I have been feeding a beautiful stray and her kittens for 6-7 months now. All are very clean and very obviously a family. Although they are very friendly we don't pet them but get loadsa fun just watching them play. I thought the mum was pregnant again and contacted the local animal sanctuary for advice. They suggested we trap them, have them spayed/neutered and then release them again. Mummy cat was caught this morning. She tested positive for feline aids and they put her to sleep there and then. As it turned out she wasn't even pregnant. 2 of the 3 kittens are currently at the vets awaiting tests in the morning. Can anyone tell me what to do ?? I feel so guilty about mummy cat. What if the kittens have aids - do they have to be put to sleep ? The 3rd kitten is still outside, alone and prob very confused. What shoudl I do? Trap him too and take him to the vets? Please advise

The kittens might well be OK

F I V - Cat Action Trust - Rescue, Rehoming and Welfare of Feral Cats

I had exactly this happen about 15 years ago, though without any rescue organisation being involved, Mum was just a stray - and we failed to find her owners. Mum was positive for FIV but all three kittens tested negative for FIV and FeLV. We rehomed the lot, Mum of course went to a home with another FIV positive cat.

Do get them neutered while they are at the vets - if it's still down to you. You might well be able to catch the remaining kitten if you take him something nice to eat.

Liz

Yes I'd trap the final kitten otherwise he will die out there alone. The kittens maybe ok, I don't know much about Feline Aids. They may not live as long as non infected cats but I am sure they can live an ok life but I think they have to be kept indoors only so they do not spread the illness to other cats. Sorry Mum and to be PTS but I think it's for the best for the poor cat.

Good luck catching the final kitten and I hope they'll all be ok.

Try to catch the last kitten if you can. he will probably come to you if he is used to being fed. I'm sorry that 'mum' had to be pts but hope that the kittens will be ok.
if they are neutered and do not have FIV I'm sure they would be able to be rehomed rather than just letting them loose again. If they are FIV positive perhaps someone would still give them a home if they were kept indoors with no other cats.

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As I found out, cats with FIV can live happy and active lives. If you can catch it I hope a re-homing centre will give it a chance. As long as it's neutered and general health monitored for signs of infection in the future, it could, as mine did, live with another cat.
Good luck and thank you for being such a caring person.

great news the kittens tested negative !! am so relieved. they were neutered,wormed and de-fleaed and are in my garage recovering. i hope in time they will warm to us but if not i'll let them go outside and be content just watching them play from the window! i will attempt to catch the other kitten and also the father who still roams the streets. thanks for the link to the website - it was great and very informative.

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If cats could talk they would lie to you
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