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~ This diary is continually updated as the kittens grow. Add it to your favorites for easy access. ~ |
| Grainne's Kitten Diary 2020 |
| This reads from the bottom up. New entries are added at the top so its easy to follow as they grow. |
| The music used on this page is Let Them Be Little by Billy Dean |
| These kittens are the progeny of our sire Polo and dam Grainne |
| Kittens from this litter have gone to waiting families on our kitten list. |
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| April 25th - The end of this month brings a close to this diary. We said Good Bye to Schneider and Schmear this weekend. We did a hand off at the car due to Covid19. I got the carrier and put them in and took it to their car. They are both going to the same extended family so they got to travel home together. They will be joining full sisters from Grainne's earlier litters. Schneider will join Ollie (Cutie Pie from 2019) and Schmear will join Winnie (Creme Pat from 2018). Ollie and Winnie already play together frequently so we know Schneider and Schmear will get to play with each other too. Mauer will be staying with us. He needs a bit more time to mature. He is missing his siblings because his momma is now in her 4th heat since his birth and she is having no part of him, hissing at him when he gets near her. . |
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Closing Stats #1 Mauer – Stayed with us while his heart grew. It improved it function, lost the turbulence his elongated congenital valve defect caused. We were able to send him off to a loving forever home. He is now Newton and lives in the Brighton area of Boston. Newton is named after the historic Newton Cattery and Sir Isaac Newton. #2 Schneider – is now Lola and lives with Ollie full brother from a previous litter in Woburn, MA. She will be playing with her littermate sister when their owner's, who are sisters that live blocks from each other, get together. #3 Schmear – is now Lulu and lives with Winnie full sister from a previous litter in Woburn, MA. She will be playing with her litter mate sister when their owner's, who are sisters that live blocks from each other, get together. |
| A few final photos of them all together |
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Schneider |
Schmear |
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Schmear settling in for a snooze near me. |
Momma joining her |
Oh brother, this just doesn't seem fair, lol. |
Mauer and Momma |
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| April 22nd - 13 weeks old - The kittens were dropped off curb side at the Animal Hospital yesterday for their surgeries (Covid19 protocol). The girls spay surgeries went very well. They came home with no ill effects from the medications. Their tummies look really good. All we can see is a bit of skin glue. We will keep a close watch on them for the next couple of days. They behave like nothing happened at all. Mauer's surgery is delayed. He had an echocardiogram today. The noise Dr. Gould heard was a congenital defect of his valve causing turbulence in his blood flow. The cardiac doctor said it is the most common congenital cardiac defect they see in cats. It occurs more in cats than in many other species. (According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), heart disease in cats affects 1 out of every 10 cats.) Most valve defects are not found until the cats are a year old. So he will stay with us a little bit longer to grow a bit more so we can see what affect his growth will have. Mauer is not at all symptomatic. He is a demon of full throttle play most of the time. He out plays the girls and is never out of energy. This video is post surgery last night. | |
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Schmear's glued incision |
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Schneider's incision. There is a tiny hole and most of what you see is a fold in the skin from the glue. |
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The photos before were all taken before surgery
Schmear |
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Mauer |
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| April 15th - 12 weeks old |
| April 14th - The kittens went to see the Vet today. I wasn't able to go with them. I had to stay in my car (covid19 precautions). I was told they all did well. I sent a note in asking about Schmear's eyes. Her pupils are so big I wanted to make sure they developed normally. They are normal, its just me, lol. The Vet thought she heard a faint swish when listening to Mauer's heart so he is going to be rechecked before their surgery next week. They were all very quiet on the car ride and are now sleeping post vaccinations. | |
Left to Right - Schneider, Schmear, and Mauer |
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Mauer |
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Mauer is now over 3 pounds. |
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Mauer heading up to be in the sunny window |
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They are all so good I never had to tell them not to claw the lace curtains. |
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Mauer toes |
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| April 9th - I got out the tent today and a new butterfly on a string, and singing bird toy. The Butterfly was torn off its clip and hauled behind the sofa in less than a minute, lol. I had to take the bird away as Momma as too interested and wanted to eat all its feathers off. The tent survived with a monster (Schneider) outside pushing on the walls and defenders inside. |
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Looking thru the window before going behind to become the shadow monster. |
