going in dirt and
> have no idea what litter is. Your best option, and one that I have used
> many times successfully, is to put dirt from outside in the litterbox.
> Putting one of the kittens poops in the box should help as well.
> Gradually add litter to/remove dirt from the box until it is changed
> over enough that you can dump the contents and use plain litter.
>
> Megan
>
>
>
> "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
> nothing."
>
> -Edmund Burke
>
> Learn The TRUTH About Declawing
> http://www.stopdeclaw.com
>
> Zuzu's Cats Photo Album:
> http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22
>
> "Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one
> elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and
> splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then
> providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
> raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and
> material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his
> way."
>
> - W.H. Murray
>
>

[KellyH]

"Cat Protector" > wrote in message
news:95rYc.165271$sh.125185@fed1read06...
> Well I think the OP said this kitten was about 6 weeks old so they may get
> used to a litterbox without the dirt trick. I have to wonder where the
> mother cat is though. 6 weeks seems kind of young to be taking this kitten
> away from the mother.
>

Go back and read her whole post again. She said what happened regarding the
mother. Her neighbor trapped the kitten and the mother is a neighborhood
stray/feral.

Even though 6 weeks is young to take a kitten away from his mother, if the
mother is indeed feral, it is better for the kitten to start becoming
socialized now. Which, it seems you are having much success at!

You may also want to try taking a damp cottonball to his behind after he
eats, stroking him gently with it. Then, put him right in the litterbox.
--
-Kelly
kelly at farringtons dot net
www.kelltek.com
Check out www.snittens.com

[KellyH]

"Cat Protector" > wrote in message
news:95rYc.165271$sh.125185@fed1read06...
> Well I think the OP said this kitten was about 6 weeks old so they may get
> used to a litterbox without the dirt trick. I have to wonder where the
> mother cat is though. 6 weeks seems kind of young to be taking this kitten
> away from the mother.
>

Go back and read her whole post again. She said what happened regarding the
mother. Her neighbor trapped the kitten and the mother is a neighborhood
stray/feral.

Even though 6 weeks is young to take a kitten away from his mother, if the
mother is indeed feral, it is better for the kitten to start becoming
socialized now. Which, it seems you are having much success at!

You may also want to try taking a damp cottonball to his behind after he
eats, stroking him gently with it. Then, put him right in the litterbox.
--
-Kelly
kelly at farringtons dot net
www.kelltek.com
Check out www.snittens.com

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article <95rYc.165271$sh.125185@fed1read06>,
"Cat Protector" > wrote:

> Well I think the OP said this kitten was about 6 weeks old so they may get
> used to a litterbox without the dirt trick. I have to wonder where the
> mother cat is though. 6 weeks seems kind of young to be taking this kitten
> away from the mother.

Hmmm. I thought that was covered in the initial posting. The full
details are that my idiot neighbors used a water hose to drive the
kitten out from where it and a sibling were hiding behind some steps.
They claimed they were "stuck." I think their mother tucked them there
for safety while she went off hunting.

I managed to convince them to leave the second one alone (with a dish of
sardines and one of water close by) in hopes that Mom would come back
and retrieve him. The one that they'd already "saved" had been handled
so much that I was worried that Mom might reject it based on smell.
NONE of them wanted the kitten! One family had a daughter who wanted
it, but the parents said no, and the other family had a daughter who is
severely allergic. They had called me down the street because they know
about cats, so they kind of turned to me and held out the kitten. So I
took it, figuring that was the best of a lot of alternatives.

I've now had 24 hours to bond with the kitten and see it progress in its
trust and comfort level, and a little while ago the girl who wanted the
kitten came knocking on my door asking for the kitten back to give to
her aunt. I told her: 1) my friend Melissa and I were now in charge of
the cat and I had to talk to her, since she was probably also wanting to
take it and 2) it was too young to go anywhere yet. No way am I giving
that kitten to relatives of those idiots. They let their dog run loose
on our (admittedly quiet) street, and they let their daughter's first
cat go outside.

I'm not letting that kitten go to anyone until 1) it's had its vet
checkup and had its parasite problems and eye discharge resolved and 2)
it's at least 8 - 12 weeks old and figured out what its litter box is
for and that the dish of food in its cage can be eaten any time and it
doesn't have to be deliberately fed by a caregiver.

They have to understand that they handed over responsbility, and I've
taken that responsibility!

End of sermon.

Priscilla

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article <95rYc.165271$sh.125185@fed1read06>,
"Cat Protector" > wrote:

> Well I think the OP said this kitten was about 6 weeks old so they may get
> used to a litterbox without the dirt trick. I have to wonder where the
> mother cat is though. 6 weeks seems kind of young to be taking this kitten
> away from the mother.

Hmmm. I thought that was covered in the initial posting. The full
details are that my idiot neighbors used a water hose to drive the
kitten out from where it and a sibling were hiding behind some steps.
They claimed they were "stuck." I think their mother tucked them there
for safety while she went off hunting.

I managed to convince them to leave the second one alone (with a dish of
sardines and one of water close by) in hopes that Mom would come back
and retrieve him. The one that they'd already "saved" had been handled
so much that I was worried that Mom might reject it based on smell.
NONE of them wanted the kitten! One family had a daughter who wanted
it, but the parents said no, and the other family had a daughter who is
severely allergic. They had called me down the street because they know
about cats, so they kind of turned to me and held out the kitten. So I
took it, figuring that was the best of a lot of alternatives.

I've now had 24 hours to bond with the kitten and see it progress in its
trust and comfort level, and a little while ago the girl who wanted the
kitten came knocking on my door asking for the kitten back to give to
her aunt. I told her: 1) my friend Melissa and I were now in charge of
the cat and I had to talk to her, since she was probably also wanting to
take it and 2) it was too young to go anywhere yet. No way am I giving
that kitten to relatives of those idiots. They let their dog run loose
on our (admittedly quiet) street, and they let their daughter's first
cat go outside.

I'm not letting that kitten go to anyone until 1) it's had its vet
checkup and had its parasite problems and eye discharge resolved and 2)
it's at least 8 - 12 weeks old and figured out what its litter box is
for and that the dish of food in its cage can be eaten any time and it
doesn't have to be deliberately fed by a caregiver.

They have to understand that they handed over responsbility, and I've
taken that responsibility!

End of sermon.

Priscilla

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article <vsrYc.90734$mD.42701@attbi_s02>,
"KellyH" > wrote:

> Even though 6 weeks is young to take a kitten away from his mother, if the
> mother is indeed feral, it is better for the kitten to start becoming
> socialized now. Which, it seems you are having much success at!

He's coming along great! He even let me read while he was curled up
under my chin just now, not demanding petting or attention, just
snoozing in a little black and white ball. When I come in the room now,
instead of huddling in the back of the cage he either dances up to be
let out and cuddled or else gets up from sleeping and takes a nice long
stretch before demanding *out*. :-)

He is very very cute, as you probably can tell. Melissa was over
earlier today, and we were talking while she petted him. I looked down
at him and he had his little face raised watching her face intently
while she talked. :-) He's probably going to live with her eventually,
or if not then with a good friend of hers. Melissa has three cats
already, one of whom is special needs (grown-up kitten of a mom with
distemper), and the special needs cat's needs need to be considered
first. I think it might work out, though. I hope so, because I don't
want to lose touch with Sprocket.

