Mooch Got Knocked Up

by Julie
(Racine, WI)

Now in September a stray comes to my door and window, she is starving and I can see her rib cage and she is tiny. I'm thinking maybe 8 months old. So of course I feed her outside and I pet her outside and she keeps coming back. (Who would have seen that coming, right?)

So the cold weather comes and I think, well I can't let her sleep outside! So I bring her into the house and she settles into a routine, but she is still an outdoor cat so she goes out in the snow and the freezing weather, but almost always shows up for mealtime and bed time.

Right, so Feb comes and she goes out as usual but we notice a whole lot of cats in and around our yard for some reason. Then I realize that Mooch (appropriately named I think) is in heat. Well, though I was able to get her into the house a few times to eat, she had a nice rock and roll weekend, if you know what I mean.

So the kittens are due any day in the next week and I don't know what to do. They will probably be born outside (Mooch has made quite a nest in our backyard) or under the couch.

I have a spare room ready for the kittens, but if Mooch has them outside or somewhere else do you think I can touch them and move them? Will that upset her or do detriment to the kittens?

I am afraid to move them or touch them, becuase I had handled a kitten when it was a few weeks old and it died. But for the welfare of the kittens, should I move them to a safe place in my home where they will have access to water and food (not sure if Mooch is gonna be a good momma so I am prepared) and be protected from animasls who might hurt them.

What do you think I can do or should do? I need people with experience in this. Mooch is a mouser but also a very affectionate cat. She's only been in my life for 6 months, but I love her and her kittens.

Thank you for taking the time.