Rescued Feral Kitten Advise

[sunshine1976]

O.K.  A kitten adopted us yesterday.  I was in the yard doing some gardening and this kitten was out with it's mama.  I have tried to catch the mama to have it fixed many times but haven't had any luck but that's another story.  Anyway, The kitten didn't look well.  Really dirty and skinny and it's eyes were matted closed.  I lured it with same tuna & brought it in to clean it's eyes.  It is very docile and seems friendly.  My 5 year old son took one look at it and fell in love.  Named it Dexter and is now calling himself the Pet Rescuer. After a good cleaning, defleaing and feeding it is looking much better and very alert.  I am taking it to the vet to get it checked out tonight.  I have never had a kitten this young or one born to a Feral.  I have also not had a Cat in 13 years so I'm rusty.  Any advise?

[teddybears4ever2]

In my life I have had 2 feral cats.  One was a cat that my cousins found, he adapted to life just fine with our other cat Dinah.  My dad has a soft spot for animals and he wanted to make sure that Milo had a good home.  Milo was a sweet cat, and my dad was so glad.  He adjusted to life with us just fine.
I also had Ashes who find my mom and dad on walk on a dirt road.  They soon found that they were being followed, by a cat.  They hid her from view, and my dad came running and told us to get outside.  They took us outside and there was Ashes. My dad had to again fight with my mom to let us keep Ashes.  
Both of these cats lived to ripe old ages and adapt.  

[spirit3]

it sounds like Dexter (what an awesome name!) came to the right place and you're doing everything right! We got Spirit as a feral kitten from a shelter (her and her brother were rescued somehow-they'd lost their mother) at 6 weeks, I had to wait a week for her and she's been a wonderful member of our household for 11 years now and I know you'll have years of joy with Dexter-enjoy!

[JoyRenee]

Our Siamese cat found us a year ago (one year in August!). He was meowing pitifully at our backdoor during a thunderstorm. It was really late, around midnight, but we happened to be up. I didn't hear the crying but my husband did. He hates cats! So he knew he was in trouble when he mentioned the noise and I found this pitiful, malnourished kitten.

I snuggled him, fed him and when I put him down to let him roam I noticed one of his back legs was DANGLING. He poor little leg was broken, snapped in half. But he was sooooo sweet and cuddly and purred like a motorboat.

We assumed he was feral or born to a feral cat in the neighborhood (lots of strays around here, most of whom are so anti-social and skittish). He has done wonderfully! No special care or attention required. Just love Dexter and soon he'll be fat and content with his new, loving family! A cat couldn't ask for more!!!

[sunshine1976]

No they never took him out of the room.  I'll call and ask tomorrow.

[Jade59]

Dexters clean bill of health is great news!  

Deworming is just a simple pill called Drontal.  Unless Dexter is too young, I'm surprised the vet didn't just give him the pill.  If they took him out of your sight, maybe they gave it to him then?  Call and ask.

[sunshine1976]

Dexter is a boy & has a clean bill of health.  He may have a cold & i was told to watch his eyes and breathing.  He is about 6 weeks old and can start his shots in two weeks.  I forgot to ask the vet about worming.  Anybody know anything about that?

[Piparskeggr]

Gently handling the kitten will more fully accustom it to being part of your family...an infant (for that is what kitten is) does need the warm of close contact.

One suggestion, always use a toy, like a piece of string or a strip of leather with which to play.  Don't get kitty thinking that your fingers are play things.  You will find in the long run that kitty will be happy, and you'll have fewer punctures ,-)

Also, use kitty's small size and frailty to help your children learn to care for those weaker than themselves; gently and generously.

[Jade59]

Hi and congrats on your new kitten!  A very tiny one, too.  Let us know how the vet visit goes.  Go ahead and hold and handle Dexter all you want...or as much as He would like.  When our first kitty, Abby, came to us she was very tiny and I would cradle her in the crook of my arm while she slept.  I always held her like that so as an adult cat, she was so used to that position, I could still hold her that way and she was completely relaxed.  

I agree with Swampy on the diet.  Little baby may still need some formula, but your vet will know for sure.

[sunshine1976]

I took it by the petco and they determined the age, checked out it's teeth and gave me a mix of wet & dry food.  It just started venturing out this morning and seems to be getting more energy.  Still very docile.  It lets my kids pick it up with out a fight & seems to enjoy sitting (on) with them.  Am I right to assume a cat this young needs to be held a lot since it's not with it's Mom and to get it used to us?

[swampcritter]

With a kitten that young, talk to the vet about appropriate food -- they may still even need a little formula at that age. The vet can give (sell) you the formula and directions.

Others here have a lot of experience with kittens so you should get some great answers.

[opus88]

good for you honey...that kitten desperately needed some TLC and hope for a better future.
I have no knowledge on how to care for a feral cat or kitten but I'm sure others on this forum do and will post.
I'm glad you are getting a good Vet check up, the Vet will help you with some advise too.
Be sure please to get it going on 'can food' NOT dry. I'm sure with love and patience one so young will become a wonderful pet.
the best to you and kitty.

[sunshine1976]

Oh I think it's about 6 weeks.