Raising a kitten into a Barn Cat

[Sublight]

We would feed our "barn cats" just a little. to keep them from roaming off. Don't try to keep their bellies full.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

Along with everyone else, I would try and get the kitten to a vet. They might be able to tell you approximate age, will be to tell the gender and whether or not they can spay/neuter yet (if that's what you wish). Otherwise, I would give him food, water and somewhere high up to get away from predators or any other scary things! Cats, especially the barn variety, are very hearty creatures.
And our spay and neuter clinics are run by licensed vets a few times a year

Also, our barn cats are fed every day and there is almost always some left. I still never ever see mice!

 

[Folly's place]

Cats hunt because they want to hunt; it's separate from being hungry. Eating the prey killed is also separate behaviorally. Having a healthy cat who learned to hunt from mama will be the best mouser!
I only wish that my barn cats also did rats, beyond the little babies. They've all left the rats who appear to me!
Mary

 

[Sublight]

I hate to sound like a insensitive, jerk...

But if you let the mom cat have kittens, then she will hunt harder to provide for them. Then you have multiple cats running around catching rats. Just let the ecosystem find a balance.

 

[DaviJones]

2 days ago I found a kitten in my barn, it had upset my rooster which had alerted me to 'danger'. It is either feral or poorly socialized. It is currently in a dog crate in the barn with canned food, water, and a box/with towels for shelter (it is still below freezing most of the time). Thinking about keeping it as barn cat but I'm clueless about cats, allergic and more of a dog person.

From what I've read it is best to keep it in the barn to learn it's hone, does that mean in a crate like how I have it or loose? It's a barn so not exactly escape proof for a kitten. Any additional guidance on how to raise a kitten into a barn cat.

How's the kitten doing today?

 

[Folly's place]

Meanwhile, you'll have tomcats around peeing on everything, fighting at 2 am, and generally raising hell. And bringing diseases in to share with your queen.
Not for me, thanks.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Yes, back to this kitten; how are things going? Girl or boy? Pictures!
Mary

 

[DaviJones]

I hate to sound like a insensitive, jerk...

But if you let the mom cat have kittens, then she will hunt harder to provide for them. Then you have multiple cats running around catching rats. Just let the ecosystem find a balance.

You don't sound insensitive at all. I understand that, and it's good from a farm standpoint("The cats are livestock and have a job to do") I personally prefer strerilation like Folly's place for all the reasons listed, but maybe I'm a bit soft as mine are domestic house dwellers.

 

[Sublight]

You don't sound insensitive at all. I understand that, and it's good from a farm standpoint("The cats are livestock and have a job to do") I personally prefer strerilation like Folly's place for all the reasons listed, but maybe I'm a bit soft as mine are domestic house dwellers.

That's exactly how I see it. They are livestock and have a job to do.
That doesn't mean I refuse to take care of them.

 

[Folly's place]

It's not that I don't enjoy kittens, but not in my barn!
Mary