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| April 8th - eleven weeks old - The kittens are confirmed to see the vet next week for vaccines and wellness check that was delayed under Covid. Now we have curbside rules, they go in, I don't. They are maturing nicely. Schmear who unfortunately was lowest in the pecking order and got picked on a lot is starting to come out of herself more. She was behaving like a victim, because she was a victim of her brothers bigger than life personality. She is a very gentle cat and as a result often got attacked more that her sister who as an equal match and gave back what she got. I think even momma sensed this, she was attacking her too. Maybe to help her grow stronger in her fighting skills? This is all play fighting but brother does push the limits. We continue to work with Mauer with "hands are not toys". When he gets wound up everything is game for his mouth. He's actually doing rally well. He also fights tooth and nail when its nail trimming times. I've been taking his challenges as "I am the dominate force" and getting them done. I hope he gives up this fight soon. I remember having to break Fen's will on nail trimming. She did finally give up and submit nicely as she matured. She used to scream like I was cutting her when I hadn't done anything at all, lol. I think Mauer is the strongest willed (when full of energy) Siamese we have had. He is very sweet once he burns off that energy and likes snuggles and kisses. They all do. He's just a pistol with no fears.. Schneider is in the middle. She wants to be dominate but knows she can't with Mauer and she has a healthy regard for the unknown. I think Schmear may actually be braver in that respect. Some unknown startle happens and Schneider is gone where as Schmear runs toward safety but pauses and doesn't always go for cover. I think she will really shine when she gets out on her own. Schneider doesn't like to be alone. When she finds herself separated she starts calling for the cats. | |
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Mauer |
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Naptimes over |
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Uploading was not working last week so some of these
were delayed
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| April 1st - ten weeks old - No April fools here. We are staying home and staying healthy. |
| Mauer
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Mauer tuckered out |
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| March 26th - Nine weeks old - No Vet visit this week for vaccinations. We are not worried as all our adult cats are healthy and were born inside this house. So far life here isn't much different than pre-covid19 life. Everyone (people) have remained healthy. More people at home working in offices but pretty much the same kitten life, play, eat, play, sleep, repeat. We are still working with Mauer and his getting over wound up. Training him to be gentle with his mouth. All three of these kittens like to carry things in their mouths. They think of their mouth as a tool to grasp with. | |
| Mauer
9 weeks of age |
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| Schneider
9 weeks of age |
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| Schmear
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This looks a little Louis Wain-ish |
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Schmear |
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Schneider likes the fish house when she gets tired |
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Then there's the pile in with Momma. |
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Oh Hi! |
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Back to playtime - It moved! |
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Something new |
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Whoo hoo |
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Okay, now this time call it. Move back and get ready... |
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MINE! |
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| March 23rd - The Governor of Massachusetts has shut down all
non essential business as of noon tomorrow. The kittens were due to see
the Vet at 1pm tomorrow and a week later for their alter surgeries.
Those appointments will be delayed so for the near future we will continue
as we have been with this diary. One day at a time until we can send
them to their homes. Everyone Stay Home and Stay Well!
This week Mauer decided he was going to really test his limits. He has been a beast, lol. He is attack playing aggressively and not letting up. This causes many yells from the loser in the battle. Momma has stepped in a couple times. She pins him and nips at him to teach him. I have also done some "Hey buddy I'm top cat" intervening. He is strong willed but Schneider and Schmear are not allowing him to get away with it either. He can get really wound up. It reminds me of children who have to be given a time out to calm and regain self control, lol. This extended time with Momma may be very beneficial for him in this aspect. |
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I had the camera ready as I entered their room this morning. L to R- Mauer, Schneider, and Schmear. This is what greets me when they wake up. They run to see me. |
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Schneider sitting next to me |
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Napping in the sun. I didn't give her, Schneider, the toy. I took this photo through the glass doors to the room. |
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Getting tired out and just hanging with Momma |
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End of day pile up, lol |
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| March 18th - eight weeks old - These kittens are so much
fun. Each of them is so special and beautiful.