> You may also want to try taking a damp cottonball to his behind after he
> eats, stroking him gently with it. Then, put him right in the litterbox.

OK. I thought he was too old to need that, though. He pees and poops
at other times (when I'm not there or asleep). I'll give it a short
before resorting to dirt.

Priscilla

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article <vsrYc.90734$mD.42701@attbi_s02>,
"KellyH" > wrote:

> Even though 6 weeks is young to take a kitten away from his mother, if the
> mother is indeed feral, it is better for the kitten to start becoming
> socialized now. Which, it seems you are having much success at!

He's coming along great! He even let me read while he was curled up
under my chin just now, not demanding petting or attention, just
snoozing in a little black and white ball. When I come in the room now,
instead of huddling in the back of the cage he either dances up to be
let out and cuddled or else gets up from sleeping and takes a nice long
stretch before demanding *out*. :-)

He is very very cute, as you probably can tell. Melissa was over
earlier today, and we were talking while she petted him. I looked down
at him and he had his little face raised watching her face intently
while she talked. :-) He's probably going to live with her eventually,
or if not then with a good friend of hers. Melissa has three cats
already, one of whom is special needs (grown-up kitten of a mom with
distemper), and the special needs cat's needs need to be considered
first. I think it might work out, though. I hope so, because I don't
want to lose touch with Sprocket.

> You may also want to try taking a damp cottonball to his behind after he
> eats, stroking him gently with it. Then, put him right in the litterbox.

OK. I thought he was too old to need that, though. He pees and poops
at other times (when I'm not there or asleep). I'll give it a short
before resorting to dirt.

Priscilla

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
Priscilla Ballou > wrote:

> In article <vsrYc.90734$mD.42701@attbi_s02>,
> "KellyH" > wrote:
>
> > Even though 6 weeks is young to take a kitten away from his mother, if the
> > mother is indeed feral, it is better for the kitten to start becoming
> > socialized now. Which, it seems you are having much success at!
>
> He's coming along great! He even let me read while he was curled up
> under my chin just now, not demanding petting or attention, just
> snoozing in a little black and white ball. When I come in the room now,
> instead of huddling in the back of the cage he either dances up to be
> let out and cuddled or else gets up from sleeping and takes a nice long
> stretch before demanding *out*. :-)
>
> He is very very cute, as you probably can tell. Melissa was over
> earlier today, and we were talking while she petted him. I looked down
> at him and he had his little face raised watching her face intently
> while she talked. :-) He's probably going to live with her eventually,
> or if not then with a good friend of hers. Melissa has three cats
> already, one of whom is special needs (grown-up kitten of a mom with
> distemper), and the special needs cat's needs need to be considered
> first. I think it might work out, though. I hope so, because I don't
> want to lose touch with Sprocket.
>
> > You may also want to try taking a damp cottonball to his behind after he
> > eats, stroking him gently with it. Then, put him right in the litterbox.
>
> OK. I thought he was too old to need that, though. He pees and poops
> at other times (when I'm not there or asleep). I'll give it a short
> before resorting to dirt.

Oh, I forgot to say thank you!

Priscilla

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
Priscilla Ballou > wrote:

> In article <vsrYc.90734$mD.42701@attbi_s02>,
> "KellyH" > wrote:
>
> > Even though 6 weeks is young to take a kitten away from his mother, if the
> > mother is indeed feral, it is better for the kitten to start becoming
> > socialized now. Which, it seems you are having much success at!
>
> He's coming along great! He even let me read while he was curled up
> under my chin just now, not demanding petting or attention, just
> snoozing in a little black and white ball. When I come in the room now,
> instead of huddling in the back of the cage he either dances up to be
> let out and cuddled or else gets up from sleeping and takes a nice long
> stretch before demanding *out*. :-)
>
> He is very very cute, as you probably can tell. Melissa was over
> earlier today, and we were talking while she petted him. I looked down
> at him and he had his little face raised watching her face intently
> while she talked. :-) He's probably going to live with her eventually,
> or if not then with a good friend of hers. Melissa has three cats
> already, one of whom is special needs (grown-up kitten of a mom with
> distemper), and the special needs cat's needs need to be considered
> first. I think it might work out, though. I hope so, because I don't
> want to lose touch with Sprocket.
>
> > You may also want to try taking a damp cottonball to his behind after he
> > eats, stroking him gently with it. Then, put him right in the litterbox.
>
> OK. I thought he was too old to need that, though. He pees and poops
> at other times (when I'm not there or asleep). I'll give it a short
> before resorting to dirt.

Oh, I forgot to say thank you!

Priscilla

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
Priscilla Ballou > wrote:

> In article <95rYc.165271$sh.125185@fed1read06>,
> "Cat Protector" > wrote:
>
> > Well I think the OP said this kitten was about 6 weeks old so they may get
> > used to a litterbox without the dirt trick. I have to wonder where the
> > mother cat is though. 6 weeks seems kind of young to be taking this kitten
> > away from the mother.
>
> Hmmm. I thought that was covered in the initial posting. The full
> details are that my idiot neighbors used a water hose to drive the
> kitten out from where it and a sibling were hiding behind some steps.
> They claimed they were "stuck." I think their mother tucked them there
> for safety while she went off hunting.
>
> I managed to convince them to leave the second one alone (with a dish of
> sardines and one of water close by) in hopes that Mom would come back
> and retrieve him. The one that they'd already "saved" had been handled
> so much that I was worried that Mom might reject it based on smell.
> NONE of them wanted the kitten! One family had a daughter who wanted
> it, but the parents said no, and the other family had a daughter who is
> severely allergic. They had called me down the street because they know

because they know I KNOW

> about cats, so they kind of turned to me and held out the kitten. So I
> took it, figuring that was the best of a lot of alternatives.
>
> I've now had 24 hours to bond with the kitten and see it progress in its
> trust and comfort level, and a little while ago the girl who wanted the
> kitten came knocking on my door asking for the kitten back to give to
> her aunt. I told her: 1) my friend Melissa and I were now in charge of
> the cat and I had to talk to her, since she was probably also wanting to
> take it and 2) it was too young to go anywhere yet. No way am I giving
> that kitten to relatives of those idiots. They let their dog run loose
> on our (admittedly quiet) street, and they let their daughter's first
> cat go outside.
>
> I'm not letting that kitten go to anyone until 1) it's had its vet
> checkup and had its parasite problems and eye discharge resolved and 2)
> it's at least 8 - 12 weeks old and figured out what its litter box is
> for and that the dish of food in its cage can be eaten any time and it
> doesn't have to be deliberately fed by a caregiver.
>
> They have to understand that they handed over responsbility, and I've
> taken that responsibility!
>
> End of sermon.
>
> Priscilla

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
Priscilla Ballou > wrote:

