~ This diary reads from the bottom up ~
Maeve's Kitten Diary Spring 2006
The music used on this page is Let Them Be Little by Billy Dean These kittens are the progeny of our sire Balor and dam Maeve. Look for follow up photo's of the kitten's in this litter as they grow up on our Where Are They Now? page. April 30, 2006- The close of this month also brings a close to this litters diary. With smiles and a fond look back each of the kittens in this litter was special, with their own personalities and individual look. Everyone of them was truly beautiful. We thank them for bringing new friends into our lives and look forward to updates and birthday photos from their new owners. We like to see our babies as full grown adults. :) Closing Stats #1 Lilac is now Black&Tan Tymo Mostiamo and lives in the Netherlands. #2 Ruby is now Black&Tan Keva Guinness she lives here with us and has her own Keva page #3 Cobalt is now Cocoa and lives in Massachusetts. #4 Jade is now Koota and lives with her sister Jibelle (#5 Amber) in Massachusetts #5 Amber is now Jibelle and lives with her sister Koota (#4 Jade) in Massachusetts We were honored this weekend to have Peter and Kevin come to our home to meet us and pick up their kitten, Lilac. They traveled here from the Netherlands (Holland) while Monique was home at Cattery Mostiamo taking care of the family. After many months of emails and researching Siamese pedigrees Monique and Peter decided to choose a kitten of ours to become their foundation stud. Cattery Mostiamo is a member of the Traditional Siamese Workgroup of the Netherlands. Shipping a kitten off to another country can be worrisome but Monique and her family made the process easy for us and it was wonderful to meet and visit with Peter and Kevin. We know Lilac will have the very best quality of life with them. We would be very happy to work with them again in the future should needs bring us together. Lilac is now named Tymo and has his own page on their Cattery website. We look forward to seeing future kittens from him with their beautiful queens Najra and Yuna. April 25, 2006- April 24, 2006- Cobalt was picked up yesterday. I could not have asked for a better farewell for him. When they arrived he was curled in a nest. The three children gathered around him and talked gently to him while stroking him. He gave them all kisses, licking their fingers. He was very comfortable with them. We opened his carrier and put his nest in for him. He played and when he was ready to go he walked into the carrier and curled up in his nest. I am confident he will be spoiled and will never want for companionship or love. Lilac will be staying with us until his family comes on the 30th. Ruby is staying with us for now. We will be watching how she develops and may even let her become a queen. April 20-22, 2006- Amber and Jade's family came and picked them up on Saturday. Their family was so excited to be able to take them home. The kittens were happy to play and be snuggled by their new family. I know they will be well loved. The kittens are 10 weeks and were able to go home early. The kittens and Maeve tell me when they are ready. Wednesday night Maeve came to sleep with me. The kittens remained in the family room. This was her sign that she believes they are ready to venture forth on their own. Amber also let me know she was ready. She began to follow me through the house. This was her way of saying she is ready to bond with her owner. April 19,2006- These kittens are always on the go so getting good photos of them has been difficult. I'll keep trying for better ones this week. With this litter they all seem to be equal in their personalities and in their position within the group. There are no stand out dominant personalities. They all want to get the toy at the same time and often climb on top of each other in pursuit. No one kitten is holding back. It is alot of frenzied action, lol. They are all getting big. Lilac is still the largest but in a nice balanced lean way. Ruby is showing her solidness to go with those Popeye arms she had as a tiny kitten. :) Cobalt face is maturing nicely, he is going to be a very handsome classic Siamese. His face has nice proportion for his large eyes. April 14-16, 2006- nine weeks old April 13, 2006- Amber, Jade, and Cobalt went to have their alter surgery today. Their pre surgical blood work was excellent and they each did very well. They all get lots of extra hands on care and comfort from the staff at the Cat Hospital. They said it was because the kittens were irresistible but I really think it