Mauer reminds me so much of 'Aston Martin' from Grainne's 2015 litter. He was a stand out in that litter and I chose him to go to my Vet. He grew up to be a German Shepard, lol.. You may remember the kitten in her lab coat pocket, or when he broke his leg with fearless jumping, or the grown up photo of him with jonquils. Maurer is so much like him in being almost bomb proof. I do see a little bit of stop and think in him so maybe he won't be quite the dare devil. His personality is definitely bigger than he is. He is going to be very elegant looking with his Siamese style but a goof too. Schneider is strong and sensible, and independent girl. So soft with that chocolate fur of hers. More of the soft undercoat than Mauer has. She does show a bit of concern but not outside the norm. Like today when the vacuum was running. I ended up picking her up and she totally relaxed as I stroked her. She just snuggled with me then she was fine. Hers is more a fear of the unknown and as she gains experience I think that will go away. When she is acting and not over thinking she is right out there as competition for Mauer. He will stop and allow her lead play. She loves climbing and likes to be up on the cat trees. She is a hauler. She likes to get toys in her mouth and carry them off. She is so proud when she does. Tail held high and the arch of her back and head tilted up. It reminds me of a proud cartoon puppy. Schmear also has the soft fur. She has always been second fiddle. She tends to play with Mauer the most. She paired up with him early on. She is happy being a follower. She likes attacking the plush animal toys and hauling them around. When Mauer got a hold of the raccoon she had been playing with I could see her thinking wait, that's mine, but she allowed him to have it and followed after him. I don't think she is fearful. She is often first out to say hi after nap time, before Mauer wakes up and runs past her, lol. She also loves being held and stroked. She loves playing with balls too. |
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| Mauer
Mauer at 8 weeks of age |
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I think we are starting to see a tendency to cross in Mauer's eyes. This photo shows it. |
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Schneider at 8 weeks of age |
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What's that noise? (vaccuum) |
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Schmear 8 weeks of age She looks concerned because the maid is vacuuming right up against the door |
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"Will the vacuum come in here too, Meowmy?" |
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Schmear getting sleepy with Mauer |
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| March 15th - I've noticed a couple of the kittens will stop and watch the TV. I think it was Mauer and Schmear, and Schneider saw her reflection in the window so I'm pretty sure they will all be watchers. Mauer can get everyone pretty wound up. He and Schneider have gotten into a couple of ear tugging competitions, lol. Neither one wants to give in and both yell about it. They are all loving playing. Schmear was dragging the silver fox weasel around the room. Hop attacking it, drag it a bit, and hop attack its other end. Its just about as big as she is. She made its squeaker make noise today and surprised herself, lol. We have reached two pounds so we will stop weighing the kittens with tonight's weigh in. | |
On the move into the kitchen |
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"Hey! Where are you going?" |
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Puppet show.....and the butterfly flutters by..... |
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Going up? |
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bi-weekly weigh in...... Mauer is 2lbs. 0.75 ounces = 932 grams - up 53 grams Schneider is 2lbs. 0.75 ounces = 932 grams - up 82 grams Schmear is 1lb. 15 ounces = 883 grams - up 53 grams |
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| March 11th - seven weeks old - These are not the best photos for eye color because they are back lit but they do show the maturing structure of each kittens head and body. Mauer's paws are sure looking big for such a little beginning. He is definitely now the lead speed demon and head of shenanigans. Schneider pretends to be all quite and lady like but she is the cowboy hopping on the train as it zooms past. Sneak attacks are her specialty. Schmear is a game girl. Ready for whatever fun is up. I was going to say the soft girl but now that I really think about it. These kittens have all been soft in play. We didn't have the normal yells of "Hey stop biting me". They all seemed to know limits right away.They all like to be held and snuggled too. |
| Mauer
Mauer 7 weeks of age. |
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Schneider 7 weeks of age |
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Schmear 7 weeks of age |
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bi-weekly weigh in...... Mauer is 1lb. 14.9 ounces = 879 grams - up 82 grams Schneider is 1lb. 13.9 ounces = 650 grams - up 64 grams Schmear is 1lb. 13.1 ounces = 829 grams - up 64 grams |
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| March 8th - Mauer just passed up our big girl leader. I weighed Schneider twice to make sure I didn't mis-read her weight. The kittens have begun coming out into the house. We removed the run this weekend. This really is a lovely litter with their even personalities. Usually we have to condition them to me reaching over the sofa. Not these babies. They have no fear. They are understandably cautious of new experiences but we are not seeing any fear. I can pick all three up and carry them together and no one fights me. They are really a nice bunch of loveys. Schneider was first to make it to the top of the living room cat tree, lol. They were all fighting for that honor. | |
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Behind the sofa where Momma wants the babies. |
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Here I come! |
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Oh, Hi |
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Up on the sofa |
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Heeelp the sofa is eating me |
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bi-weekly weigh in...... Mauer is 1lb. 12 ounces = 797 grams - up 114 grams Schneider is 1lb. 11.6 ounces = 786 grams - up 71 grams Schmear is 1lb. 10.8 ounces = 765 grams - up 78 grams |
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| March 4th - six weeks old - Now that I've said Schneider is off on her own I never see her alone, lol. Mauer has decided he gets the first go at toys. He is very fast. His sisters allow him this honor. They are at the stage where they are so focused on the zoom that they run face first into walls. Schneider ran right into the tree and rolled over wiping her tearing eyes with both paws. She recovered amazingly fast. Mauer went face first into the wall and was not at all bother by it, his eye still on the prize. Mauer likes the moving toy on the ground, the girls like it in the air. Especially after they saw Momma standing on her hind legs playing with it. I allowed them to venture out just a little bit today too. |
Schneider and Schmear |
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All played out |
Schneider's cubby where she is curled up with a sibling for a nap. |
Schneider to make up for her bad photos. |
And Momma in my lap, lol. She was getting a belly rub. |
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bi-weekly weigh in...... Mauer is 1lb. 8 ounces = 683 grams - up 68 grams Schneider is 1lb. 9.1 ounces = 715 grams - up 82 grams Schmear is 1lb. 8.1 ounces = 687 grams - up 60.5 grams |
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| March 1st - We introduced moving wand toys. They
are a scary concept at first but sooo irresistible when they are moving
away. The kittens are making progress with mastering the litter box. We
just need Schmear to catch up to her siblings with her later start on solid
food. That solid food made quite a difference in her weight gain
too.
