Worried about 4 kittens

[James82]

Hello. I have been watching over 2 cats for a few months now. Both females. They are strays. But when i first saw them they looked really well kept as if they were owned by someone. I have tried to keep my eye out to see if the owners would show up. Haven't heard anything come up. So i started leaving out cat food and water near the door when i noticed that one of the cats was pregnant. I tried to catch her but when she sees me attempt to grab her she runs away from me.She will rub up against my feet but wont even let me try to touch her!  I noticed her pregnant a little over 3 weeks ago. But last night as i was putting the food i noticed that the two cats i originally was taking care of were being followed by 4 kittens. One of the kittens was scared off by a pug that i have. Ran inside my house behind the washer. I got a good look at it before it ran back outside. And it had only one eye open. The other eye was mostly closed and crusty. When i got a look at the other kittens, all of them were like this.

My question is. Are they at the developement stage where they are just barely opening their eyes or this something else? What has me worried is that the eye looked crusty. I love animals and since i have been taking care of them i feel like they are my responsibility now. So im asking should i just leave them be for now? Or should i try to get them and take them to the vet? I will most likely do that eventually and hopefully make sure they go to good homes.

Thank you for your time.

James

[Savas]

Ah, the above was assuming you're thinking of catching the mother cat. :)

[Savas]

With strays the kittens don't usually follow until about 4-5 weeks (to human feeding areas) and the eyes usually open earlier. I'd be concerned that this is the start of an eye infection, especially since the first infectious conjunctivitis for kittens with Feline Leukemia hits between 4-6 weeks of age. (some 80% of the stray cat population has it).

I'd consider taking the kitten to the vet, especially if there's oozing about the eye, or swelling.

On another note, if you contact your local animal shelter or rescue group, some of them do provide "safe trap" cages to catch stray kitties. I wouldn't try the gloves, unless they're Kevlar, or thick leather. A full grown cat can do *alot* of damage (trust me, I know...ouch...:)).

Heck, I've still got a scar from a bite  I got when I scruffed a stray kitten by the back of the neck and it managed to still wriggle about and sink it's teeth into my hand. Something I don't usually do but it was a rare case. That was the longest walk to the car/cage I've ever had, with him digging in the whole way. Ouch...nom...ouch...nom...ouch...nom...

I'd suggest a crate with food under it and a stick propped under the rim tied to a string, otherwise. It's a time honored trap, and gets them every time eventually. It just takes a few days of patience.

[kathyjo]

James, the kittens love anything fishy smelling so I guarantee they will come running if they smell a can of anything seafood. The longer you make them wait, and not in a cruel way, will have them rubbing up against your leg and in no time they will be your best friend(s).
I just adopted out a litter of 5, their mother is a stray that I have been feeding for a few years. Tomorrow is her appointment so I will have to be very inventive when trying to capture her. I have the pillow case ready and some very long gloves. My bathroom is small so I just need to confine us both in there and then go for it! Wish me luck and good luck to you James.
Kathy Jo

[James82]

Yes i believe they are about 3 weeks to a month old. Thank you for the quick response, much appreciated. I have already planned to get the mom fixed soon. Thank you for the enlightment about the eyes. Didn't know that.  Catching them will be the tricky part though. I don't know much about cats, i've only had one cat and that was almost over 20 years ago. I will definitely get them checked into PetCo here in my town.

Thank you very much, take care!

James

[kathyjo]

If I'm reading correctly then the kittens are 3 weeks old? That would be about the time when they open their eyes and yes, sometimes they are a bit crusty although it could very well be because they were born outdoors. If you can, the ideal thing would be to bring them to a vet for a check-up. If you are near a PetCo then you can bring them there when they offer vet services for less. Also, try to hold them and make them people-friendly so that they will be more adoptable. 6-8 weeks is best for weaning but kittens begin to eat solids about 3-4 weeks. After the 6-8 week period, try to get that mother cat fixed. Raccoon trap with sardines as bait works well.
You are doing a great thing James, bless you : )
Kathy Jo