> In article <95rYc.165271$sh.125185@fed1read06>,
> "Cat Protector" > wrote:
>
> > Well I think the OP said this kitten was about 6 weeks old so they may get
> > used to a litterbox without the dirt trick. I have to wonder where the
> > mother cat is though. 6 weeks seems kind of young to be taking this kitten
> > away from the mother.
>
> Hmmm. I thought that was covered in the initial posting. The full
> details are that my idiot neighbors used a water hose to drive the
> kitten out from where it and a sibling were hiding behind some steps.
> They claimed they were "stuck." I think their mother tucked them there
> for safety while she went off hunting.
>
> I managed to convince them to leave the second one alone (with a dish of
> sardines and one of water close by) in hopes that Mom would come back
> and retrieve him. The one that they'd already "saved" had been handled
> so much that I was worried that Mom might reject it based on smell.
> NONE of them wanted the kitten! One family had a daughter who wanted
> it, but the parents said no, and the other family had a daughter who is
> severely allergic. They had called me down the street because they know

because they know I KNOW

> about cats, so they kind of turned to me and held out the kitten. So I
> took it, figuring that was the best of a lot of alternatives.
>
> I've now had 24 hours to bond with the kitten and see it progress in its
> trust and comfort level, and a little while ago the girl who wanted the
> kitten came knocking on my door asking for the kitten back to give to
> her aunt. I told her: 1) my friend Melissa and I were now in charge of
> the cat and I had to talk to her, since she was probably also wanting to
> take it and 2) it was too young to go anywhere yet. No way am I giving
> that kitten to relatives of those idiots. They let their dog run loose
> on our (admittedly quiet) street, and they let their daughter's first
> cat go outside.
>
> I'm not letting that kitten go to anyone until 1) it's had its vet
> checkup and had its parasite problems and eye discharge resolved and 2)
> it's at least 8 - 12 weeks old and figured out what its litter box is
> for and that the dish of food in its cage can be eaten any time and it
> doesn't have to be deliberately fed by a caregiver.
>
> They have to understand that they handed over responsbility, and I've
> taken that responsibility!
>
> End of sermon.
>
> Priscilla

[Priscilla H Ballou]

In rec.pets.cats.rescue Priscilla Ballou > wrote:

>I've now had 24 hours to bond with the kitten and see it progress in its
>trust and comfort level, and a little while ago the girl who wanted the
>kitten came knocking on my door asking for the kitten back to give to
>her aunt. I told her: 1) my friend Melissa and I were now in charge of
>the cat and I had to talk to her, since she was probably also wanting to
>take it and 2) it was too young to go anywhere yet. No way am I giving
>that kitten to relatives of those idiots. They let their dog run loose
>on our (admittedly quiet) street, and they let their daughter's first
>cat go outside.
>I'm not letting that kitten go to anyone until 1) it's had its vet
>checkup and had its parasite problems and eye discharge resolved and 2)
>it's at least 8 - 12 weeks old and figured out what its litter box is
>for and that the dish of food in its cage can be eaten any time and it
>doesn't have to be deliberately fed by a caregiver.
>They have to understand that they handed over responsbility, and I've
>taken that responsibility!

The girl now came back, backed up by her older sister. She says her
brother says he found the cat, so it's his, and he wants it back. I stuck
to my guns, saying that when they gave the cat to me they gave me
responsibility for it.

This is very hard, and I may end up in a bad relationship with a neighbor
over it. But this sweet kitten is going to my friend who's already in
love with it, or to her friend, not to these people who don't know how to
treat animals.

******

Priscilla

[Priscilla H Ballou]

In rec.pets.cats.rescue Priscilla Ballou > wrote:

>I've now had 24 hours to bond with the kitten and see it progress in its
>trust and comfort level, and a little while ago the girl who wanted the
>kitten came knocking on my door asking for the kitten back to give to
>her aunt. I told her: 1) my friend Melissa and I were now in charge of
>the cat and I had to talk to her, since she was probably also wanting to
>take it and 2) it was too young to go anywhere yet. No way am I giving
>that kitten to relatives of those idiots. They let their dog run loose
>on our (admittedly quiet) street, and they let their daughter's first
>cat go outside.
>I'm not letting that kitten go to anyone until 1) it's had its vet
>checkup and had its parasite problems and eye discharge resolved and 2)
>it's at least 8 - 12 weeks old and figured out what its litter box is
>for and that the dish of food in its cage can be eaten any time and it
>doesn't have to be deliberately fed by a caregiver.
>They have to understand that they handed over responsbility, and I've
>taken that responsibility!

The girl now came back, backed up by her older sister. She says her
brother says he found the cat, so it's his, and he wants it back. I stuck
to my guns, saying that when they gave the cat to me they gave me
responsibility for it.

This is very hard, and I may end up in a bad relationship with a neighbor
over it. But this sweet kitten is going to my friend who's already in
love with it, or to her friend, not to these people who don't know how to
treat animals.

******

Priscilla

[Wendy]

"Priscilla Ballou" > wrote in message
...
> In article <vsrYc.90734$mD.42701@attbi_s02>,
> "KellyH" > wrote:
>
> > Even though 6 weeks is young to take a kitten away from his mother, if
the
> > mother is indeed feral, it is better for the kitten to start becoming
> > socialized now. Which, it seems you are having much success at!
>
> He's coming along great! He even let me read while he was curled up
> under my chin just now, not demanding petting or attention, just
> snoozing in a little black and white ball. When I come in the room now,
> instead of huddling in the back of the cage he either dances up to be
> let out and cuddled or else gets up from sleeping and takes a nice long
> stretch before demanding *out*. :-)
>
> He is very very cute, as you probably can tell. Melissa was over
> earlier today, and we were talking while she petted him. I looked down
> at him and he had his little face raised watching her face intently
> while she talked. :-) He's probably going to live with her eventually,
> or if not then with a good friend of hers. Melissa has three cats
> already, one of whom is special needs (grown-up kitten of a mom with
> distemper), and the special needs cat's needs need to be considered
> first. I think it might work out, though. I hope so, because I don't
> want to lose touch with Sprocket.
>
> > You may also want to try taking a damp cottonball to his behind after he
> > eats, stroking him gently with it. Then, put him right in the
litterbox.
>
> OK. I thought he was too old to need that, though. He pees and poops
> at other times (when I'm not there or asleep). I'll give it a short
> before resorting to dirt.
>
> Priscilla

He is too old to *need* that. However, try standing him in the litter box,
take his paws and scratch, then gently wipe his bum. Then take his paws and
scratch again. It will probably only take a time or two before he gets the
picture and is using the box on his own. It's always worked with my foster
kitties.