One of the things we noticed initially as babies is that Schneider tends to be comfortable on her own and Mauer and Schmear pair up. This may be part of Schneider being the bigger kitten who nursed all the time. She was more laid back about leaving Momma. The other two were eager to get out and explore. Schneider is a bit of an enigma kitten. At times she seems more timid but then she will turn around and be the bold one that surprises me. I really think she is just a little slower with her emotional development. It seems like we always have one kitten that is the reserved baby. It's funny because I'll walk in and think that Mauer and Schmear are playing together and then discover one of them is actually Schneider. When she really comes up against it she will give in easily despite her larger size. She will turn belly up and not put on an aggressive defense. We are starting to work with her to help her develop on positive social encounters. She really shocked me when we brought in the feather wand. She always finds new toys intimidating until she has some time to learn about them, they all do. I was playing with them and she was back in her cubby in the desk. The cubby is a space that is meant for the a desktop computer brain to be in. I had to lay the wand down top help Mauer clean litter off his lips, and discourage consumption of it, lol. All of a sudden the wand was streaking across the floor. Schneider had come out and grabbed it. She ran with it back to her cubby. She was very fast and didn't take time to investigate the wand at all, lol. This was a very bold move. Tonight I found Schmear on her own and Schneider snuggled with Mauer. |
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Mauer in front with Schmear licking |
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That is Mauer behind Schmear |
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"I'm sleeping, don't wake me." |
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bi-weekly weigh in...... Mauer is 1lb. 5.6 ounces = 616 grams - up 96 grams Schneider is 1lb. 6.25 ounces = 633 grams - up 85 grams Schmear is 1lb. 6 ounces = 626 grams - up 114 grams |
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"Yes, I smashed this house so I can lounge on it." |
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| February 26th - five weeks old - The kittens are doing very well. They are working on learning litter box use. Schmear is now eating baby cat kibble too. I expanded the run a bit more and Momma relocated her nest under the desk in the knee hole. They have figured out how to go up and are learning how to do down with grace, lol. | |
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| Mauer
5 weeks of age |
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5 weeks of age |
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5 weeks of age |
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Schmear eating baby cat food |
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Schneider was first up on top the condo. She rolled all over it to mark it as hers, lol |
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They all figured out how to go up (top to bottom) Mauer, Schmear, & Schneider. |
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Sleepy baby |
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bi-weekly weigh in...... Mauer is 1lb. 2.25 ounces = 520 grams - up 64 grams Schneider is 1lb. 3.25 ounces = 548 grams - up 50 grams Schmear is 1lb. 2 ounces = 512 grams - up 57 grams |
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| February 23rd - Oh my goodness the change in their faces as they have matured. All their faces look the same now, same noses, lol. I'm having trouble with telling them apart without close inspection and double checking the colors. I've seen both Mauer and Schneider eat kibble. |
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Silly Mauer on his back. |
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bi-weekly weigh in...... Mauer is 1lb. 0 ounces = 455 grams - up 71 grams Schneider is 1lb. 1.5 ounces = 441 grams - up 57 grams Schmear is 1lb. 0 ounces = 455 grams - up 64 grams |
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| February 19th - four weeks old - The kittens are doing very well. When I enter the room Mauer and Schmear run to me. They both want my attention. Schneider is a bit more reserved, the Royal of the group for now, I think she just need a little bit more time to mature and gain confidence. Mauer took to eating food today. They are running about and playing with each other. They have begun to look up and stretch up wanting to expand their exploration. It has become pretty hard for me to tell apart their faces in photos unless they are all together in the same photo, or I can see their color mark.. Tonight will be the last nightly weigh in. With them beginning to eat solid food we will now weigh them bi-weekly. | |
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| Four weeks of age
Schneider
Four weeks of age |
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Four weeks of age |
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Schmear (Chiro kitty) to Mauer, " Here let me give you a little adjustment." |
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"There, Now does that feel better?" |
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"Oh someone's biting me!" |
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| "I am the most beautiful of all the
princesses"
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night time weigh in...... Mauer is 13.5 ounces = 384 grams - up 21 grams Schneider is 15.5 ounces = 441 grams - up 17.8 grams Schmear is 13.75 ounces = 391 grams - up 7.1 grams |
