My cat is having kittens....updated photos post #150, p. 10

[catycatcat4]

They are so cute i love the cats that are super fluffy!

BTW its none of yalls damn business what she does with her cats.

 

[jmpurdy]

They are so cute i love the cats that are super fluffy!

BTW its none of yalls damn business what she does with her cats.

It's all of our business as a society. One farm, no problem. Multiply that by everyone with this attitude and there IS a problem. OP doesn't think spaying/neutering is necessary because homes are found for the kittens. This is exactly the problem. More kittens that will then procreate and so on and so on. You can get angry if you want, but this is the truth. If you truly believe it is none of our business then I suggest you attend several euthanasias of perfectly healthy kittens and cats for no reason other than they are taking too much space in the shelter. Perhaps you would feel differently.

 

[izzy]

They are so cute i love the cats that are super fluffy!

BTW its none of yalls damn business what she does with her cats.

ITA!!!!

Cute kitties! I love the gray one!

 

[tonilea]

OP: May I kindly disagree with you. You are contributing to the overpopulation problem. Every home that adopts your kittens do not adopt from a shelter.
Do you make sure every kitten you find homes for is spayed/neutered? Unfortunately if the answer is no, then you have contributed. Your responsibility doesn't stop just because you found homes for them. If only it were that simple. The only way to stop the overpopulation is to stop having kittens. Adopt from a shelter if you need more cats for your farm. There are millions of cats that are not suitable for a home, but would thrive on a farm who are euthanized. Overpopulation is completely preventable and heartbreaking.

In general, I agree. MOST cats should be altered. But, in her situation, things are different. Most shelters would not allow her to adopt if she is honest and says the cats will be barn cats.

We normally buy purebred dogs, but decided to adopt our last dog from a shelter. The paperwork was insane! I have filled out shorter applications for work as a night auditor. And I think I could have purchased a purebred of either of her breeds (eskimo/terrier mix) for only a bit more than I paid at the shelter. It was, at best, a frustrating experience.

The reality is there needs to be some balance. Not every cat can be a beloved house pet. Just like every human can't live in a ritzy 5th avenue appartment. Of course, not every cat wants to be a house pet, just like not every person wants that ritzy appartment.

 

[MidgeD79]

So if everyone "fixed" their cats would there come a time that there would be no cats? When would it be ok for a cat to have kittens? OP, those are very cute kittens. Congratulations!

 

[MichelleVW]

They are so cute i love the cats that are super fluffy!

BTW its none of yalls damn business what she does with her cats.

It is my business when the unfixed starving kittens from these people show up at my place!

It's all of our business as a society. One farm, no problem. Multiply that by everyone with this attitude and there IS a problem. OP doesn't think spaying/neutering is necessary because homes are found for the kittens. This is exactly the problem. More kittens that will then procreate and so on and so on. You can get angry if you want, but this is the truth. If you truly believe it is none of our business then I suggest you attend several euthanasias of perfectly healthy kittens and cats for no reason other than they are taking too much space in the shelter. Perhaps you would feel differently.

Yep, but some people just don't believe they are part of the problem.

In general, I agree. MOST cats should be altered. But, in her situation, things are different. Most shelters would not allow her to adopt if she is honest and says the cats will be barn cats.

We normally buy purebred dogs, but decided to adopt our last dog from a shelter. The paperwork was insane! I have filled out shorter applications for work as a night auditor. And I think I could have purchased a purebred of either of her breeds (eskimo/terrier mix) for only a bit more than I paid at the shelter. It was, at best, a frustrating experience.

The reality is there needs to be some balance. Not every cat can be a beloved house pet. Just like every human can't live in a ritzy 5th avenue appartment. Of course, not every cat wants to be a house pet, just like not every person wants that ritzy appartment.

Sorry, I don't believe the situation is different, it's easy to find "oops" litters of farm kittens in the classifieds/craigslist/feedstore bulletin board...etc.

So if everyone "fixed" their cats would there come a time that there would be no cats? When would it be ok for a cat to have kittens? OP, those are very cute kittens. Congratulations!

and if we ever have peace on earth we wouldn't need a military either...

But yes...they are adorable kittens....but I still wish the mama cat was fixed!!

 

[fkj2]

I can see both sides of this discussion. I have two "barn cats" living in my house. I live out in the country and my cats go out the back door, away from the road. I know I take a chance because they go out but they sure want to go hunting. My oldest cat (5) started her life in a barn until she "found" my house. She's a great little hunter. I describe her as a house cat who happened to live in the barn. My other cat was a drop-off that I was unable to home through the vet's office.

