Hi,

Last Wednesday evening, one of my neighbours found a kitten in thier back
yard, and promptly handed it 'over the fence' to me. For some reason the
neighbour thought it was mine :s

On inspection it was a female, about 8 weeks, very thin and
smelt...well...ill. You know that smell stray cats get?

So, being a nice person, I took her in, gave her a bath, clipped her claws,
wormed then fed her. (My four cats appeared to have grown huge since that
morning. I'm sure they were NEVER that small).

Anyway, I put a 'lost and found' ad over the radio, and plan to call the
local paper if the radio ad gets nothing. I also plan to see if I can give
her to someone, but if not, I guess she gets to be adopted into the family.

Even though I shouldn't have another cat, I don't want her to be put down
coz someone 'lost' thier Christmas present. I have spoken to the neighbours
about having an extra family member and they don't have an objection.

The big cats are slowly accepting the kitten, with Phil doing the touching
noses thing and Smokey and Lil starting to eat alongside her. Only Boof (the
'baby') is having an issue. Probably feeling displaced.

How long should I wait to call the paper? and then how long is 'long enough'
to assume that no one is going to claim the kitten? I am of the opinion that
my cats will benefit from having a guest for a bit. I am torn between
looking after the kitten for just long enough for the cats to get used to
her, and hope they don't pine if she goes.

I'm rambling..

cheers for now
Monique