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| February 18th -
night time weigh in...... Mauer is 12.75 ounces = 363 grams - up 7.1 grams Schneider is 14.9 ounces = 424 grams - up 10.7 grams Schmear is 13.5 ounces = 384 grams - up 17.8 grams |
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| February 17th -
night time weigh in...... Mauer is 12.5 ounces = 356 grams - up 25 grams Schneider is 14.5 ounces = 413 grams - up 3.5 grams Schmear is 12.9 ounces = 367 grams - up 10.7 grams |
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| February 16th - I closed the cabinet. They love going up and down the rug stairs. We added the training litter boxes and food /water bowls. | |
left to right - Schmear, Schneider, and Mauer It was evening low light so I don't have good eye color on these photos, I'm sorry. |
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Positional size illusion. Schmear (left) is not the smallest kitten. |
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Schmear, Schneider, and Mauer |
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Schmear and Mauer (before Schneider joined them.) |
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It's like Rocky training, up and down, up and down |
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night time weigh in..... Mauer is 11.6 ounces = 330 grams - up 10.7 grams Schneider is 14.3 ounces = 409 grams - up 14.2 grams Schmear is 12.5 ounces = 356 grams - up 14.2 grams |
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| February 15th - | |
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night time weigh in...... Mauer is 11.25 ounces = 306 grams - up 10.7 grams Schneider is 13.9 ounces = 395 grams - up 17.8 grams Schmear is 12.0 ounces = 342 grams - up 10.7 grams |
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| February 14th -
night time weigh in...... Mauer is 10.75 ounces = 306 grams - up 10.7 grams Schneider is 13.25 ounces = 377 grams - up 7.1 grams Schmear is 11.6 ounces = 331 grams - up 10.7 grams |
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| February 13th -
night time weigh in...... Mauer is 10.4 ounces = 295 grams - up 10.7 grams Schneider is 13.0 ounces = 370 grams - up 14.2 grams Schmear is 11.25 ounces = 320 grams - up 7.1 grams |
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| February 12th - three weeks old - I can't believe they are three weeks old and running around already. They were in the condo again and Momma tried to go in with them so I put a nesting bed in front of the cabinet. They don't want to go up into the cabinet anymore. They were really fussing and fighting today over nursing. I tried offering some kibble but its a little too soon. We will get them set up with a food station this weekend after they have time to get more used to the wider world they are exploring. I really think food will be a benefit to Mauer. He is such a sprite and so social that he runs away from nursing just to visit. He was asleep, with me sitting on the floor by them when my son walked in to take a photo. He made a comment to me and Mauer popped up, meowing, and went running toward him, lol. I wonder if by the time he gets around to eating the milk is greatly diminished from the other kittens feeding. I had difficulty getting good birthday photos. My photos don't do their beautiful faces justice. |
| Mauer
Mauer 3 weeks of age |
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Mauer "No Photos" |
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Schneider 3 weeks of age |
The angle of this makes her head look flat, its not. |
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| Schmear
Schmear 3 weeks of age |
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Schmear |
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We're not babies anymore |
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Lunchtime - momma sitting up for nursing |
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night time weigh in...... Mauer is 10.0 ounces = 285 grams - up 10.7 grams Schneider is 12.5 ounces = 356 grams - up 14.2 grams Schmear is 11.0 ounces = 313 grams - up 10.7 grams |
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| February 11th - The kittens found the condo and were all inside it this morning. I added a blanket in front of the cabinet to encourage them to explore. I've been lifting them out and allowing them to crawl back to the nest.. |
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I was taking some photos of how adorable they look sleeping ..... |
......when this happened.... |
I don't think it was commentary about my taking photos, lol |
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night time weigh in...... Mauer is 9.6 ounces = 274 grams - up 10.6 grams Schneider is 12 ounces = 341 grams - up 14.2 grams Schmear is 10.6 ounces = 302 grams - up 10.6 grams |
| February 10th - Tom brought up the run fencing to limit how far the exploration can go. I have a bath towel hung on the side closest to the room doors so Momma feels more protected. I don't want her worried about what's beyond the door. |
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night time weigh in...... Mauer is 9.25 ounces = 263 grams - up 7.1 grams Schneider is 11.5 ounces = 327 grams - up 14.2 grams Schmear is 10.25 ounces = 292 grams - up 14.2 grams |
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| February 9th - I fully opened the doors on the cabinet today to help both the kittens and Momma get used to a bigger nesting space. |