is because the staff at the Cat Hospital are extra special. Now our challenge has been to keep them quite and not allow the girls to pull at their tummy stitches. Amber has been more cranky. My daughter has spent most of the evening cradling her in her arms and stroking her cheek so she sleeps. I have been keeping Cobalt from playing to rough with one hand while stroking Jade with the other. Because not all the kittens had surgery we are going to separate Jade and Amber from the rest of the kittens. They have all the essentials young girls could want. :) April 10, 2006- We brought in a new coffee table with ottomans under, of course the kittens were the first to check it out. Here is our presentation of Kittens under glass This week the kittens went to see our Vet and had their first core immunizations. They were all pronounced wonderfully healthy and all did well. They were very happy to be home afterward. They had visits with their new families and enjoyed playing and showing off. The perspective on this photo was so funny I decided to include it April 05, 2006- Bi-weekly weigh in...... Once a kitten is 2 lbs I stop weighing them so this is our last weigh-in. :) I keep thinking Cobalt is a little boy but from his weight he is not. I guess compared to his big brother Lilac he seems smaller. Cobalt has a closer laying coat and has what I call a pixie look. There is something special about him I can't put a name to. Maybe he just reminds me so much of his mama, my sweet Maeve. Ruby is 2 lb. 1 oz up 117 grams Cobalt is 2 lb. 2 oz up 121 grams Jade is 2 lb. up 121 grams Amber is 2 lb. up 103 grams April 04, 2006- Amber discovered the stairs and was fascinated with exploring this new area. So far she is the only one to brave this adventure. Although I use food coloring on my kittens armpits and butts for identification when they are little, I did not color the faces of the kittens below. :) I altered the photos ;) April 01, 2006- seven weeks old The kittens point colors are coming in very nicely. ;) It is April first after all o_0 Bi-weekly weigh in...... Once a kitten is 2 lbs I stop weighing them. Lilac is 2 lb. up 64 grams Ruby is 1 lb. 12 oz up 68 grams Cobalt is 1 lb. 13 oz up 82 grams Jade is 1 lb. 12 oz up 43 grams Amber is 1 lb. 12 oz up 50 grams March 29, 2006- (click logo to see video) Bi-weekly weigh in...... Lilac is 1 lb. 14 oz up 96 grams Ruby is 1 lb. 10.5 oz up 0 grams not surprising after the big gain last weigh in Cobalt is 1 lb. 10.9 oz up 96 grams Jade is 1 lb. 10 oz up 75 grams Amber is 1 lb. 10 oz up 100 grams March 27, 2006- This past weekend Lilac decided or realized he was now the big kitten of the litter and he wasn't going to let these girls get the better of him. So it was no more Mr. Nice Guy. He let his alpha cat shine through and the girls met him at every challenge. I say girls but I have to admit Ruby tossed caution to the wind and jumped right in to tussle with him every chance she could. This was really the week of knock down drag out brawls and the noisiest ones we have had, lol. Lilac not only found his inner beast he also discovered his growl, it is funny to watch them test each other and to hear him growling when a sister is getting the better of him. They don't really hurt each other, they are just learning about themselves. Today they were more settled down. I believe they have learned how far they can go before it hurts. This is an important lesson for them to learn so they will be gentle in their play as they grow. Cobalt's face reminds me of Maeve when she was little, his may be a little wider. I've reduced the kitten milk I was adding to the dry baby kibble until today was dry only. I've been giving Maeve some packets of bits and gravy as an incentive to keep her calorie intake up, Cobalt discovered this tastes pretty good. He sneaks a few bites while all the kittens are busy eating the baby cat. When the crowd thins he moves over to finish his meal with baby cat. I ended up putting the training litter pan in the family room for the kittens. It has been making its way out of the family room and through the kitchen a few feet every day. I hope to have it into the laundry room where the big litter boxes are by the end of the week. The goal of this process is to get whoever it was that couldn't find the big litter box to realize the correct location for deposits. March 25, 2006- six weeks old Bi-weekly weigh in...... Lilac is 1 lb. 10.6 oz up 46 grams Ruby is 1 lb. 10.5 oz up 139 grams Cobalt is 1 lb. 7.5 oz up 43 grams Jade is 1 lb. 7.3 oz up 53 grams Amber is 1 lb. 7 