Hi

Has anybody lost 2 small kittens about 8 weeks old:
1 tabby and 1 ginger.

Also we think mum is with them as they have been living under my mums hedge and keep appearing for food. Mum is very protective over the hole where the kittens appear from.

She's also tabby with a white patch on her chest and lovely round eyes, very sweet as well.

We live around s2 area, I'm contacting the cat shelter to see if they can collect them.

These kittens don't sound lost to me, think they maybe ferals/garden cats. Good luck with the shelters as they are all full. If no luck with them maybe trap the mother cat in a few weeks and then get her spayed ( cats protection league will help with this of rspca )

tell me about it, Ive just called the cat shelter and they said id have to go on a waiting list for them to come out.

Its not fair, as its sooooo cold, weve not seen the tiny giner kitten for 2 days now, a it worried.

Its impossible to catch them as theyre so quick, Id have them at my house but Ive got 2 male cats and a bouncy labrador, my mums got a female cat who hates other cats.

You can try CP and RSPCA but I can't see any hope for them. There are breeding colonies all over Sheffield that no one will take responsibility for. However, as this is only one mum and 2 kits I can only suggest you put down lots of food, warm kitten milk for them. Can you provide them with any shelter, however rudimentary? Can you get them used to you? If you can get them I know someone who can take them in. Email me if you want to maggieskinner@blueyonder.co.uk and we can talk this through. It's a shame - poor thing sounds like she's been thrown out. Happens all the time x

Try Thornberry Animal Sanctuary 01909 564339 but ring now as they close shortly. If they have room they will help you. Please keep us updated as I would hate for these cats to spend another night out in this weather

If you can catch and handle them I can put them up in my attic during the cold spell, but what you have to remember is that if they're feral, the shock of being cornered and handled can cause major heart issues for them.

If mummy is a stray and the babies are born feral then there's a hope that they can come in and life the spoiled life of a housecat, but if mummy's feral too then you really need the help of the Cats Protection people (try PMing GrahamY) or magsie to help with trapping, and there's no point in trying to get them inside my house with people present constantly and my dog for company.

EDIT- magsie posted while I was typing- sorry :)

I would love to think that Cats Protection people would help with trapping and I would certainly do as Medusa suggests, PM GrahamY, but I think the first step is to get them some good food put down, perhaps some kitten milk mixed with warm water. Anything really to make sure they survive yet another night. Very worrying that maybe only one kitten left. Poor mum, bet she's only a young thing. x

Aww, hope you manage to get them sorted...

Ive got a warm spare room and would look after them till another home is found, or i would find them a new home... if nobody has room, i could help out.

Lovely as your offer is Kate, let's see if these are feral first. If mummy's a full feral then you have to remember that these are wild animals, not friendly cats and they will need specialist handling. Hopefully someone who is able to do the trapping can trap and assess them and then we can make a plan for their future.

As above, I'm not far away and could keep them untill space / new home is found.

It's still good to get offers of help through, it sounds as if the mum cat is a stray who is having a bad time. Ferals don't usually hang around humans especially when there are kits involved. They are usually terrified of humans, and good reason too!
Please keep offers coming through cos if you can't help this puss, there are plenty more out there who may need help in the future and it's always good to have details of cat-friendly people who are willing to help. I don't see the 'specialists' helping out so it's great that perhaps if we all do what we can, there may be a happy ending for this mum and her kit/s. x
We need news Shorty! xx

Yeah i agree, im no specialist in ferals by any means, but if you do need any help PM me, im on daily. I hope they are ok in this weather though, it does make you think huh!

Shorty, Jackie Longley has been in touch with Thornberry who will gladly take mum and two kits in. However they are unable to go out for them.
What's the latest please.

Have PM'd you.

HAS ANYONE HEARD ANY NEWS?
Another freezing night forecast and Thornberry are on standby.

I work in S2 and live near Thornberry so if they're caught tomorrow, I will happily pick them up and take them to TAS. I'll take a cat carrier to work with me tomorrow just in case, but won't be able to come online to check so anyone that needs to reach me can contact me via Gemima.