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night time weigh in...... Mauer is 9.0 ounces = 256 grams - up 10.6 grams Schneider is 11 ounces = 313 grams - up 10.6 grams Schmear is 9.75 ounces = 278 grams - up 14.2 grams |
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| February 8th -Here is a photo of Mauer and Schmear to illustrate what I was talking about with their nose size. Mauer has a longer slimmer nose and muzzle compared to Schmear's. Its a very small difference. | |
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Mauer |
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Schmear |
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night time weigh in...... Mauer is 8.6 ounces = 246 grams - up 7.1 grams Schneider is 10.6 ounces = 302 grams - up 10.6 grams Schmear is 9.25 ounces = 263 grams - up 10.6 grams |
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| February 7th - The kittens are doing very well. They are alert and can hear me talk but are unsure of where that sound is coming from. They perk up and look around. They get excited to have a visitor. They are hovering at the entrance trying to get their courage up to move beyond the comfortable known area of the nest. | |
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Stacked by size? It's an illusion they are not that different, lol |
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night time weigh in...... Mauer is 8.4 ounces = 238 grams - up 10.6 grams Schneider is 10.25 ounces = 292 grams - up 14.2 grams Schmear is 8.9 ounces = 253 grams - up 10.6 grams |
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| February 6th - | |
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night time weigh in...... Mauer is 8.0 ounces = 228 grams - up 7.1 grams Schneider is 9.75 ounces = 278 grams - up 14.2 grams Schmear is 8.5 ounces = 242 grams - up 14.2 grams |
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| February 5th - two weeks old - For their birthday all the kittens received pedicures. I tried multiple tmes but had a hard time getting Mauer to look into the camera. I suspect he is going to be finer boned than the girls? Perhaps looking more like his Mother or Grandfather. The girls are looking more like Polo, their father....but they will change a lot as they grow. Mauer has a finer nose. His nose leather shape is smaller. You might not notice it but cats have different noses just like people do. Some are wide and flatter and some are narrower and more rounded. Its not really noticeable unless you hold the two kittens together and compare their noses lol. We are starting to see some definition in the eyes. Their pupils are developing. |
| Mauer
Mauer 2 weeks of age |
Mauer |
| Schneider
Schneider 2 weeks of age |
Schneider |
| Schmear
Schmear 2 weeks of age |
Schmear |
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night time weigh in...... Mauer is 7.75 ounces = 220 grams - up 10.7 grams Schneider is 9.25 ounces = 263 grams - up 10.7 grams Schmear is 8,0 ounces = 228 grams - up 10.7 grams |
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| February 4th - |
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night time weigh in...... Mauer is 7.4 ounces = 210 grams - up 7.1 grams Schneider is 8.9 ounces = 252 grams - up 10.7 grams Schmear is 7.6 ounces = 217 grams - up 14.2 grams |
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| February 3rd - | |
Eyes are still developing even though they are open. There is no definition in the eye yet. |
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I want to go places Momma. |
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Across the mountain |
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On the move |
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Sigh, now I'm too tired to go anywhere. |
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night time weigh in...... Mauer is 7.1 ounces = 203 grams - up 14.2 grams Schneider is 8.5 ounces = 242 grams - up 14.2 grams Schmear is 7.1 ounces = 203 grams - up 14.2 grams |
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| February 2nd - | |
night time weigh in...... Mauer is 6.6 ounces = 189 grams - up 7.1 grams Schneider is 8.0 ounces = 228 grams - up 14.2 grams Schmear is 6.6 ounces = 189 grams - up 10.7 grams |
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| February 1st - I tried to get some photos to show the progress in their eyes opening. I kept studying their noses, lol. The nose leather is just a little bit different on each one. |
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night time weigh in...... they all gained the same amount again. Mauer is 6.4 ounces = 181.5 grams - up 10.7 grams Schneider is 7.5 ounces = 213.5 grams - up 10.7 grams Schmear is 6.25 ounces = 178 grams - up 10.7 grams |
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"I fit just right here" zzzzz |
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| January 31st - Sharing the milk very nicely. | |
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night time weigh in...... Mauer is 6.0 ounces = 171 grams - up 10.7 grams Schneider is 7.1 ounces = 203 grams - up 10.7 grams Schmear is 5.9 ounces = 167 grams - up 10.7 grams |
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| January 30th -
night time weigh in...... Mauer is 5.6 ounces = 160 grams - up 10.7 grams Schneider is 6.75 ounces = 192 grams - up 14.2 grams Schmear is 5.9 ounces = 167 grams - up 10.7 grams |
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| January 29th - one week old - Doing
so well. The kittens have more that doubled their birth weight. Schmear
is playing catch up a little but given her slow start and being the
largest kitten born, its all good.