oz up 46 grams March 24, 2006- March 22-23, 2006- (click logo to see video) When I took the kitten training litter box out I also moved the kitten food bowls out of my office and into the kitchen. The kittens were quick to learn the foods location. We have had a couple little litter training accidents. The first time it happened it was my fault. Cobalt was standing next to Mom while she ate and was crying. I thought he was hungry and wanted milk....but he was saying "I gots to go" but I didn't understand ....he went on the small rug I keep under the food bowls. Poor baby, he associated the litter box as being in the same room as the food. At this point I decided to move the litter box to the laundry room off the kitchen. The kittens are quick to learn the new location with some help. Anytime a kitten forgets and is in my office crying we quickly whisk her off to the new location. :) There were a could little accidents in a nest (we have lots of nests) this morning. Fortunately the locations have all be on machine washable items. I will be sure everyone visits the litter box before bed and I will leave the laundry room light on for a few days. Bi-weekly weigh in...... Lilac is 1 lb. 9 oz up 113 grams Ruby is 1 lb. 5.6 oz up 57 grams Cobalt is 1 lb. 6 oz up 57 grams Jade is 1 lb. 5.5 oz up 85 grams Amber is 1 lb. 5.5 oz up 53 grams March 20, 2006- Click the logo image below to see the video The kittens began to chase a toy that we drag on the floor. Amber was and is the first off the mark in pursuit. She is also the big wrestler. When I hear a kitten shot out, I know Amber is in the mix, lol. Cobalt tries to keep up with her. Lilac seems to have an air of being above brawling. He's happy to wrestle and play but in a civilized manner. He has a gentle soul. Jade is an all about good sister, one of the middle child makeup. And Ruby is a bit reserved. She wants to be sure everything is copasetic before she joins in. They discovered the cat tree in my bedroom and had fun climbing it. Maeve is a bit of an over protective mama and they are worrying her a bit. She wants to keep them all together but they are ready to go on their own for a bit. She's trying to adjust.:) All the kittens are now eating the kitten milk and baby cat kibble mixture. Some still insist on being hand fed some milk too. I removed the training little box today. We'll see if they all remember to climb into the big box. I think everybody has used it. March 18, 2006- five weeks old Bi-weekly weigh in...... Lilac is 1 lb. 5oz up 64 grams Ruby is 1 lb. 3oz up 25 grams Cobalt is 1 lb. 4oz up 35 grams Jade is 1 lb. 2 oz up 43 grams Amber is 1 lb. 3 oz up 46 grams Some of these weights look a bit low but the weights from the last weigh in were higher so it tends to even out. The average weight gain should be around 100 grams a week or 50 grams bi-weekly. I'm not surprised at Ruby's progress she will not eat kibble and isn't too keen on kitten milk. All of the kittens are still nursing also. March 17, 2006- Happy St. Patrick's Day We are still working on moving to baby cat kibble. Everyone is remembering their litter box manners. This is the youngest I have had kittens out and about so I make sure they all come to the box in the morning a couple of times during the day and again at night. The kittens are going to get pedicures today. My hands are covered with unintentional scratches from their needle sharp little claws. I like to wait for the first clipping until I feel they trust me. March 14, 2006 - This morning I awoke and was greeted by all the kittens pouring out from under my bed, calling good morning to me. LOL We checked the run and it was all in place. We had to assume Maeve carried them. To get out of the run Maeve has to jump up onto a low stool and then up on top a short bookcase then down to the floor. I cringe at the thought of her doing this five times with a kitten in her mouth. Usually when she thinks its time for the kittens to be out of the run she will pull the side of the run open. I brought all the kittens back to the run and fed them. I sat down at my desk next to the run and within 10 minuets Maeve was trying to carry out a kitten again. I would have preferred to keep them in the run until all are eating solid food well. Since they have all learned their litter box manners and Maeve says it is time, I have removed the run and allowed her to take them where she wants. I will collect them at meal times and after naps to be sure they don't forget what they have learned so far. Bi-weekly weigh in...... Lilac is 1 lb. 2.75oz up 78 grams