Fingers crossed for the poor things.

Any updates today on mum and kitties? The weather's getting warmer, but if those kitties get wet, they could die.

I can be contacted at my salon on 01909 564632 if Fishpoles offer of help is needed.

We need an address, or even a reply, off Shorty. Have PMd her, nothing!
Does anyone know Shorty, and can they get in touch with her other than through the forum. It's a shame to have all these offers of help and no way forward.
Hope she's ok. Hope mum and kit/s are too though the longer they are out in this weather, it's doubtful that her kits will survive without human intervention.

PM'd you Magsie I think I found a contact number

It's Shorty's daughter who has posted. He's going to pass on the message!

Shorty has given me his home no. as he is at work at the moment, but no reply. Have left message. Would be good to get it sorted today or at least at the weekend. Poor little souls.
It's left to individuals isn't it? Great to see so many offers of help. Hope it's a happy ending xx

Shorty is planning on getting home around 4.20. Watch this space x

Shorty's mum has been in touch. They live at Arbourthorne. Nice family.
The story is that apparently there are two adults that have been seen by her neighbour for a long time. She hasn't seen the ginger kitten for days now.
She says there is a fence, then a privet hedge between her and her neighbour. The cats go down a hole and that's where she's seen the kits going. Difficult to get hold of kit. There must have been several to start with, but only one or two left now.

She also says that she would be able to get the adults to go in a carrier basket.
So, does anyone agree that if she tries that and has someone's contact no. who lives near to the Arbourthorne, then she can ring them, they can collect and either hold on to the cats as a temporary measure, or take direct to Thornberry. Then once adults are out of the way, I can set a trap for the kit or kits. The neighbour says they are not growing.
Can I have your thoughts please, on the forum. The lady, Denise, has willingly agreed for her phone number to be given out to whomever will be able to take the adults off her. She has a cat of her own which is neutered! Good owner!! She will be in all day tomorrow. (I'm campaigning for farm animals so if any trapping is necessary, I can do Sunday.)
Please don't PM me, box is always full. Thanks everyone x
maggieskinner@blueyonder.co.uk

If the kittens are trapped i can still foster them (got the pm magsie) moneys a bit tight but i could manage if it means they didn't die of cold or had to go into rescue, i could definately find them homes and if i didn't whats 2 more eh!

Let me know I can hold onto them, i dont live near arbouthorne but im 5 min down road from thornberry... ive not got any deisel thats the only prob but i really want to help if i can!

Hi everyone

sorry i havent been in touch i work in theatre at the hospital and its been manic.

Magsie contacted my dad and spoke to my mum who have the kittens appearing in her garden.

She hasn't seen the ginger kitten since Tuesday :( but has seen the tabby kitten Wednesday and the mum today.

They're not feral as the mum has been up close to me and let me stroke her as has the tabby kitten. he ginger one was really timid.

Have spoken to a neighbour who advised he has seen the kittens for weeks now and they've never seemed to grow

My mum has made a make-shift shelter and puts food out.


p.s. We are oly presuming that it's the mum cat as she always seems to be around when the kittens are.

Hi everyone

sorry i havent been in touch i work in theatre at the hospital and its been manic.

Magsie contacted my dad and spoke to my mum who have the kittens appearing in her garden.

She hasn't seen the ginger kitten since Tuesday :( but has seen the tabby kitten Wednesday and the mum today.

They're not feral as the mum has been up close to me and let me stroke her as has the tabby kitten. he ginger one was really timid.

Have spoken to a neighbour who advised he has seen the kittens for weeks now and they've never seemed to grow

My mum has made a make-shift shelter and puts food out.


p.s. We are oly presuming that it's the mum cat as she always seems to be around when the kittens are.
They really need to be taken in as its very cold and they will die.

would you like me to take them in? I can keep them warm and fed etc till a home is found have pm'd magsie my home number etc so let me know, i live near thornberry, sounds like the kits need some fattening up and soon!

I'm a bit confused - easily done! So there are two adults and one kitten?