W

[Wendy]

"Priscilla Ballou" > wrote in message
...
> In article <vsrYc.90734$mD.42701@attbi_s02>,
> "KellyH" > wrote:
>
> > Even though 6 weeks is young to take a kitten away from his mother, if
the
> > mother is indeed feral, it is better for the kitten to start becoming
> > socialized now. Which, it seems you are having much success at!
>
> He's coming along great! He even let me read while he was curled up
> under my chin just now, not demanding petting or attention, just
> snoozing in a little black and white ball. When I come in the room now,
> instead of huddling in the back of the cage he either dances up to be
> let out and cuddled or else gets up from sleeping and takes a nice long
> stretch before demanding *out*. :-)
>
> He is very very cute, as you probably can tell. Melissa was over
> earlier today, and we were talking while she petted him. I looked down
> at him and he had his little face raised watching her face intently
> while she talked. :-) He's probably going to live with her eventually,
> or if not then with a good friend of hers. Melissa has three cats
> already, one of whom is special needs (grown-up kitten of a mom with
> distemper), and the special needs cat's needs need to be considered
> first. I think it might work out, though. I hope so, because I don't
> want to lose touch with Sprocket.
>
> > You may also want to try taking a damp cottonball to his behind after he
> > eats, stroking him gently with it. Then, put him right in the
litterbox.
>
> OK. I thought he was too old to need that, though. He pees and poops
> at other times (when I'm not there or asleep). I'll give it a short
> before resorting to dirt.
>
> Priscilla

He is too old to *need* that. However, try standing him in the litter box,
take his paws and scratch, then gently wipe his bum. Then take his paws and
scratch again. It will probably only take a time or two before he gets the
picture and is using the box on his own. It's always worked with my foster
kitties.

W

[Cat Protector]

I missed that part as the message got cut off over here.

"KellyH" > wrote in message
news:vsrYc.90734$mD.42701@attbi_s02...

> Go back and read her whole post again. She said what happened regarding
the
> mother. Her neighbor trapped the kitten and the mother is a neighborhood
> stray/feral.
>
> Even though 6 weeks is young to take a kitten away from his mother, if the
> mother is indeed feral, it is better for the kitten to start becoming
> socialized now. Which, it seems you are having much success at!
>
> You may also want to try taking a damp cottonball to his behind after he
> eats, stroking him gently with it. Then, put him right in the litterbox.
> --
> -Kelly
> kelly at farringtons dot net
> www.kelltek.com
> Check out www.snittens.com
>
>

[Cat Protector]

I missed that part as the message got cut off over here.

"KellyH" > wrote in message
news:vsrYc.90734$mD.42701@attbi_s02...

> Go back and read her whole post again. She said what happened regarding
the
> mother. Her neighbor trapped the kitten and the mother is a neighborhood
> stray/feral.
>
> Even though 6 weeks is young to take a kitten away from his mother, if the
> mother is indeed feral, it is better for the kitten to start becoming
> socialized now. Which, it seems you are having much success at!
>
> You may also want to try taking a damp cottonball to his behind after he
> eats, stroking him gently with it. Then, put him right in the litterbox.
> --
> -Kelly
> kelly at farringtons dot net
> www.kelltek.com
> Check out www.snittens.com
>
>

[Cheryl]

In the fine newsgroup "rec.pets.cats.health+behav", Priscilla H
Ballou > artfully composed this message
within > on 29 Aug 2004:

>>They have to understand that they handed over responsbility, and
>>I've taken that responsibility!
>
> The girl now came back, backed up by her older sister. She says
> her brother says he found the cat, so it's his, and he wants it
> back. I stuck to my guns, saying that when they gave the cat to
> me they gave me responsibility for it.
>
> This is very hard, and I may end up in a bad relationship with a
> neighbor over it. But this sweet kitten is going to my friend
> who's already in love with it, or to her friend, not to these
> people who don't know how to treat animals.
>

Rough situation, but I agree with your first instincts, and to stick
to your guns if you can. Poor baby.. s/he's in good hands now.

--
Cheryl

[Cheryl]

In the fine newsgroup "rec.pets.cats.health+behav", Priscilla H
Ballou > artfully composed this message
within > on 29 Aug 2004:

>>They have to understand that they handed over responsbility, and
>>I've taken that responsibility!
>
> The girl now came back, backed up by her older sister. She says
> her brother says he found the cat, so it's his, and he wants it
> back. I stuck to my guns, saying that when they gave the cat to
> me they gave me responsibility for it.
>
> This is very hard, and I may end up in a bad relationship with a
> neighbor over it. But this sweet kitten is going to my friend
> who's already in love with it, or to her friend, not to these
> people who don't know how to treat animals.
>

Rough situation, but I agree with your first instincts, and to stick
to your guns if you can. Poor baby.. s/he's in good hands now.

--
Cheryl

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
Cheryl > wrote:

> In the fine newsgroup "rec.pets.cats.health+behav", Priscilla H
> Ballou > artfully composed this message
> within > on 29 Aug 2004:
>
> >>They have to understand that they handed over responsbility, and
> >>I've taken that responsibility!
> >
> > The girl now came back, backed up by her older sister. She says
> > her brother says he found the cat, so it's his, and he wants it
> > back. I stuck to my guns, saying that when they gave the cat to
> > me they gave me responsibility for it.
> >
> > This is very hard, and I may end up in a bad relationship with a
> > neighbor over it. But this sweet kitten is going to my friend
> > who's already in love with it, or to her friend, not to these
> > people who don't know how to treat animals.
> >
>
> Rough situation, but I agree with your first instincts, and to stick
> to your guns if you can. Poor baby.. s/he's in good hands now.

My nextdoor neighbors just came over, because I called them to run the
situation by them. Susan says the kitten looks more like 4 weeks to
her, which had been my initial estimate before the vet on the phone
weighed in. They, too, told me I was doing the right thing.

Priscilla

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
Cheryl > wrote:

> In the fine newsgroup "rec.pets.cats.health+behav", Priscilla H
> Ballou > artfully composed this message
> within > on 29 Aug 2004:
>
> >>They have to understand that they handed over responsbility, and
> >>I've taken that responsibility!
> >
> > The girl now came back, backed up by her older sister. She says
> > her brother says he found the cat, so it's his, and he wants it
> > back. I stuck to my guns, saying that when they gave the cat to
> > me they gave me responsibility for it.
> >
> > This is very hard, and I may end up in a bad relationship with a
> > neighbor over it. But this sweet kitten is going to my friend
> > who's already in love with it, or to her friend, not to these
> > people who don't know how to treat animals.
> >
>
> Rough situation, but I agree with your first instincts, and to stick
> to your guns if you can. Poor baby.. s/he's in good hands now.

My nextdoor neighbors just came over, because I called them to run the
situation by them. Susan says the kitten looks more like 4 weeks to
her, which had been my initial estimate before the vet on the phone
weighed in. They, too, told me I was doing the right thing.

Priscilla

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
"Wendy" > wrote:

> He is too old to *need* that. However, try standing him in the litter box,
> take his paws and scratch, then gently wipe his bum.

That'll be good exercise for me, too, since I have to lean in through
the top door in the big cage in order to reach the box. ;-)

> Then take his paws and
> scratch again. It will probably only take a time or two before he gets the
> picture and is using the box on his own. It's always worked with my foster
> kitties.

Okey dokey. I've tried the things separately, but not together. He's a
little tired of being "worked on" now, though, and he's getting a rest
with a warm wrapped hot water bottle and a darkened room. When I give
him his evening snack and cuddle (as opposed to his midnight snack and
cuddle -- he eats maybe a teaspoon of food each time) I'll try that
gambit.

I am determined to have him box trained before my mother arrives on
Wednesday.

Thanks!

Priscilla

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
"Wendy" > wrote:

> He is too old to *need* that. However, try standing him in the litter box,
> take his paws and scratch, then gently wipe his bum.

