The Cat's Whiskers

Today I got back into the gym after a week of stomach pains, thinking I was feeling better. Who said exercise was good for you? I took it gentle but bam! Thankfully you will be spared in depth descriptions of the civil war between my lower and upper intestines because something else has come into my life...

This morning we took an emergency call regarding a  pregnant feral cat that had been taken into the vets suffering from a difficult birth. The first kitten was breech and stuck in the birth canal. Sadly this kitten did not make it. However, the vet was able to deliver the remaining three. The next problem presented itself when the new mother rejected the kittens and it was discovered she had inverted nipples and no milk. We have fostered and hand reared very young kittens before and we were asked if we would be willing to try with this trio. The answer was, of course, yes.

They arrived this afternoon and I was pleasantly surprised. Two were a particularly good size considering they had just popped into the world, the third was a little small and the vet sent word he had problem getting this one to breath at the start.

They are now cosy on a 'fake mummy's tummy' - a none to ingenious invention of a tepid hot water bottle and fleece, it keeps them warm and they love the motion of the water base. They have all taken to the bottle....there is the distinct possibility I may join them. We have a few weeks of regular feeds and sleepless nights ahead!

There is also the matter of weeing (the kittens not me). Normally their mother would lick their bottoms after feeding to stimulate bladder and bowel movements. I am dedicated, not sick, so find some soft tissue or a cotton pad with a little warm water rubbed on their bits does the trick. They bring such joy when hand rearing; it is hard to feel pissed off when you are being pissed on by a kitten.  I can happily report they have all had wees tonight.

There is a degree of uncertainty when hand rearing newborns and the next few days will be crucial but I can guarantee they will get the best chance possible here.

I will of course be keeping their progress updated on here. My thoughts and news cannot compete with kittens!

Comments

[Rhonda]

I stumbled over from Atilla's blog.

As a fellow animal rescue person, I had to say Yeah! Kittens! They are fabulous, even when peeing all over your lap :)

Best of luck in the next few days. They are obviously in good hands.

[Adm. Pooper]

Rhonda is indeed an animal rescue person.

Those tiny kittens are about the cutest things in the world. May I have the smallest one? I believe the runts are always better because they had to try harder.

Dr. Herriot, I presume?

[Kate]

Aaw, bless their little cotton socks. I'll keep my fingers crossed for them.