Just to confirm - if they're caught, I will deliver them to Thornberry unless an alternative home for them is found. Are Thornberry aware that there have been developments and that there are now two adults? Just a thought as they may have intended for a small isolation unit to be used which may need a rethink now and I wouldn't want to turn up with cats that have no space for them. They certainly can't come here at the moment as I already have a mum and kittens upstairs, as well as my own 3 and my dog.

If we can get the full picture, it'll be easier to get them to a warm place of safety.

Shorty, now you're back on line could you liaise with the good people on here love, cos I am not in Sheffield tomorrow. Perhaps you could all give your mobile nos. to Shorty and try and sort something out for tomorrow. Thornberry are flexible, I'll ask Jackie Longley to ring them again in the morning to again warn them that a mum (or two) and a kit (or two) may be winding their way to them. If nothing comes of this for tomorrow, I'll get across to Shorty's on Sunday. Shorty, your mum says you have a basket to transport mum and kit/s and that she'll be all day tomorrow.
Thanks everyone x

It sounds like everyone's certainly pulling together here! Let's hope those cats and the remaining kitten(s) are saved in time.

It might be worth checking what times Thornberry will be able to take any cats / kittens in, as I don't think they're able to 24 hours a day. I'm sure Magsie or someone will be able to advise.

Let's hope this rescue has a happy ending and that the kittens which haven't survived didn't suffer.

You're all angels xxx

Shorty to keep things simpler would it be poss for you/dad to take mum and kit/s across to Thornberry tomorrow. Fishpole etc have volunteered but as they live a far way away from Arbourthorne, now that Thornberry have said they can be homed there, this may be the easiest way forward. Whatdya think? Thornberry's no. is 01909564339 - I think they open 11-3. If you contact them please remind them that Jackie Longley at CATS has already spoken to them about these little souls, thanks x

I've PM'd my mobile number to Shorty in case I'm needed.

Fishpole, that's brilliant!

From the sounds of things the help i offered is not needed but please keep us updated, so we know that they are safe, at least a lot of the snow has gone but with the rain they must be cold and wet.

From the sounds of things the help i offered is not needed but please keep us updated, so we know that they are safe, at least a lot of the snow has gone but with the rain they must be cold and wet.

Have the cats been captured, Kate? According to the radio, it is very wet and windy out there but they're saying the ground's still frozen.

Can someone keep posting regular updates on attempts and successes? I'm really quite worried about that kitty.

Goddess Bless xxx

Fishpole, this is Magsie's husband. She's already in York! Have pm'd you Shorty's mum's number in case Shorty does not go on line. She said it would be ok to do this.

i think they are still out there, i will still do what i can to help, i feel so sad it's freezing even my dogs dont want to go out this weather, they have took to weeing just outside the back door then running back in lol!

i think they are still out there, i will still do what i can to help, i feel so sad it's freezing even my dogs dont want to go out this weather, they have took to weeing just outside the back door then running back in lol!

Methinks they've got the right idea! I don't think my cats appreciate how lucky they are to be housecats. They get to toast their tummies by the gas fire any time they want (well, as long as I've turned it on!)!

I've spoken to Mrs Shorty. She hasn't seen any of the cats today and the kittens haven't been seen for a couple of days. She fed the mother last night.

She will try and catch them and give us a ring. Will keep everyone posted.

I've spoken to Mrs Shorty. She hasn't seen any of the cats today and the kittens haven't been seen for a couple of days. She fed the mother last night.

She will try and catch them and give us a ring. Will keep everyone posted.

Well done, Fishpole. You're a star. Let's hope this story doesn't have a tragic ending xxx

any news !!!!?????

I'm on Arbourthorne so could easily help out transport wise or anything, if you need it

I'm afraid that because 3 terribly cold and wet nights have occurred since the original posting. the likelihood of kits surviving is very slim. I'll go up to Shorty's mum's tomorrow with a carrier. Everyone on the forum has done their utmost to help. The very least that needs to happen is that the adult/s is caught and taken to Thornberry or the Shorty family could be facing the same problem in a few weeks.