That'll be good exercise for me, too, since I have to lean in through
the top door in the big cage in order to reach the box. ;-)

> Then take his paws and
> scratch again. It will probably only take a time or two before he gets the
> picture and is using the box on his own. It's always worked with my foster
> kitties.

Okey dokey. I've tried the things separately, but not together. He's a
little tired of being "worked on" now, though, and he's getting a rest
with a warm wrapped hot water bottle and a darkened room. When I give
him his evening snack and cuddle (as opposed to his midnight snack and
cuddle -- he eats maybe a teaspoon of food each time) I'll try that
gambit.

I am determined to have him box trained before my mother arrives on
Wednesday.

Thanks!

Priscilla

[Karen Chuplis]

in article , Priscilla H Ballou at
wrote on 8/29/04 5:45 PM:

> In rec.pets.cats.rescue Priscilla Ballou > wrote:
>
>> I've now had 24 hours to bond with the kitten and see it progress in its
>> trust and comfort level, and a little while ago the girl who wanted the
>> kitten came knocking on my door asking for the kitten back to give to
>> her aunt. I told her: 1) my friend Melissa and I were now in charge of
>> the cat and I had to talk to her, since she was probably also wanting to
>> take it and 2) it was too young to go anywhere yet. No way am I giving
>> that kitten to relatives of those idiots. They let their dog run loose
>> on our (admittedly quiet) street, and they let their daughter's first
>> cat go outside.
>> I'm not letting that kitten go to anyone until 1) it's had its vet
>> checkup and had its parasite problems and eye discharge resolved and 2)
>> it's at least 8 - 12 weeks old and figured out what its litter box is
>> for and that the dish of food in its cage can be eaten any time and it
>> doesn't have to be deliberately fed by a caregiver.
>> They have to understand that they handed over responsbility, and I've
>> taken that responsibility!
>
> The girl now came back, backed up by her older sister. She says her
> brother says he found the cat, so it's his, and he wants it back. I stuck
> to my guns, saying that when they gave the cat to me they gave me
> responsibility for it.
>
> This is very hard, and I may end up in a bad relationship with a neighbor
> over it. But this sweet kitten is going to my friend who's already in
> love with it, or to her friend, not to these people who don't know how to
> treat animals.
>
> ******
>
> Priscilla

Priscilla, they *will* get over it. I highly doubt the parents are all that
keen about it, but are giving into kiddy complaints. You stick to your guns.
There is really nothing they can do.

[Karen Chuplis]

in article , Priscilla H Ballou at
wrote on 8/29/04 5:45 PM:

> In rec.pets.cats.rescue Priscilla Ballou > wrote:
>
>> I've now had 24 hours to bond with the kitten and see it progress in its
>> trust and comfort level, and a little while ago the girl who wanted the
>> kitten came knocking on my door asking for the kitten back to give to
>> her aunt. I told her: 1) my friend Melissa and I were now in charge of
>> the cat and I had to talk to her, since she was probably also wanting to
>> take it and 2) it was too young to go anywhere yet. No way am I giving
>> that kitten to relatives of those idiots. They let their dog run loose
>> on our (admittedly quiet) street, and they let their daughter's first
>> cat go outside.
>> I'm not letting that kitten go to anyone until 1) it's had its vet
>> checkup and had its parasite problems and eye discharge resolved and 2)
>> it's at least 8 - 12 weeks old and figured out what its litter box is
>> for and that the dish of food in its cage can be eaten any time and it
>> doesn't have to be deliberately fed by a caregiver.
>> They have to understand that they handed over responsbility, and I've
>> taken that responsibility!
>
> The girl now came back, backed up by her older sister. She says her
> brother says he found the cat, so it's his, and he wants it back. I stuck
> to my guns, saying that when they gave the cat to me they gave me
> responsibility for it.
>
> This is very hard, and I may end up in a bad relationship with a neighbor
> over it. But this sweet kitten is going to my friend who's already in
> love with it, or to her friend, not to these people who don't know how to
> treat animals.
>
> ******
>
> Priscilla

Priscilla, they *will* get over it. I highly doubt the parents are all that
keen about it, but are giving into kiddy complaints. You stick to your guns.
There is really nothing they can do.

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
Karen Chuplis > wrote:

> Priscilla, they *will* get over it. I highly doubt the parents are all that
> keen about it, but are giving into kiddy complaints. You stick to your guns.
> There is really nothing they can do.

Well, we do have to live just a few houses apart until one or t'other
decides to sell (unlikely), but thanks. I have a very hard time dealing
with other people not liking things I do or say, and this is setting off
a lot of anxiety for me. I'm supposed to be cleaning house for my
mother's visit later this week, and the anxiety is really grinding away.
So every once in a while I go upstairs, give Sprocket another teaspoon
of food if he's interested, and snuggle for a while. He's a very good
snuggle kitten. ;-)

Oh, and did I say that my nextdoor neighbor came over and says that she
agrees with my original assessment that he's more like 4 weeks old than
6 weeks old? The vet didn't see him before estimating. She was going
on a description over the phone. He's *really* a little guy. Ain't no
way some clueless kids are getting their paws on such a tiny critter, if
I have anything to say about it! So there. ;-)

Priscilla

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
Karen Chuplis > wrote:

> Priscilla, they *will* get over it. I highly doubt the parents are all that
> keen about it, but are giving into kiddy complaints. You stick to your guns.
> There is really nothing they can do.

Well, we do have to live just a few houses apart until one or t'other
decides to sell (unlikely), but thanks. I have a very hard time dealing
with other people not liking things I do or say, and this is setting off
a lot of anxiety for me. I'm supposed to be cleaning house for my
mother's visit later this week, and the anxiety is really grinding away.
So every once in a while I go upstairs, give Sprocket another teaspoon
of food if he's interested, and snuggle for a while. He's a very good
snuggle kitten. ;-)

Oh, and did I say that my nextdoor neighbor came over and says that she
agrees with my original assessment that he's more like 4 weeks old than
6 weeks old? The vet didn't see him before estimating. She was going
on a description over the phone. He's *really* a little guy. Ain't no
way some clueless kids are getting their paws on such a tiny critter, if
I have anything to say about it! So there. ;-)

Priscilla

[Wendy]

"Priscilla Ballou" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> Karen Chuplis > wrote:
>
> > Priscilla, they *will* get over it. I highly doubt the parents are all
that
> > keen about it, but are giving into kiddy complaints. You stick to your
guns.
> > There is really nothing they can do.
>
> Well, we do have to live just a few houses apart until one or t'other
> decides to sell (unlikely), but thanks. I have a very hard time dealing
> with other people not liking things I do or say, and this is setting off
> a lot of anxiety for me. I'm supposed to be cleaning house for my
> mother's visit later this week, and the anxiety is really grinding away.
> So every once in a while I go upstairs, give Sprocket another teaspoon
> of food if he's interested, and snuggle for a while. He's a very good
> snuggle kitten. ;-)
>
> Oh, and did I say that my nextdoor neighbor came over and says that she
> agrees with my original assessment that he's more like 4 weeks old than
> 6 weeks old? The vet didn't see him before estimating. She was going
> on a description over the phone. He's *really* a little guy. Ain't no
> way some clueless kids are getting their paws on such a tiny critter, if
> I have anything to say about it! So there. ;-)
>
> Priscilla

If the neighbors say anything just exaggerate a little and tell them that
he's so young he has to be bottle fed every 3 hours and isn't box trained
yet. I doubt they will be keen to take on the care of this kitten and that
will be the end of it.