night time weigh in...... Mauer is 5.25 ounces = 149.5 grams - up 10.7 grams Schneider is 6.25 ounces = 178 grams - up 14.2 grams Schmear is 5.175 ounces = 146 grams - up 10.7 grams |
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| Mauer
Mauer one week of age |
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Mauer's right eye is starting to open just a bit. |
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| Schneider
Schneider one week of age |
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Schneider didn't want to pose for me. She wanted to go, go, go, exercise |
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| Schmear
Schmear one week of age |
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The inside corners of both of Schmear's eyes are starting to peep open |
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So Beautiful |
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| January 28th - six days old - fluffy
and comfy
night time weigh in...... Mauer is 4.9 ounces = 139 grams - up 17.8 grams Schneider is 5.75 ounces = 164 grams - up 10.7 grams Schmear is 4.75 ounces = 135 grams - up 7.1 grams |
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| January 27th - five days old - The kitten's continue to do really well. Schmear is beginning to sound more like a slow squeaking door than a siren. She is becoming more comfortable with me holding her. Momma is much more relaxed. She leaves the box and has left the room briefly. She doesn't mind as much that I hold them as long as they don't cry out a distress signal, lol. |
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| night time weigh in......
Mauer is 4.25 ounces = 121 grams - up 10.7 grams Schneider is 5.4 ounces = 153 grams - up 14.2 grams Schmear is 4.5 ounces = 128 grams - up 14.2 grams |
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| January 26th - four days old - The kittens are doing very well. Today I kept finding one out of the nest and down the side under a layer. If it happens tomorrow I will remove some bedding. Mauer is very calm whenever I hold him. He is very comfortable in my hand. Schneider makes a little noise but its more off a I know you have me and its okay mumble noise. Schmear is a very loud talker. He will call out loudly any time anything or anyone disturbs him at all, lol. He was sleeping draped across Momma's body. He crawled up after nursing. Momma moved and it caused him to slide down. He hollered at her for disturbing him, lol. It will be interesting to see if he keeps this up once his ears begin opening and he can hear the noise he is making better. He doesn't mind being held and stroked he just wants to talk loudly all the time so everyone knows about it. | |||||
Schmear |
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Schmear and Schneider |
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left to right- Schmear, Schneider, & Mauer |
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| Sexing kittens is difficult hen they are this little. I'm going to guess e have a boy and two girls but more development is really needed to know for sure. Ive been wrong before, lol. | |||||
Mauer |
Schneider |
Schmear |
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| night time weigh in......
Mauer is 3.9 ounces = 110 grams - up 7.1 grams Schneider is 4.9 ounces = 138.8 grams - up 21 grams Schmear is 4.0 ounces = 114 grams - up 14.2 grams |
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| January 25th - three days old - Momma is starting to relax more I was able to hold each kitten and I peeked at their sex to make a guess. Now this may change as they mature but I'm going to guess we have one male and two females. I'll get some photos tomorrow and my assessment may change, lol, when I can enlarge the images. | |||||
| Nice weight gains with everyone getting an equal share. | |||||
| night time weigh in......
Mauer is 3.6 ounces = 103 grams - up 17.8 grams Schneider is 4.1 ounces = 117.4 grams - up 14.2 grams Schmear is 3.5 ounces = 99.6 grams - up 14.2 grams |
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| January 24th - two days old - Another quiet day for Momma and the kits. I expected to see that Schneider took the day off from nursing after yesterdays gain. I'm disappointed to see Schmear didn't gain but at least there isn't a loss. I hope we will see better progress tomorrow so I don't need to supplement. Mauer did good. Every time I visited Mauer was suckling. I did get some quick head shots tonight. You can almost see in the photo that Mauer has a closer coat and Schneider has a fluffier coat. I'm not really sure but I'm thinking Schmear may be a chocolate? Time will tell on that. Watch those ear edges and noses. | |||||
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Mauer was very content while in my hand. Mauer |
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Schneider was very vocal. Schneider |
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Schmear was squirmy but didn't call out. Schmear |
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| night time weigh in......
Mauer is 3.0 ounces = 85 grams - up 10.7 grams Schneider is 3.6 ounces = 103 grams - up 35 grams Schmear is 3.0 ounces = 85.4 grams - up 0 grams |
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| January 23rd - one day old - So
happy to see everyone looking well this morning. Sleepy and fussing
after the same one nipple. Momma is very worried so I'm allowing her her
time alone with her babies. I'll get their pictures when they are a bit
stronger and I'm not so worried too.
It's clear who won the milk wars this time. |
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| night time weigh in......