I'm afraid that because 3 terribly cold and wet nights have occurred since the original posting. the likelihood of kits surviving is very slim. I'll go up to Shorty's mum's tomorrow with a carrier. Everyone on the forum has done their utmost to help. The very least that needs to happen is that the adult/s is caught and taken to Thornberry or the Shorty family could be facing the same problem in a few weeks.

It is highly likely that none of the kitties have survived - so sad, but well done everybody, and good luck tomorrow, Magsie xxx

Hope this comes to a happy ending, good luck for tom magsie

It is highly likely that none of the kitties have survived - so sad, but well done everybody, and good luck tomorrow, Magsie xxx

Yes sadly I think so too, but you never know...lets see, at least if the adults are caught they won't have to spend another winter out and have the heartbreak of losing more kittens, perhaps in a way its just as well cause there is the beginnings of a feral colony, poor little souls.
Good luck for tomorrow Maggsie.

hi everyone

still no sign of mum and kittens, have put some milk and tuna out to entise them. will speak to my neighbour as well as he says they appear from the bottom of his garden.

will keep you posted.

Thanks Shorty, As Moonbird says this situation can easily escalate into a feral colony. If this cat has given birth in the winter months, there'll be masses in spring time and then it will become a real problem. I'll come up now to assess whether it's best to set a trap and I'll leave a spare cat carrier for you. If Thornberry are good enough to take the cats we need to take advantage of their kind offer, and quickly!

Great news. The kits are there and are looking good! They look to be about 14 wks old and the tabby kept charging into the basket that the lovely Shorty family had placed outside, with milk and food in it. Obviously the two kits will be skitty and will need socialising. The one I saw looked gorgeous. Am going up tomorrow lunchtime to put two traps down, one hopefully in the neighbour's garden so that one kit will go in one and another kit in another. And if that works, it will be a miracle! Would be nice if mum went in, cos kits are easier to catch. Thornberry are still ok to take but if anyone has any better ideas, particularly as to socialising mum and kits, feel free to post! They will need lots of attention and time just like all kits do.
Thanks everyone.
PS - am really impressed with the whole of the Shorty family. Very caring family. Best place to have your kits if you haven't a home! x

Oh that's brilliant news Magsie. I hope you manage to catch them all :)

yeah good luck, fingers crossed for you

Lovely to hear the news is hopeful, good luck in catching them.

That's much more positive news Magsie, to be honest I was rather downbeat about the situation too. Clik32, that's a kind offer to help with transportation, it may be needed if they're gradually caught as opposed to just one trip for someone. I am still willing to help and can collect on my way home from work to deliver to Thornberry or Kate's if she has the time and is equipped to socialise the kittens.

At this stage, it's probably worth mentioning that whilst the mother doesn't appear to be feral, the kittens have obviously had little human interaction and 14 weeks may not sound very old, but they still have the ability to do some serious damage if they are frightened. My sister and me spent a whole day trapping the 5 offspring of a very friendly, stray mother, who came to us willingly and sat in a basket with one kitten. We ended up relaying them to Thornberry to reunite them with their mother as we caught them, to minimise their distress. The last one wasn't trapped until late evening and he caused quite some damage to my sister's hands. Those kittens were little more than 8 weeks old but they were feisty in their fear. Of course, they all came good in the end but it's not easy work and I'm not trying to put anyone off, but it could take time and patience that may not reap immediate rewards.

I have the cat carrier in the car. I'm back at work tomorrow so if I need to do anything, some of you have my mobile number. I won't be able to look in on the forum.

This is fantastic news! I was so worried about those kitties!

You guys are amazing! xxx

Have just spoken to Thornberry who say they are unable to take in the mum and kits if they cannot be handled. And they have no room in the maternity unit for the mum. Not so sure that mum would need to go into the maternity unit cos she's passed that stage, but Thornberry are right in that kits will probably in the ideal world still want to be with their mum. So I think Thornberry is a no, no. Kits born in the wild come round quickly with a lot of care and love. Obviously mum cats take longer but that's no reason to leave them to their own devices. I haven't even seen the mum so am off now with two traps, two carriers and I can only hope for the best.
My mobile is 07853301563 if anyone has any good ideas!! Jackie at CATS will take the kits as a last resort, she also is very full, but I'll need to see what mum is like.
Life as an abandoned cat is a roller coaster xx

