Squatters under our back porch

[chowmama]

I let Rader out in the back yard at the crack of dawn to relieve himself. Heard quiet squeaking under the porch (which has a horizontal trellis for a barrier) and got a flashlight. Kittens! Too far back to count noses or get much idea of age or condition. Mama was not to be seen.

After the sun came up and I was dressed for work, I went out again. No sight of Mama yet, but the kits were crying louder. I saw a gray tabby head or two, and at least one black. I got a can of Fast Eddie's cystitis diet onto a paper plate and shoved it underneath the trellis, figuring that it wasn't ideal, but at least it was canned food. Checked one more time before I left and saw Mama at the dish.

That night, I gave her a can of a bland diet for cats with digestive issues. It was in the donate pile at work and I figured it was better than the other food. She watched me push it in from about 8 inches away, ready to bolt at any false move.

Next morning, she came out and yelled at me to move faster. Put her head right down and ate it at my feet. I was 'allowed' to pet her, but I really don't think she was paying attention to anything but the food. Dull sticky fur, rib and hip bones apparent. She's a tiny black cat, not much larger than her kittens. I think she's pretty young herself. During the day, DH went out with a plate of dry food. She hissed at him, but it disappeared later, as well. At night, I added a bowl of water, along more canned food.

Yesterday, I talked to a person at work who helps with rescue. Today, she brought more food and a large kennel to try to tempt Mama into. Incidentally, Mama now has a name. Audrey, after the plant in Little Shop of Horrors. 'FEED ME!.

I brought the kennel home and set it up next to the trellis. Straw in the bottom with an old towel on top should insulate against the cold ground. The top is draped with another towel, for more insulation. The food is inside. All the thumping and rattling from setting up the whole arrangement had Audrey hiding again. But I went out to check after half an hour and she was on top of the porch, rubbing around my legs and seeming to thank me. The food had been eaten. I don't think she's a feral, but a socialized cat who escaped or was evicted. She likes petting. She's a good mama; the kittens seem vigorous and alert. One of them came out by itself to explore the garden yesterday.

She's visibly better hydrated and is grooming herself again, so her fur is shinier and softer, but there are some burs in her tail that will have to be cut out. I'm guessing there are 5 kittens, who look to be (still from a distance) 3 or 4 weeks old. I'm hoping they'll try some of the canned food and leave Audrey alone a little more. I also hope she moves them into the kennel for the night. It can't be good to have them all sleeping in piles of old concrete and other construction garbage. It's gotta be cold out there.

Once they're settled in the kennel, I can shut the door and get them to work. I'm guessing flea treatments all around, and worming, if the kittens are old and strong enough. Audrey should be checked for a microchip, but I kinda hope she doesn't have one. From there, my coworker will get them to a rescue. DH is already lobbying to keep one, but I don't know how Eddie would handle that.