Cute as they are, both cats have been spayed because, frankly, I don't want litter after litter after litter. The gray cat is delicate and repeated pregnancies would just suck the calcium right out of her bones. My financial resources are concentrated on these two--and another outdoor cat that came from a neighbor's--and I hope they remain safe and healthy, and I work to keep them so. My gray cat, Poppins (named for the practically-perfect-in --every-way Mary Poppins) really doesn't want any additions, and is particularly resentful of any cat that I love on, esp. the "barn cat." He's been neutered, because I didn't want him "traveling around."

I'd never buy a cat; there's no reason to. There's no shortage of cats around here. People dump them all the time. Having grown up on a farm, I think it's important not to domesticate a cat too much--they then have no fear, and some element of fear is necessary or they won't survive.

Catching and controlling rodent populations is the "job" of a farm cat. Farmers know that barn cats generally don't live as long as house cats, but that doesn't mean they don't feel badly when they lose one. Like most things in life, pet population should be managed. If people choose not to spay or neuter, but they provide food, shelter, and medical care for their animals, that's being responsible as far as I'm concerned.

 

[jmpurdy]

I can see both sides of this discussion. I have two "barn cats" living in my house. I live out in the country and my cats go out the back door, away from the road. I know I take a chance because they go out but they sure want to go hunting. My oldest cat (5) started her life in a barn until she "found" my house. She's a great little hunter. I describe her as a house cat who happened to live in the barn. My other cat was a drop-off that I was unable to home through the vet's office.

Cute as they are, both cats have been spayed because, frankly, I don't want litter after litter after litter. The gray cat is delicate and repeated pregnancies would just suck the calcium right out of her bones. My financial resources are concentrated on these two--and another outdoor cat that came from a neighbor's--and I hope they remain safe and healthy, and I work to keep them so. My gray cat, Poppins (named for the practically-perfect-in --every-way Mary Poppins) really doesn't want any additions, and is particularly resentful of any cat that I love on, esp. the "barn cat." He's been neutered, because I didn't want him "traveling around."

I'd never buy a cat; there's no reason to. There's no shortage of cats around here. People dump them all the time. Having grown up on a farm, I think it's important not to domesticate a cat too much--they then have no fear, and some element of fear is necessary or they won't survive.

Catching and controlling rodent populations is the "job" of a farm cat. Farmers know that barn cats generally don't live as long as house cats, but that doesn't mean they don't feel badly when they lose one. Like most things in life, pet population should be managed. If people choose not to spay or neuter, but they provide food, shelter, and medical care for their animals, that's being responsible as far as I'm concerned.

Surely you cannot believe it is responsible to allow the overpopulation situation to continue. Do you realize how many thousands of dogs and cats are euthanized each year that are healthy and just as beautiful as these kittens? Maybe some shelters are careful and screen owners. Why shouldn't they? They've seen what I've seen. They don't want a pet returned and work very hard to match owners to pets. We have a rescued greyhound and 3 rescued cats, one who is blind from being hit by a car at 8 weeks old. Yes, he was a stray. Now see how many people were impacted by an owner who chose not to spay their cat and had kittens. One kitten finds himself in a busy street at 8 weeks old. 1. The person who hit him with a car; 2. The police who responded; 3. The dog officer called to the scene who thought he could be saved and brought him to our practice; 4. The vet I work for who treated him for many days and received no money in return as there is no owner; 5. The staff who worked equally hard to save him, etc. etc. We haven't even talked about diseases that are passed on to other cats; the suffering of cats looking for food in all kinds of weather; and through it all they will still try to procreate because that is what they do.

 

[fkj2]

Surely you cannot believe it is responsible to allow the overpopulation situation to continue. Do you realize how many thousands of dogs and cats are euthanized each year that are healthy and just as beautiful as these kittens? Maybe some shelters are careful and screen owners. Why shouldn't they? They've seen what I've seen. They don't want a pet returned and work very hard to match owners to pets. We have a rescued greyhound and 3 rescued cats, one who is blind from being hit by a car at 8 weeks old. Yes, he was a stray. Now see how many people were impacted by an owner who chose not to spay their cat and had kittens. One kitten finds himself in a busy street at 8 weeks old. 1. The person who hit him with a car; 2. The police who responded; 3. The dog officer called to the scene who thought he could be saved and brought him to our practice; 4. The vet I work for who treated him for many days and received no money in return as there is no owner; 5. The staff who worked equally hard to save him, etc. etc. We haven't even talked about diseases that are passed on to other cats; the suffering of cats looking for food in all kinds of weather; and through it all they will still try to procreate because that is what they do.