Have just spoken to Thornberry who say they are unable to take in the mum and kits if they cannot be handled. And they have no room in the maternity unit for the mum. Not so sure that mum would need to go into the maternity unit cos she's passed that stage, but Thornberry are right in that kits will probably in the ideal world still want to be with their mum. So I think Thornberry is a no, no. Kits born in the wild come round quickly with a lot of care and love. Obviously mum cats take longer but that's no reason to leave them to their own devices. I haven't even seen the mum so am off now with two traps, two carriers and I can only hope for the best.
My mobile is 07853301563 if anyone has any good ideas!! Jackie at CATS will take the kits as a last resort, she also is very full, but I'll need to see what mum is like.
Life as an abandoned cat is a roller coaster xx

Good luck Magsie! :)

Magie has just been to drop off the 2 traps, she's such a lovely lady!

The only problem we have now is the other greedy cats around the area keep trying to nip in and steal the food at every oppertunity :( so we're keeping vigil!

Lets hope we catch them asap!

Magie has just been to drop off the 2 traps, she's such a lovely lady!

The only problem we have now is the other greedy cats around the area keep trying to nip in and steal the food at every oppertunity :( so we're keeping vigil!

Lets hope we catch them asap!

I am willing the little devils in, chicken never fails especially warm chicken :D

Good luck I hope they are safe and sound soon.;)

there is a lady in doncaster who may take them all i could meet and drop them to her no drama's i can pass on her details to the people involved if they need them the lady also has contacts so sure something could be arranged let me know if you need her details xx

just heard on the radio we might get snow again!! on wednesday lets hope not 4 there sakes !

Shorty is right, I am usually involved in car park/factory trapping which is so much easier cos anything that goes in the trap is supposed to go in the trap!! The neighbour's cat thinks the two traps are such a good source of easy food!
Have spoken again to Thornberry but they are really full, and although they will take them if they are handable, it may be a while before a big enough pen becomes available. Saying that, the kits are weaned. Shorty says that the mum cat is lovely and not aggressive at all, seems she has been abandoned. Sometimes sits on her mum's doorstep.
Doncaster, email me love with full details of the lady who may be able to take them.
maggieskinner@blueyonder.co.uk That would be great.
Jackie at CATS always says she'll take them in but on this occasion it would be great if someone else could help!! Then I could pass even more on to Jackie!!!
The problem I have if Thornberry are unable to take them is that if they are trapped one at a time then I need to take them to a place where they can stay for a while, otherwise they will be stressed further if they are caught a second time. I'm rambling on. Sorry xx

Fishpole, email me love, your inbox is full. x

I have the time to socialise the little ones, most definately as im at home all day, I think magsie has my number if im needed just let me know.

What an offer Kate, thanks so much.
Of course the little souls aren't in the trap yet!! Am sure the neighbour's cat has been in several times though xx

This seems to be better organised than the invasion of Normandy! Well done, everybuddy! :hihi:

Mum's put out the traps again this morning, as the kits always seem to come around in the morning.

Fingers crossed. xx

GREAT NEWS!

We've just caught the tabby kitten! He's in the trap and in my mums kitchen.

1 down 2 to go!

Brilliant Well Done xx

GREAT NEWS!

We've just caught the tabby kitten! He's in the trap and in my mums kitchen.

1 down 2 to go!

Woohoo! :banana:

Shorty, the kit your mum trapped a few weeks ago is in season which means that its sibling which has not been caught will also be. Probably mum will be too.
Is there any news? Is mum any friendlier yet?
Do you think it's worth setting the other trap again? Your area seems to have its fair share of cats already! What do you think love? x

yeah def worth giving it a go. The kit and mum now come on my garden now as well.

What about putting the trap in your garden love when you're at home. I will always sit in the car outside. Am sure it won't be too long before little kit is pregnant. Would be such a shame for her to have to go through that. Same with the mum.
There seem to be so many cats in your area Shorty. Bless em. x