W

[Wendy]

"Priscilla Ballou" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> Karen Chuplis > wrote:
>
> > Priscilla, they *will* get over it. I highly doubt the parents are all
that
> > keen about it, but are giving into kiddy complaints. You stick to your
guns.
> > There is really nothing they can do.
>
> Well, we do have to live just a few houses apart until one or t'other
> decides to sell (unlikely), but thanks. I have a very hard time dealing
> with other people not liking things I do or say, and this is setting off
> a lot of anxiety for me. I'm supposed to be cleaning house for my
> mother's visit later this week, and the anxiety is really grinding away.
> So every once in a while I go upstairs, give Sprocket another teaspoon
> of food if he's interested, and snuggle for a while. He's a very good
> snuggle kitten. ;-)
>
> Oh, and did I say that my nextdoor neighbor came over and says that she
> agrees with my original assessment that he's more like 4 weeks old than
> 6 weeks old? The vet didn't see him before estimating. She was going
> on a description over the phone. He's *really* a little guy. Ain't no
> way some clueless kids are getting their paws on such a tiny critter, if
> I have anything to say about it! So there. ;-)
>
> Priscilla

If the neighbors say anything just exaggerate a little and tell them that
he's so young he has to be bottle fed every 3 hours and isn't box trained
yet. I doubt they will be keen to take on the care of this kitten and that
will be the end of it.

W

[Priscilla H Ballou]

In rec.pets.cats.health+behav Wendy > wrote:

>If the neighbors say anything just exaggerate a little and tell them that
>he's so young he has to be bottle fed every 3 hours and isn't box trained
>yet. I doubt they will be keen to take on the care of this kitten and that
>will be the end of it.

Actually, I've been wondering if he might do well with a supplemental
bottle, and I'm going to ask the vet about that on Wednesday. I think
he'd really groove on being nursed. He loves to be held close to a warm
body and petted. Really misses his Mommy, poor little sprout.

Oh, and he's NOT box trained! Oh, well, he may be because I've been doing
little exercises with him and there was no poop on his blanket this
morning, but I'm not counting my chickens yet.

Priscilla

[Priscilla H Ballou]

In rec.pets.cats.health+behav Wendy > wrote:

>If the neighbors say anything just exaggerate a little and tell them that
>he's so young he has to be bottle fed every 3 hours and isn't box trained
>yet. I doubt they will be keen to take on the care of this kitten and that
>will be the end of it.

Actually, I've been wondering if he might do well with a supplemental
bottle, and I'm going to ask the vet about that on Wednesday. I think
he'd really groove on being nursed. He loves to be held close to a warm
body and petted. Really misses his Mommy, poor little sprout.

Oh, and he's NOT box trained! Oh, well, he may be because I've been doing
little exercises with him and there was no poop on his blanket this
morning, but I'm not counting my chickens yet.

Priscilla

[MarieBMW]

We have a cat who was a feral rescue at 4 weeks of age. One of my coworkers
rescued the kittens from under her shed. They were skin and bones-obviously not
getting enough milk. I had the same litter pan problem with Louie that you
have. He did not know what a litter pan was for. My husband who is a vet
suggested that a little poop of his in the litter box couldn't hurt and would
train him that this was the place he needed to do his business. It worked
although it took him several weeks to figure it out, so don't worry if your
kitty still has accidents. Also, you might try setting his food away from the
litter pan. Cats don't like to eat and do their business in the same vicinity.
Good luck

Marie
http://hometown.aol.com/mariebmw/myhomepage/pet.html

[MarieBMW]

We have a cat who was a feral rescue at 4 weeks of age. One of my coworkers
rescued the kittens from under her shed. They were skin and bones-obviously not
getting enough milk. I had the same litter pan problem with Louie that you
have. He did not know what a litter pan was for. My husband who is a vet
suggested that a little poop of his in the litter box couldn't hurt and would
train him that this was the place he needed to do his business. It worked
although it took him several weeks to figure it out, so don't worry if your
kitty still has accidents. Also, you might try setting his food away from the
litter pan. Cats don't like to eat and do their business in the same vicinity.
Good luck

Marie
http://hometown.aol.com/mariebmw/myhomepage/pet.html

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
(MarieBMW) wrote:

> We have a cat who was a feral rescue at 4 weeks of age. One of my coworkers
> rescued the kittens from under her shed. They were skin and bones-obviously
> not
> getting enough milk. I had the same litter pan problem with Louie that you
> have. He did not know what a litter pan was for. My husband who is a vet
> suggested that a little poop of his in the litter box couldn't hurt and would
> train him that this was the place he needed to do his business. It worked
> although it took him several weeks to figure it out, so don't worry if your
> kitty still has accidents. Also, you might try setting his food away from the
> litter pan. Cats don't like to eat and do their business in the same
> vicinity.
> Good luck

Thanks! I think (knock on wood) that he's figured it out -- for poop at
least. There's fresh poop in the pan, along with the old poop that I
placed there, and there are signs of digging. I haven't replaced his
bedding yet to see if he's peeing outside still or not.

And he did fine with my being away for 10 hours today. He really wanted
his supper and was very happy to see me, but he's usually happy to see
me. He's into rubbing his little face against mine now. Extremely
sweet. I enjoy the cuddling, but I'm also looking forward to the vet
visit on Wednesday. I'm starting to notice flea bites.

Priscilla

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
(MarieBMW) wrote:

> We have a cat who was a feral rescue at 4 weeks of age. One of my coworkers
> rescued the kittens from under her shed. They were skin and bones-obviously
> not
> getting enough milk. I had the same litter pan problem with Louie that you
> have. He did not know what a litter pan was for. My husband who is a vet
> suggested that a little poop of his in the litter box couldn't hurt and would
> train him that this was the place he needed to do his business. It worked
> although it took him several weeks to figure it out, so don't worry if your
> kitty still has accidents. Also, you might try setting his food away from the
> litter pan. Cats don't like to eat and do their business in the same
> vicinity.
> Good luck

Thanks! I think (knock on wood) that he's figured it out -- for poop at
least. There's fresh poop in the pan, along with the old poop that I
placed there, and there are signs of digging. I haven't replaced his
bedding yet to see if he's peeing outside still or not.

And he did fine with my being away for 10 hours today. He really wanted
his supper and was very happy to see me, but he's usually happy to see
me. He's into rubbing his little face against mine now. Extremely
sweet. I enjoy the cuddling, but I'm also looking forward to the vet
visit on Wednesday. I'm starting to notice flea bites.