Can you read? Did you not read the sentence I wrote saying pet population should be managed? How on earth can you interpret anything I wrote to mean that I believe overpopulation of pets continue? Is there some part of my post indicating my two female cats have been spayed and my male barn cat has been neutered that you didn't understand?

As far as the OP is concerned, it is HER business as to whether she spays or neuters her animals. She is the one who cares and provides for them. If she were not responsible in feeding and attending to their needs, it would be different. Although I personally hope that farm owners would spay and neuter cats more often, even deeply discounted spay/neuter programs can become expensive. It's not the farmers' place to have to pay for spaying and neutering all animals that are dumped, just as no veterinarian would be expected to continually underwrite those spays and neuters.

 

[Octoberbeauty]

They are adorable! Congrats on the new additions.

I'm on the hunt for a calico kitten, but not in a hurry. I want the right one at the right time.

 

[princessmom29]

Can you read? Did you not read the sentence I wrote saying pet population should be managed? How on earth can you interpret anything I wrote to mean that I believe overpopulation of pets continue? Is there some part of my post indicating my two female cats have been spayed and my male barn cat has been neutered that you didn't understand?

As far as the OP is concerned, it is HER business as to whether she spays or neuters her animals. She is the one who cares and provides for them. If she were not responsible in feeding and attending to their needs, it would be different. Although I personally hope that farm owners would spay and neuter cats more often, even deeply discounted spay/neuter programs can become expensive. It's not the farmers' place to have to pay for spaying and neutering all animals that are dumped, just as no veterinarian would be expected to continually underwrite those spays and neuters.

For some people overpopulation means that no one should ever allow thier animals to reproduce while there are animals in a shelter. I personally disagree, but i think that is where the pp you are responding to is coming from. Anyone allowing an animal to breed for any reason is automatically irresponsible.

 

[Thumbs18]

omg people are you SERIOUSLY flaming this woman for her cat having kittens?! OP they are GORGEOUS!!!!! When I was little I lived on a farm and had 2 beagles living outside, 2 big dogs (no idea what they were) living outside, 2 black labs (outside) 2 cats (outside), and 1 puppy (inside) NONE of my outside animals were spayed or neutered. One year I swore I heard meowing underneath the house and my dad climbed under and pulled out about 6 kittens... I LOVED them all...they were all black but I had one solid gray one name Steel...The indoor puppy was supposed to have been spayed (thats what we were told) but like 8 yrs later she had 2 litters in the same year...we gave them to people who wanted them. never pawned them on anyone. I have a puppy now who was an "oops" puppy that someone was giving away. I agree with the poster who said something about cats being bred and sold...what is the difference? To me telling people that they are irresponsible for not spaying an animal is like telling a mother with over 2 kids that they are irresponsible for not having their tubes tied...My puppy WILL NOT be neutered. Thats MY opinion. Once again CONGRATS OP they are ADORABLE!!!! If my DF would OK it I would beg for one!

 

[dicar123]

There are TONS of kids in foster homes, I hope none of you flamers are breeding your own. After all, small humans create a much larger carbon footprint than even a dozen cats.

I have one indoor kitty which is fixed. We got him from an irresponsible neighbor.

 

[Planogirl]

I dislike some shelters that use foster homes and also some rescues. They are nitpicky and fussy and just impossible to deal with. There are exceptions of course but I'd personally prefer to avoid many of them.

For example, I know of a nice responsible working 20 year old woman who was denied an adoption because of her age. That type of thing is so silly and I hear about this kind of nonsense way too often.

Anyway back to the kittens, I hope that the OP will post pics once they all get their eyes open!

 

[XTinabell]

I love those pictures OP!!!! Totally love little one eyed Jack. How sweet they all are. Thank you for sharing. They all look like they might have inherited the maincoon traits, very fluffy for babies.

I'm disappointed to see that people couldn't let this debate go, clearly nobody is going to win this argument here so learn when to drop a subject. Obviously attacking someone is not going to change their point of view so either learn a new tactic or go somewhere else. The rest of us are trying to enjoy the kitties.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

I love those pictures OP!!!! Totally love little one eyed Jack. How sweet they all are. Thank you for sharing. They all look like they might have inherited the maincoon traits, very fluffy for babies.

I'm disappointed to see that people couldn't let this debate go, clearly nobody is going to win this argument here so learn when to drop a subject. Obviously attacking someone is not going to change their point of view so either learn a new tactic or go somewhere else. The rest of us are trying to enjoy the kitties.

