I have a 10 month old stray that has been on my property for 3 1/2 months. She had a litter on June 27th. She has 3 kittens, she has taken the 2 biggest kittens and moved them underneath our work building. She took the runt out this morning and brought it out to us on our patio. This is a place where she always lounges and rest. We have tried putting it in a large plastic 2 piece doghouse for shelter on the patio. We have placed the kitten in the doghouse twice today, because she will leave the kitten, leaving to feed the other 2 and then later when a storm came up. She is feeding the runt and carrying it around on the patio. But will not take it back w/ the other 2. I am worried about tonight. We have spotted a raccoon recently. I cannot bring her in and the kittens in for fear of what the other cats in my house will do, as well as her.
My concern and question is, "is this normal for a cat to carry one of her kittens around and separate it from the others?"

Thank you,
Lori

Um, that raccoon is smacking his lips as he looks at those kittens. Is there some way to protect them, say, in a garage or bring them into the house and away from the house cats?

The runt may be fated for death and that is why the mother has separated him from this sibs. She still is nursing him though?

Yes, she is paying attention to her, she will sit a few feet away to get a rest for a while, but when the kitten cries loud, she comes to her, lays w/ her and nurses her. The Mother is very affectionate and has let us handle her kittens, brought them to us, several times. I am thinking she is protecting her by bringing her to us. I do have a bottle and canned milk on stand by. I just hope, if I bring the kitten in, she will nurse.

Any ideas on how to protect this little family from evil Mr. Raccoon?

I guess I will have to bring her in. I am afraid that she won't nurse on the bottle after being fed by Momma.. I am worried over this little girl..

I have to remember the saying, "this too shall pass." ;) I cannot believe how worried I am over this Momma and her litter..