u/Colar

Hi all,

I want to preface this with I am a huge cat lover and cat parent of 25 years. I am not new to cats or kittens. However, I was not expecting my partner to find 4 baby kittens and a feral mama living in the corner of our small, unkempt backyard at our condo. (3 boys, 1 girl).

I am in contact with local rescues. Most are inundated and cannot help much, but I was advised these babies look to be around 4 weeks old, so they need to stay with mama. No problem; I am feeding mama and she is cautious around me, but fine with me being near babies so long as I don't approach her directly. Day one that she saw me, she did take one baby away temporarily, I assume to see about moving, but after a day or two of feedings and cautiousness, she brought that baby back.

So I feel good about the rapport I'm building with her - she is a community cat and I ultimately plan to trap her when babies are a bit bigger/ready to leave so she can be vaccinated, spayed, and returned. Some of my friends who rescue cats are lending me a trap for her when it's time. I have a foster parent situation worked out for babies when they're older, and several trusted people who MAY (i always doubt these things) be interested in adoption. So I HAVE A PLAN.

I was also told they can be socialized at up to 6 weeks, so I plan to work on that where I can. I just am being mindful of mama, not wanting to disturb her or babies too much. I feed her twice a day and provide fresh water.

That being said, my question is ... how can I best provide a shelter other than the underbrush for mama and babies? All the guides I see are for cold weather, and in Tennessee, it's humid and 90F+ lately. The nest is in the shaded corner of the privacy fence (7ft tall) and under brush. I want to provide an alternate area she can take them to in my yard that is protected from potential storms/rain/what have you.

Any idea on summer shelters? I was considering a pet taxi with the door removed, slightly elevated so not on the concrete of my back patio. I don't know if she'd even use it; I just want to make sure she has something potential to use if she feels like she wants to move her babies there. I absolutely DO NOT plan to move the babies from the nest or mess with them in that respect.

Any guidance is appreciated! Also, cat tax is paid :)

I met Pickles, a four week old kitten, at a volunteer appreciation luncheon at my local shelter. Her foster brought her in for a few minutes for some exposure and socialization. I even got to hold her in her blanket bundle! She was so small, it was unbelievable.

The foster told me "she likes you" which was a very dangerous thing for me to hear! Haha! She was found alone with no mom or siblings around. She's currently being fed every two hours. I hope I see her again!

Photo courtesy of one of our incredible foster volunteers 🥹

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