new cat and kittens

Question
A few months ago a cat wandered up on our porch.  With nobody claiming the cat, we kept her and began getting quotes to have a checkup and for spaying etc.  In the meantime she appeared pregnant and proceeded to have 4 kittens.  They are 3 weeks old now and momma cat is not litter box trained and appears young and does not care to spend much time with the kittens.  They seem healthy as if they are eating enough.  When do you suggest having them checked out with mom also, and do you have any resources for help witht he costs?  Also, any feedback on momma cats behavior and litter box training would be helpful.  Thanks.

Answer
Bethany,

As far as resources for help with neutering and spaying, you need to check with your local and state animal control agencies. Some jurisdictions have help, some do not. Since the cat is feral, you may want to check with Alley Cat Allies:

http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=191

to see if they have any Trap, Test, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release programs nearby where you live.

If mama is an out doors feral cat, she is probably doing her business somewhere you are not noticing. If you bring any of these indoors, you can use Cat Attract as a starter litter and put the kittens in the litter pan after they eat, once they are weaned. At 3 weeks of age, mama is, probably, already beginning to wean them. Mama will spend less and less time with the kittens as they begin to get to that weanling age (3-4 weeks).

Best regards... Norm.