Priscilla

[Cheryl]

In the fine newsgroup "rec.pets.cats.rescue", Priscilla Ballou
> artfully composed this message within
> on 30 Aug
2004:

>
> Thanks! I think (knock on wood) that he's figured it out -- for
> poop at least. There's fresh poop in the pan, along with the
> old poop that I placed there, and there are signs of digging. I
> haven't replaced his bedding yet to see if he's peeing outside
> still or not.
>
> And he did fine with my being away for 10 hours today. He
> really wanted his supper and was very happy to see me, but he's
> usually happy to see me. He's into rubbing his little face
> against mine now. Extremely sweet. I enjoy the cuddling, but
> I'm also looking forward to the vet visit on Wednesday. I'm
> starting to notice flea bites.
>

Waaaaa! Between your stories, a few others, and a friend of mine
who is currently awaiting approval to adopt 2 kittens, I'm getting
kitten fever. lol I'm off work on Friday so I'm going to call
tomorrow to see if I can bring Bonnie in to have her FeLV tested,
and if negative, I'm out to adoption shows kitten huntin'. ;)

--
Cheryl

[Cheryl]

In the fine newsgroup "rec.pets.cats.rescue", Priscilla Ballou
> artfully composed this message within
> on 30 Aug
2004:

>
> Thanks! I think (knock on wood) that he's figured it out -- for
> poop at least. There's fresh poop in the pan, along with the
> old poop that I placed there, and there are signs of digging. I
> haven't replaced his bedding yet to see if he's peeing outside
> still or not.
>
> And he did fine with my being away for 10 hours today. He
> really wanted his supper and was very happy to see me, but he's
> usually happy to see me. He's into rubbing his little face
> against mine now. Extremely sweet. I enjoy the cuddling, but
> I'm also looking forward to the vet visit on Wednesday. I'm
> starting to notice flea bites.
>

Waaaaa! Between your stories, a few others, and a friend of mine
who is currently awaiting approval to adopt 2 kittens, I'm getting
kitten fever. lol I'm off work on Friday so I'm going to call
tomorrow to see if I can bring Bonnie in to have her FeLV tested,
and if negative, I'm out to adoption shows kitten huntin'. ;)

--
Cheryl

[Wendy]

"Priscilla Ballou" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> (MarieBMW) wrote:
>
> > We have a cat who was a feral rescue at 4 weeks of age. One of my
coworkers
> > rescued the kittens from under her shed. They were skin and
bones-obviously
> > not
> > getting enough milk. I had the same litter pan problem with Louie that
you
> > have. He did not know what a litter pan was for. My husband who is a vet
> > suggested that a little poop of his in the litter box couldn't hurt and
would
> > train him that this was the place he needed to do his business. It
worked
> > although it took him several weeks to figure it out, so don't worry if
your
> > kitty still has accidents. Also, you might try setting his food away
from the
> > litter pan. Cats don't like to eat and do their business in the same
> > vicinity.
> > Good luck
>
> Thanks! I think (knock on wood) that he's figured it out -- for poop at
> least. There's fresh poop in the pan, along with the old poop that I
> placed there, and there are signs of digging. I haven't replaced his
> bedding yet to see if he's peeing outside still or not.
>
> And he did fine with my being away for 10 hours today. He really wanted
> his supper and was very happy to see me, but he's usually happy to see
> me. He's into rubbing his little face against mine now. Extremely
> sweet. I enjoy the cuddling, but I'm also looking forward to the vet
> visit on Wednesday. I'm starting to notice flea bites.
>
> Priscilla

Comb him with a flea comb and pick off as many as you can. He won't be old
enough for the use of any flea preparations for a bit yet.

W

[Wendy]

"Priscilla Ballou" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> (MarieBMW) wrote:
>
> > We have a cat who was a feral rescue at 4 weeks of age. One of my
coworkers
> > rescued the kittens from under her shed. They were skin and
bones-obviously
> > not
> > getting enough milk. I had the same litter pan problem with Louie that
you
> > have. He did not know what a litter pan was for. My husband who is a vet
> > suggested that a little poop of his in the litter box couldn't hurt and
would
> > train him that this was the place he needed to do his business. It
worked
> > although it took him several weeks to figure it out, so don't worry if
your
> > kitty still has accidents. Also, you might try setting his food away
from the
> > litter pan. Cats don't like to eat and do their business in the same
> > vicinity.
> > Good luck
>
> Thanks! I think (knock on wood) that he's figured it out -- for poop at
> least. There's fresh poop in the pan, along with the old poop that I
> placed there, and there are signs of digging. I haven't replaced his
> bedding yet to see if he's peeing outside still or not.
>
> And he did fine with my being away for 10 hours today. He really wanted
> his supper and was very happy to see me, but he's usually happy to see
> me. He's into rubbing his little face against mine now. Extremely
> sweet. I enjoy the cuddling, but I'm also looking forward to the vet
> visit on Wednesday. I'm starting to notice flea bites.
>
> Priscilla

Comb him with a flea comb and pick off as many as you can. He won't be old
enough for the use of any flea preparations for a bit yet.

W

[Wendy]

"Cheryl" > wrote in message
...
> In the fine newsgroup "rec.pets.cats.rescue", Priscilla Ballou
> > artfully composed this message within
> > on 30 Aug

>
> Waaaaa! Between your stories, a few others, and a friend of mine
> who is currently awaiting approval to adopt 2 kittens, I'm getting
> kitten fever. lol I'm off work on Friday so I'm going to call
> tomorrow to see if I can bring Bonnie in to have her FeLV tested,
> and if negative, I'm out to adoption shows kitten huntin'. ;)
>
> --
> Cheryl

Oh goody! I've got 9 who are looking for homes lol.

Actually I've got 8. Diego has been doing major sucking up and I think has
the dh convinced that he will be an asset to the household. He keeps Boots
from chasing my old girl Tigger.

W

[Wendy]

"Cheryl" > wrote in message
...
> In the fine newsgroup "rec.pets.cats.rescue", Priscilla Ballou
> > artfully composed this message within
> > on 30 Aug

>
> Waaaaa! Between your stories, a few others, and a friend of mine
> who is currently awaiting approval to adopt 2 kittens, I'm getting
> kitten fever. lol I'm off work on Friday so I'm going to call
> tomorrow to see if I can bring Bonnie in to have her FeLV tested,
> and if negative, I'm out to adoption shows kitten huntin'. ;)
>
> --
> Cheryl

Oh goody! I've got 9 who are looking for homes lol.

Actually I've got 8. Diego has been doing major sucking up and I think has
the dh convinced that he will be an asset to the household. He keeps Boots
from chasing my old girl Tigger.

W

[Samantha G.]

In a much earlier posting, you mentioned your friend Melissa had a
kitten with special needs from the mother having distemper. I wondered
what that entailed. I ask because I have a kitten I am handraising,
and she has multiple problems. The vet claims she has a birth defect,
but I wonder if the mother (a stray) might have had something, because
she has eyesight, joint, and growth problems. She is also very
stunted, weighing only 10 oz at 5 wks. I just wondered if any of these
were the problems your friend's cat encountered?

[Samantha G.]

In a much earlier posting, you mentioned your friend Melissa had a
kitten with special needs from the mother having distemper. I wondered
what that entailed. I ask because I have a kitten I am handraising,
and she has multiple problems. The vet claims she has a birth defect,
but I wonder if the mother (a stray) might have had something, because
she has eyesight, joint, and growth problems. She is also very
stunted, weighing only 10 oz at 5 wks. I just wondered if any of these
were the problems your friend's cat encountered?