Mauer is 2.6 ounces = 75 grams - up 10.7 grams Schneider is 3.5 ounces = 99.6 grams - up 35.5 grams Schmear is 3.0 ounces = 85.4 grams - up 7.1 grams I am happy all three gained some weight. I expected Mauer to have the weight advantage since it is technically the oldest, and had all those hours of nursing with no competition. Mauer did all the work stimulating he milk and Schneider arrived in time to gobble it all up, lol. |
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| January 22nd - Birth Day -
Grainne began showing signs she was going to deliver this morning around
9 am. As she progressed she became distressed and vocal about her
discomfort.
"I'm uncomfortable meowmy and it keeps following me, even when I try to hide from it." She kept moving between her birthing box and the corner cabinet nesting area. On her last trip over to the corner nest I noticed she was limping on her hind leg. Around 2 pm I noticed the pointed tip off a tail showing. Kitten one was delivered at 2:12pm This was a stressed birth but the kitten cried right away and was active. Momma licked it a bit and it peeped backed to her. It was still connected to the placenta which had not been expelled yet.
Kitten one newly born. In a short time the placenta also came and she began chewing it. I was worried about her pulling the kitten around with it. So I cut the cord and removed the kitten to help dry it and keep it warm while she as busy. This was when I realized the red mass still connected was no placenta but intestines. This poor baby had its intestines herniated thru its umbilicus during the stressful delivery. I called my vet for advice right away. She recommended we take it to the ER for evaluation. I sent it off with my husband while I strayed home with Grainne. I knew she had at least one more kitten, maybe more to deliver. Tufts Surgeon confirmed it was a herniation due to stress on the fragile kitten and not a congenital development outside the body. They recommended euthanasia. We said good bye to kitten one. This link is to a graphic photo for any veterinary science minded who want to know what this looked like. herniated kitten photo Kitten two delivered sometime before 2:50pm while I was sending kitten one off the the ER. It is 2.25 ounces and vigorous. When the placenta was out I cut the cord and placed it on a nipple. It latched on and started nursing right away.
I know this looks like the same kitten picture as the one above but there were other photos between them so I know its not, lol.
Grainne has been resting since. She becomes stressed if we disturb her so we are leaving her alone. I got her up and out once to change out the bedding and make she she was no longer limping. When stressed cats can stop labor for a long time. We want her to relax as much as she can. Kitten three was born before 7:50pm Momma was cleaning it and finishing up chewing the cord length when I checked in on her. This kitten weighs 2.25 ounces also.
Kitten four was found at my 11:30 check. It was separated a bit from Momma and very cold. It did respond with a peep so I scooped it up and ran for warm water. It had been partially cleaned and was dry but gooey. My thought was to warm it with warm water while getting the goo off. I did not wet it very much. We put the small hospital fluid bag we had from the ER, that was used to keep #1 kitten warm, into the microwave and warmed it. I used the small hot water bottle it became to warm the kitten. It worked really well. It warmed up but was still really lethargic. I couldn't get it to move much or latch on. I was really worried we would lose it. Hypothermia is the #1 cause of neonate deaths in felines. My first thought was sugar water (corn syrup water) for quick energy but kitten milk is whey and corn syrup and made for newborns. I mixed up some warm milk and used a dropper to place a few drops on its lips. It licked it. I continued this for some time. It didn't drink it by any measure but I got some into it. I worked with it until I saw it latch on to a nipple. It wasn't sucking but it showed it knew what it was supposed to do.
This little bag was a life saver tonight. The "hot water bottle" The corner of the room isn't the warmest place in the room even with the ceramic heater running. I turned the heat in the room up to over 85. It will fluctuate when its off so I wanted to be sure it stayed warm. I also added a cat bed electric heating pad under the bed. Its a long strip that only covers half the bed. My hopes were that it would warm the side momma was not laying on just in case the kittens get separated again from her. It was 1 am by this time. I left them to rest in a nice warm clean bed. I checked back in on them until 3 am and they were warm and snug so I went to bed fearing the worst and hoping for the best. The first few days after birth are the most critical. I'll be watching them closely as Momma can manage, its a balancing act.. The
Stats at birth #1 2:12 pm – euthanised #2 2:50 pm Blue – Mauer – 64 grams (2.25 ounces) #3 7:55 pm Red – Schneider – 64 grams (2.25 ounces) #4 12:55 am none – Schmear – 78 grams (2.75 ounces) The naming scheme for this litter's diary names come from the card game Sheepshead. It's a favorite game of those from Wisconsin and came from German ancestral emigrants in that area. I have never before been 'not in attendance' for so many births. I feel like that was Grainne's planning? |
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| January 8, 2020 - I felt a kitten moving tonight. Grainne spends her time resting and eating. We are snuggling together a lot. | |||||
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| November 17, 2019 - We are breeding Grainne to Polo. | |||||
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