Kittens Under My Shed?

Question

We had seen a little orange kitten running around from time to time. Once it ran by, there was no telling where it went. Well, yesterday my dogs were looking out the back door whining. When I looked, the mystery kitten was sunning itself on a landscaping brick next to our shed. I went out there, but he wasn't having any part of that and took off into the field. He thought he was hiding, but was only about 12 inches away from me. I wanted to make sure that he was going to be okay, so I put some food out for him. Approximately 2 minutes later, I see a little gray head pop out from under our shed. Then the orange kitten comes back with a white kitten. Needless to say, we have three kittens living under our shed. I feed them in the morning and at night, making sure I pick up the plates before it gets too late, to avoid raccoons. Now that you have the background, here's my dilemma. I am SEVERLY allergic to cats. To the point where I have trouble breathing if I'm standing in the grocery store next to someone who owns cats. Can cats survive outside in Michigan all year long, without coming in the house at all? I've read some of the other posts. I would love answers and suggestions, but please don't respond if you're going to be cruel and judgemental about kittens being outside. I would never adopt a kitten and throw it outside, but these kittens just seem to have adopted us and were apparently born under my shed. Please tell me what I can do. Thank you. P.S. I haven't seen Mama anywhere. The orange kitten and white kitten will eat off of the same plate, but tend to push the gray kitten out of the way. So, I started feeding them on three separate plates and that seems to work.

Answer 1

WELL ARENT YOU A VERY GOOD PERSON!  (two thumbs up)

These are ferral cats... I would call the local human society and ask about the weather there.  If they can get under the shead then they have some shelter...

But cats grow up and breed ... as you are well aware.... and in about 6 -9 months you will have even more kittens.

If you want to keep them from breeding all over the place you can trap them (since you can't touch them) or have someone who likes cats catch them .  Take them to the vet and have them spayed/ neutered.  so they won't breed...

I live where it snows in winter but does not get as cold as where you are... we have several homeless cats who seem to do ok.

but the better bet is get them homes.  (if you have 3 friends who are not alergic)

Good luck.

Answer 2

Bravo, to you for stepping up and feeding the kittens.  They will be fine outside all year long if they have shelter, food, and water.  I had a stray cat adopt me in the same way and I actually put a cat door in the side of the shed so she could get in and out in the winter and kept the food inside the shed so other animals couldn't get to it.  Also you may want to trap the kittens now to get their shots and have them spayed or neutered so you don't end up with a colony of cats.  

Answer 3

I would continue to feed them like you are until the fall, then I would go buy a cage with a door in it, so when the kittens go in, they can't get out. You can get these at pet co, or at home depot. You might want to get 3. Put some food in the cage. When the cats go in, it will shut. Now, you should take the kittens to the animal shelter, but because you are allergic, you may want someone else to do this.

I hope this helps!

Answer 4

They cat live outdoors all year round but, I would recommend calling the local shelter to trap them. These cats will continue to breed, do you want more and more feral cats around your neighborhood. I love cats and maybe there is a family out there that would love these ones. Good luck.  

Answer 5

It's true that cats can live outside all year long, but research has also shown that outside cats live shorter lives.  They are also at risk, especially in Michigan, of freezing in the winter, getting hit by a car, attacked by another animal, etc.  Really, your choices are to take these risks into consideration, and try to give them the best life you can by keeping them fed and such.  Or you can contact a no kill shelter in your area, and have them taken there.  Even try finding a friend or neighbor to adopt one or all of them.  

With your allergies you are probably not going to be able to give them the best possible life by taking care of them yourself, but you can see that they have a good life by putting them with someone who can keep them inside and take care of them.  Good luck, and I hope it all works out for you!

Answer 6

I don't live in Michigan but I live in CO in the mountains and we get very cold winters and lots of snow so I can relate somewhat.  Maybe you should look into getting one of those small "igloo" houses for pets that you can buy form large pet stores.  I don't think they are overly expensive and you can keep the cats warm and dry all winter and still be able to feed them without getting to close to them.  Have you thought of calling a no-kill shelter in your area to see if they may have room to take them in?  Maybe put up signs in your neighborhood to give them to a good home.  I hope this helps.