Yeah....what she said.

 

[jmpurdy]

Can you read? Did you not read the sentence I wrote saying pet population should be managed? How on earth can you interpret anything I wrote to mean that I believe overpopulation of pets continue? Is there some part of my post indicating my two female cats have been spayed and my male barn cat has been neutered that you didn't understand?

As far as the OP is concerned, it is HER business as to whether she spays or neuters her animals. She is the one who cares and provides for them. If she were not responsible in feeding and attending to their needs, it would be different. Although I personally hope that farm owners would spay and neuter cats more often, even deeply discounted spay/neuter programs can become expensive. It's not the farmers' place to have to pay for spaying and neutering all animals that are dumped, just as no veterinarian would be expected to continually underwrite those spays and neuters.

You can attack me if it makes you feel better. It would be lovely if you could step away from yourself and realize I wasn't speaking of your situation, but of the OP. I would love to hear how one manages the overpopulation if everyone else spays/neuters their pets, but not those who believe it is 'their' business what they do with their pets. A female will travel when in heat as will a male to find a female in heat. They do not know where their property ends. This whole debate started with one statement about responsibility and I will advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.

 

[fkj2]

You can attack me if it makes you feel better. It would be lovely if you could step away from yourself and realize I wasn't speaking of your situation, but of the OP. I would love to hear how one manages the overpopulation if everyone else spays/neuters their pets, but not those who believe it is 'their' business what they do with their pets. A female will travel when in heat as will a male to find a female in heat. They do not know where their property ends. This whole debate started with one statement about responsibility and I will advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Uh, excuse me, but it was YOU responded to a previous posting of mine (at 1:46 should you need a reference point) with the following statement:

"Surely you cannot believe it is responsible to allow the overpopulation situation to continue. Do you realize how many thousands of dogs and cats are euthanized each year that are healthy and just as beautiful as these kittens? Maybe some shelters are careful and screen owners. Why shouldn't they? They've seen what I've seen."

Hardly a response to the OP. So, thanks for your permission--but I'm not "attacking" you.

This thing of posters who try to make valid points and get some kind of extreme response is ridiculous. I live on a farm and there isn't one of my cats that was "my choice"; all were DUMPED OFF. However, I have chosen to give them a home. They've been spayed or neutered (by my choice), they are well fed, they've had their shots, and with the exception of the barn cat, have had regular vet checkups. Even the barn cat is vaccinated. Just that vaccine alone cost me $45 off the net, and I had to search (and search and search)to find it because it contains FLV.

Farmers CANNOT AFFORD to "be responsible" for every stray that wanders onto their property because someone else decided that pet ownership wasn't right for them, and won't take the time and effort necessary to rehome them. Most farming families appreciate the assistance that, esp. the large animal vets provide when they make a farm call, in caring for strays that at least get fed by a farmer and can find a place to crawl in out of the weather.

It's a shame, but throwing verbal stones at people who do the best they can under the circumstances is outrageous.

To the OP, best on the babies.

 

[Katieinwonderland]

OP, do you name the kittens before you give them away? Maybe we could come up with names!

Please continue to post pictures! There is a wonderful 'ignore' button I use frequently when people clog up threads with their debates!

 

[chyam]

Boy....I'm sorry I posted at this point. Didn't know I was going to get lectured by the pet police. First of all, I live on a farm. I have lived on farms all of my life. I have 150 acres of forest in my back yard. We do keep cats....they take care of the mice and the rats. ALL of our animals are fed, they get their shots, they get seen by the farm vet who takes care of our cattle. I don't dump cats on someone else's property. If a kitten is born on my farm, I either find it a home or keep it and take care of it.

And if someone else dumps cats on our farm, we do our best to take care of them too.

Nothing brings me more JOY than seeing kittens playing in my yard. My kids play with our cats and they are all tame.

If you've had a bad experience, I'm really sorry. We are not irresponsible with our animals. They are MY pets, on MY property, cared for by MY family.

Now, I think I'll go check and see how mama kitty is doing and enjoy the beautiful sight of a mama kitty nursing her babies.

SORRY...but that is no excuse...barn cat...farm cat...country cat whatever, if you feed and take them in the least you could do is fix them so no more are born! We all love to see kittens playing in the yard, whatever...it is still wrong to continue to let more unwanted animals to be born...perhaps the vet that sees them on a regular basis could give you a break and get them fixed for a reduced rate! It's just not good pet ownership to keep letting them breed!