With time, we became attached and let her into the house, where she used to dart to the downstairs bedroom (her comfort zone). She became very big and we soon realized she was pregnant. She was still living outside at this time, but came to visit us every day for food. Then all of a sudden, she did not visit for 2 days and when she returned, she was skinny as a rake! She still came for food...but where were the kittens? She returned 2 weeks later holding a tiny kitten in her mouth and once again she ran to her comfort zone. We kept mom & kitten overnight and made a home for them in the shed. They were gone the next day. The mother returned for food sometime later, but never again with her kitten. We thought she might have died.

Two months later, as I was driving to work, I saw that the mother had been struck and killed by a car. We felt great sadness and feared for her kitten, whome we could hear crying outside. We left milk out for the kitten but were unsure of her well being. We decided to put the milk in a corner of the shed that we could see from the house. We monitored the bowl of milk from the kitchen window. When we saw her in the shed, we caught her and brought her into the house. She was very frightened but we felt it was our duty to look after her. Over the last 4 days, we were amazed to find how sociable, warm and loving this small creature could be. We have great craic (Irish for 'great fun') with her. She sneezes and seems to have conjunctivitis. Our friends told us this was normal but we still decided to look on the Internet. We found your page. It has been a wonderful source of information and comfort to us. We are bringing the kitten to the vet tomorrow. We have decided to name the kitten after you. Our most sincere thanks, The converted Trish & Mike.

Thank you for the kind note. I am happy I could help. Simba

Dear Simba,
Thank you for your wonderful site! I'm now mother to two, two days old kittens, their mother die just this morning and all of the sudden besides having to face the fact that my wonderful cat is gone, I have to take care of these two kittens, which scares me to no end. I have no experience with young cats and did not know where to start or what to expect. I turned to the web for answers, found several articles on orphaned kittens, but your site is so complete, it gave me the confidence I needed to know I can take care of my kittens... it answered many, many questions I had, like feeding, keeping warm and grooming my babies.

I took my kittens to the vet, she gave me a formula to feed them, bottles, and told me what to do to stimulate them to go poop, but once I was home with them, I realized I had a thousand questions and concerns. I'm still concerned about one of my kittens, as I have not seen her poop.... when should I start panicking? Also, I am fortunate enough to have a wonderful boss. When she found out what happened, she said I could bring the kittens in with so I can take care of them. What precautions should I take to ensure they are safe while I'm transporting them and while they are at my office? Your site has been a blessing. I cannot thank you enough.... CJ in Austin, TX

Dear CJ in Austin, TX
Thank you for your kind words. do not expect too much from their bowel movements, remember they are little kittens. Be sure to stimulate them after every other feeding. If you do not see a movement in a day or two give your vet a call.

As to transporting them to work, the 'Little Kittens' section has a part that discusses transportation safety for little ones (be sure to buckle their box up during the drive or at lease cushion it for any unforeseen braking). At work, keep them in their box, they might even fit in an partially opened desk drawer, try to minimize the amount of noise to which they are exposed, keep them warm and make sure they have fresh air. Continue feeding them on a schedule and loving them as you are doing. You have a great boss. Keep me posted. Simba

PS
We (the staff for all these cats) have noticed that both of the establishment cats are much more affectionate with us now that Jetta is on the scene.

Dear Simba:
Thanks for your quick advice about our new black kitten (as you might remember, I am Sweet Pea's Mom, our 2nd cat. Our first is an indignant male named Super Kitty) We have not named our newest addition, we are waiting for her personality to emerge. Anyway, we took her to the Vet on Monday. Turns out she has:

Kitty flu (shots given, then RX twice/day)

.

Worms (shots given for that)

Ear Mites (vet gave us ear drops for that)

Loaded with fleas.(shots given for that)

Question - can we give her a Flea shampoo in a few days or should we wait until she is recovered from the flu? The fleas are appallingly thick and active. They are being combed out and drowned a couple of times a day. I realize that the flea shots will work soon, but in the meantime would like to get rid of those nasty bugs.

Our new one is isolated in the downstairs bathroom, and will be so until she is completely well. We must have done a poor job the first time because Super Kitty even after a year cannot stand the sight of Sweet Pea who is adorable beyond words. I think Super Kitty may have been so distraught when we got Sweet Pea that he tried to end it all by dashing in front of a car. Fortunately we found him quickly and took him to the vet who informed us of Super Kitty's CATastrophic incident with the car. A broken leg was one result. Here he was, thumping around the house with his front leg in a cast, glaring at adorable Sweet Pea. He developed a new growling sort of language that sounds even today as though he is swearing and curing at her.

Sweet Pea is the original timid soul. We have tried everything to give her courage, much like the cowardly lion. Even the homeopathic drops cleverly called "scardy cat" had no effect. She is great with my husband and me, but if the doorbell rings, or heaven forbid if we have guests, she will hide under the bed upstairs. We have accepted the fact that this is her own personality and we love her dearly. She is very affectionate and communicative with us. We also have accepted the fact that Super Kitty will probably never like her. She worships him and since he is an indoor and outdoor cat, she races from window to window (inside) to watch him as he patrols the garden. She is not a bit afraid of him, and plays "attack" with him. He is not amused. Anyway, into this mix we bring the new one.

Question: how do we gradually introduce our new baby after she is well so that we will not have another riot on our hands. Our hope is that the new one will provide some companionship and interaction with Sweet Pea, who seems to need someone to play with, to chase after. (my husband does his best, but she needs someone closer to her own size). Any advice? Sweet Pea's Mom

Dear Sweet Pea's Mom,
Glad to hear that new gal is doing well. You may want to consider using a flea mousse so that kitty does not get wet while you rid her of her fleas. You might also want to try a good Flea & Tick Shampoo. As for having a smoother introduction, check out more of the letters in Lifestyle Changes. Many readers have had similar concerns, I think you will find good advice there. Keep me posted. Simba

Dear Misty's, Sylvester and Patches Mom :}
How wonderful things have worked out. Be sure to keep me posted on your new friends. Simba