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
(Samantha G.) wrote:

> In a much earlier posting, you mentioned your friend Melissa had a
> kitten with special needs from the mother having distemper. I wondered
> what that entailed. I ask because I have a kitten I am handraising,
> and she has multiple problems. The vet claims she has a birth defect,
> but I wonder if the mother (a stray) might have had something, because
> she has eyesight, joint, and growth problems. She is also very
> stunted, weighing only 10 oz at 5 wks. I just wondered if any of these
> were the problems your friend's cat encountered?

Hazel aka Boo-boo is a grown cat now, but she's never gotten very big.
She's maybe 5 pounds after eating her dinner, but her big thing is lack
of coordination. Her hind quarters don't coordinate properly with her
fore quarters, so she staggers and falls over a lot. She can't climb or
jump and, as I implied, her balance is lousy.

I don't think she has any vision or hearing problems that I recall. She
is, however, a very sweet and loving cat. She and I had a serious
cuddlefest when I met her. Melissa says she doesn't warm up quickly to
people, but she took to me like a mouse to cheese.

Melissa didn't know what exactly was wrong with her because they found
her in a dumpster when she was a tiny kitten, IIRC. For years she and
the vets (who I would have expected to have some more knowledge) just
said unspecified neurological damage, but then someone who'd had a
similar cat took one look at her and said her mother had had distemper,
that that kind of neurological damage was typical of that situation.

Hope this helps!

Priscilla

[Priscilla Ballou]

In article >,
(Samantha G.) wrote:

> In a much earlier posting, you mentioned your friend Melissa had a
> kitten with special needs from the mother having distemper. I wondered
> what that entailed. I ask because I have a kitten I am handraising,
> and she has multiple problems. The vet claims she has a birth defect,
> but I wonder if the mother (a stray) might have had something, because
> she has eyesight, joint, and growth problems. She is also very
> stunted, weighing only 10 oz at 5 wks. I just wondered if any of these
> were the problems your friend's cat encountered?

Hazel aka Boo-boo is a grown cat now, but she's never gotten very big.
She's maybe 5 pounds after eating her dinner, but her big thing is lack
of coordination. Her hind quarters don't coordinate properly with her
fore quarters, so she staggers and falls over a lot. She can't climb or
jump and, as I implied, her balance is lousy.

I don't think she has any vision or hearing problems that I recall. She
is, however, a very sweet and loving cat. She and I had a serious
cuddlefest when I met her. Melissa says she doesn't warm up quickly to
people, but she took to me like a mouse to cheese.

Melissa didn't know what exactly was wrong with her because they found
her in a dumpster when she was a tiny kitten, IIRC. For years she and
the vets (who I would have expected to have some more knowledge) just
said unspecified neurological damage, but then someone who'd had a
similar cat took one look at her and said her mother had had distemper,
that that kind of neurological damage was typical of that situation.

Hope this helps!

Priscilla

[Karen Chuplis]

in article , Priscilla Ballou
at wrote on 8/31/04 12:23 PM:

> In article >,
> (Samantha G.) wrote:
>
>> In a much earlier posting, you mentioned your friend Melissa had a
>> kitten with special needs from the mother having distemper. I wondered
>> what that entailed. I ask because I have a kitten I am handraising,
>> and she has multiple problems. The vet claims she has a birth defect,
>> but I wonder if the mother (a stray) might have had something, because
>> she has eyesight, joint, and growth problems. She is also very
>> stunted, weighing only 10 oz at 5 wks. I just wondered if any of these
>> were the problems your friend's cat encountered?
>
> Hazel aka Boo-boo is a grown cat now, but she's never gotten very big.
> She's maybe 5 pounds after eating her dinner, but her big thing is lack
> of coordination. Her hind quarters don't coordinate properly with her
> fore quarters, so she staggers and falls over a lot. She can't climb or
> jump and, as I implied, her balance is lousy.
>
> I don't think she has any vision or hearing problems that I recall. She
> is, however, a very sweet and loving cat. She and I had a serious
> cuddlefest when I met her. Melissa says she doesn't warm up quickly to
> people, but she took to me like a mouse to cheese.
>
> Melissa didn't know what exactly was wrong with her because they found
> her in a dumpster when she was a tiny kitten, IIRC. For years she and
> the vets (who I would have expected to have some more knowledge) just
> said unspecified neurological damage, but then someone who'd had a
> similar cat took one look at her and said her mother had had distemper,
> that that kind of neurological damage was typical of that situation.
>
> Hope this helps!
>
> Priscilla

My vet had four kittens whose mother had distemper to adopt out. They seemed
normal except for coordination and they shook their heads like someone with
Parkison's might. They said they were quite healthy aside from that.

[Karen Chuplis]

in article , Priscilla Ballou
at wrote on 8/31/04 12:23 PM:

> In article >,
> (Samantha G.) wrote:
>
>> In a much earlier posting, you mentioned your friend Melissa had a
>> kitten with special needs from the mother having distemper. I wondered
>> what that entailed. I ask because I have a kitten I am handraising,
>> and she has multiple problems. The vet claims she has a birth defect,
>> but I wonder if the mother (a stray) might have had something, because
>> she has eyesight, joint, and growth problems. She is also very
>> stunted, weighing only 10 oz at 5 wks. I just wondered if any of these
>> were the problems your friend's cat encountered?
>
> Hazel aka Boo-boo is a grown cat now, but she's never gotten very big.
> She's maybe 5 pounds after eating her dinner, but her big thing is lack
> of coordination. Her hind quarters don't coordinate properly with her
> fore quarters, so she staggers and falls over a lot. She can't climb or
> jump and, as I implied, her balance is lousy.
>
> I don't think she has any vision or hearing problems that I recall. She
> is, however, a very sweet and loving cat. She and I had a serious
> cuddlefest when I met her. Melissa says she doesn't warm up quickly to
> people, but she took to me like a mouse to cheese.
>
> Melissa didn't know what exactly was wrong with her because they found
> her in a dumpster when she was a tiny kitten, IIRC. For years she and
> the vets (who I would have expected to have some more knowledge) just
> said unspecified neurological damage, but then someone who'd had a
> similar cat took one look at her and said her mother had had distemper,
> that that kind of neurological damage was typical of that situation.
>
> Hope this helps!
>
> Priscilla

My vet had four kittens whose mother had distemper to adopt out. They seemed
normal except for coordination and they shook their heads like someone with
Parkison's might. They said they were quite healthy aside from that.

[Mapickle]

>My current issue is that the kitten feral, probably about 6 weeks old,
>> doesn't know what a litter box is for. I've put him down in it after
>> meals, but he doesn't do anything. Over night he left poop in one
>> corner of his cage and pee in another. Neither was in the litter box.

Try putting some dirt on top of the litter.

Ingrid

[Mapickle]

>My current issue is that the kitten feral, probably about 6 weeks old,
>> doesn't know what a litter box is for. I've put him down in it after
>> meals, but he doesn't do anything. Over night he left poop in one
>> corner of his cage and pee in another. Neither was in the litter box.

Try putting some dirt on top of the litter.

Ingrid