Ruby is 1 lb. 2.75oz up 50 grams Cobalt is 1 lb. 2.75oz up 78 grams Jade is 1 lb. 1 oz up 68 grams Amber is 1 lb. 2 oz up 57 grams March 14, 2006 - I been working on getting some face photos with good eye color. I realized tonight I had the photo above labeled as Cobalt, I made a mistake and it is actually Amber. As you can see by comparing them Amber's face is fuller the Cobalt's, Sorry o_0 Lilac used the scratching post this morning. Last night when I was feeding the kittens, it was more like I was in the middle of a feeding frenzy :). Lilac, Jade and Cobalt ate from the kitten milk / kibble bowl while I fed some of the other kittens on my knee. When I finished up I realized Lilac had crawled into my lap. He was in the cutest position sleeping. Luckily I had the camera near me so I held it above my head and took a couple of photos. March 13, 2006 - This litter is such a joy. I never tire of watching and interacting with these little miracles of nature. Lilac is going to be an ambassador. He is so social and people oriented, I can see the joy in his face as he runs to me when I sit on the floor. He crawls in my lap and talks on and on about all that is important to a Siamese kitten. :) Then he settles down and drinks it in as he observes me. Not to be outdone his brother and sisters are also eagerly vying for my attention. Ruby, Amber and Lilac have been the most active with Cobalt and Jade hanging in the nest observing and playing with each other, until this weekend. Any uncertainty they may have had is now a thing of the past. They have matured to the same level as their siblings and are now in the thick of things. Litter box activity is going well. For a few days we had digging parties headed up by Ruby. She has the biggest paws in the litter. Don't tell her I said this but she has Popeye arms, lol. We will have to see if she grows into them or if she just has her Dad's front legs. As digging activity increased from all the kittens more wet spots appeared. A good sign :) Last night the digging party was convinced there were no treasures to be uncovered in the box, so they left deposits for me to remove this morning. From the number of them I would say this was a multi kitten activity. I observed Ruby after breakfast leaving her deposit. So they are progressing nicely. :) They all love their kitten milk now and push each other to get into position to be the first to eat, a good sign too :). They should all begin to eat kibble very soon. So far only Lilac has indulged. Yesterday I mixed some kitten milk with their baby cat kibble but the only kitten interested was Lilac. Click the logo image below to see the video Click each logo image below to see the video March 11, 2006 - Four Weeks Old Now that the kittens are one month old we will begin weighing them twice a week. Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 1 lb. up 14 grams Ruby is 1 lb. 1 oz. up 49 grams Cobalt is 1 lb. up 35 grams Jade is 14.6 oz. (416 grams) up 14 grams Amber is 1 lb. up 14 grams March 10, 2006 - All the kittens are now taking KMR from an eye dropper. I supplement in the morning and at night and allow each to eat as much as they want. Maeve also drinks her share. :) Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 15.5 oz. (441 grams) up 28 grams Ruby is 15.2 oz. (434 grams) up 14.75 grams Cobalt is 14.75 oz. (420 grams) up 7.1 grams Jade is 14.1 oz. (402 grams) up 7.1 grams Amber is 15.5 oz. (441 grams) up 3.5 grams March 9, 2006 - Ruby has spent quite a bit of time in the litter pan digging, just digging. I expect her to make a sandcastle soon. Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 14.5 oz. (412 grams) up 3.5 grams Ruby is 14.9 oz. (423 grams) up 14.2 grams Cobalt is 14.5 oz. (412 grams) up 17.7 grams Jade is 13.9 oz. (395 grams) up 10.6 grams Amber is 15.3 oz. (438 grams) up 24.9 grams March 8, 2006 - Due to the long load time drain on this page I have moved each video to it's own page Click the logo image below to see the video The kittens are becoming more playful. They still spend most of the day eating sleeping and growing. Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 14.37 oz. (409 grams) up 17 grams Ruby is 14.37 oz. (409 grams) up 3.5grams Cobalt is 13.8 oz. (385 grams) up 14.2 grams Jade is 13.5 oz. (384 grams) up 14 grams Amber is 14.5 oz. (412 grams) up 3.5 grams The more tan colored kittens are the seal points, the whitest kitten is Ruby, and the kitten that is in between those two colors is Lilac the blue point. March 7, 2006 - Now that we have moved to the new web domain we have lots more space so I am going to try and see if I can get away with some small video clips. Lilac strolled up to the kitten dish this afternoon and started eating as if he had always eaten kibble. Due to the long load time drain on this page I have moved each video to it's own page Click the logo image below to see the video Amber has been in the training pan but only to get litter stuck to her mouth. We brush it away for her so she doesn't eat it. Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 13.75 oz. (391 grams) up 10.6 grams Ruby is 14.25 oz. (405 grams) up 7.1grams Cobalt is 13.3 oz. (380 grams) up 10.6 grams Jade is 13 oz. (370 grams) up 7.1 grams Amber is 14.3 oz. (409 grams) up 10.6 grams March 6, 2006 - I weighed the kitten after I fed them this morning. Lilac made up for his lack of gain yesterday. Cobalt began eating/sucking KMR. I am pleased, his face was starting to look a little drawn. Even though he didn't take much it's a step in the right direction. Poor Lilac is so much more advanced then his siblings he spends a lot of time calling to them to come and play. He has started sprinting. Its funny to watch the little burst of speed to go a few steps. When I sit on the floor he climbs up onto my lap and calls to his sister Amber. We have some interesting voices in this litter. Lilac is the typical high pitched kitten mew. I realized last night when my son was in talking to Amber that she sounds just like the creak of a rocking chair, lol. Ruby's meow right now is creaky too almost like her squeaker is broken. Jade and Cobalt have quite mews unless they are messed with then the volume goes up. :-) Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 13.3 oz. (380 grams) up 32 grams Ruby is 14 oz. (398.5 grams) up 7.1grams Cobalt is 13 oz. (370 grams) up 14 grams Jade is 12.7 oz. (363 grams) up 10.6 grams Amber is 14 oz. (398 grams) up 21 grams March 5, 2006 - The kittens have entered the big headed toddler stage. Sometimes in photos their heads can look almost as big as their bodies. :) Lilac is the little explorer and he is stressing his Mum to no end. She is not ready to allow free rein but Lilac is ready. He has been taking KMR eagerly, he must be burning off those calories! I have upped his supplemental feeding times. Amber still does not understand that KMR is good, she eats a little then says no more. Ruby agrees with her and Jade and Cobalt still refuse to have anything to do with it, they just want Mama. All of them are much more active. We removed the nesting box today from the run area. The nest is now on the floor with two large towels (for traction) covering the floor. Maeve allows them in the open nest during the day and puts everyone into the pyramid at night. She sits outside the door so she can monitor the coming and going. Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 12.25 oz. (349 grams) up 0 grams Ruby is 13.75 oz. (391 grams) up 0 grams Cobalt is 12.5 oz. (356 grams) up 7.1 grams Jade is 12.37 oz. (352 grams) up 10.6 grams Amber is 13.25 oz. (377 grams) up 7.1 grams March 4, 2006 - Three Weeks Old Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 12.25 oz. (349 grams) up 10.6 grams Ruby is 13.75 oz. (391 grams) up 7.1 grams Cobalt is 12.25 oz. (348 grams) up 7.1 grams Jade is 12 oz. (341 grams) up 14.2 grams Amber is 13 oz. (370 grams) up 10.6 grams Lilac has been out and about exploring and is ready to go. His strength is increasing. This makes Maeve worry. We will set up the kitten run. This is a photo of past kittens in the kitten run. Kittens will stay in the run until they are weaned and litter trained, usually a couple of weeks. This helps the kittens and Maeve by limiting where they can wander and keeping them in a safe zone so to speak. Maeve can come and go as she wishes. Amber has left the nest and ventured to the entry pillow. The strength of all the kittens is progressing nicely. Lilac had KMR for breakfast. I am happy to see Jades weigh up this morning. March 3, 2006 - Lilac is really bringing a smile to my day. He now walks out of the nest to greet visitors and talks to you when you visit. Amber follows him to the front of the nest and looks up. I think her little inner voice is saying " I want to go too" but she isn't quite ready. :) The weight gains for Thursday were not what I want to see. They should be gaining approximately 100 grams a week for the first six weeks. This week is down so I have decided to start supplementing them with Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR). Many breeders feel supplementing at 3-4 weeks helps to advance kittens to weaning. Last night was my first attempt. Lilac was happy to try and his weigh shows the difference. Ruby and Cobalt had a very small amount and were not as keen to accept it. Amber and Jade just flat out refused to have any. My hope now is that by supplementing those who will there will be more of Mama's milk for those who won't. I expect the kittens to begin weaning in a week or two. They first have to get out and walk so they can manage to eat from a saucer. They have all begun to play with each other, hugging and mouthing. Its funny to watch one that wants to play continually poke and bite another sleeping kitten trying to wake it up. Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 11.8 oz. (338 grams) up 17.8 grams Ruby is 13.5 oz. (384 grams) up 17.8 grams Cobalt is 12 oz. (327 grams) up 14.2 grams Jade is 11.5 oz. (327 grams) up 3.5 grams Amber is 12.6 oz. (359 grams) up 7.1 grams March 2, 2006 - Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 11.25 oz. (320 grams) up 3.5 grams Ruby is 12.8 oz. (366 grams) up 14.2 grams Cobalt is 11.5 oz. (327 grams) up 3.5 grams Jade is 11.3 oz. (323 grams) up 3.5 grams Amber is 12.3 oz. (352 grams) up 0 grams March 1, 2006 - Amber has become the social kitten. Whenever someone comes to the nest she is first to look up and will stay at the front of the nest looking up at you with the big wide-eyed innocent look of a child. In the photos below some of the kittens look a bit wall-eyed. They are not. Their eyes are still developing their focus and they may not be focused on the camera thus the wall-eyed look. As they mature their eyes and eye color will improve. Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 11.1 oz. (309 grams) up 7.1 grams Ruby is 12.3 oz. (352 grams) up 3.5 grams Cobalt is 11.3 oz. (323 grams) up 14 grams Jade is 11.25 oz. (320 grams) up 7.1 grams Amber is 12.3 oz. (352 grams) up 7.1 grams February 28, 2006 - Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 10.8 oz. (309 grams) up 3.5 grams Ruby is 12.25 oz. (348 grams) up 14.2 grams Cobalt is 10.8 oz. (309 grams) up 10.6 grams Jade is 11 oz. (313 grams) up 10.6 grams Amber is 12.1 oz. (345 grams) up 17.7 grams February 27, 2006 - A nice orderly breakfast. This is such a nice napping photo, so much cute going on. Pile in for snack time. When the kittens hear me, or anyone else, they all pop their heads up and face forward to see me. They call out to visitors. This morning Lilac crawled out of the nest and box to the pillow in front of the box to greet me. I keep the pillow there just in case anyone makes a break for it. Maeve would not allow him to crawl any further. Yes, I said him :) Lilac and Cobalt are our two boys in this litter. Ruby has a magically appropriate name right now she has beautiful white fur and her nose is a pinkish brown. When light shines on her her eyes with the typical Siamese reflected red makes her look like a sparkling ruby. You can see in the top photo today that Ruby's sparkling white coat stand out. Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 10.75 oz. (306 grams) up 17.8 grams Ruby is 11.75 oz. (334 grams) up 10.6 grams Cobalt is 10.5 oz. (289 grams) up 14.2 grams Jade is 10.6 oz. (302 grams) up 14.2 grams Amber is 11.5 oz. (327 grams) up 10.6 grams February 26, 2006 - Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 10 oz. (288 grams) up 17.8 grams Ruby is 11.3 oz. (324 grams) up 10.6 grams Cobalt is 10 oz. (284 grams) up 7.1 grams Jade is 10.1 oz. (288 grams) up 10.6 grams Amber is 11 oz. (316 grams) up 14.2 grams February 25, 2006 -Two Weeks Old Dad stopped by today after his walk to wish us Happy Birthday. I love this photo of Ruby yelling. She looks like a brute and she is not. LOL I picked her up when she was asleep and she was not happy. This photo doesn't do her justice but I couldn't pass on showing it to you. :) I'm sorry a couple of these photos are a bit fuzzy. Amber and Ruby have begun to groom their paws and arms. Its hard to tell with this gallery of red reflected eyes but their eyes are developing the blue and we can now see the pupil. I need a good sunny morning to get better photos of their eyes. Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 9.5oz. (270 grams) up 7 grams Ruby is 11oz. (313 grams) up 10.6 grams Cobalt is 9.75oz. (277 grams) up 14 grams Jade is 9.75 oz. (277 grams) up 14 grams Amber is 10.6oz. (302 grams) up 10.6 grams February 24, 2006 - Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 9.25oz. (263 grams) up 7 grams Ruby is 10.6oz. (302 grams) up 7 grams Cobalt is 9.25oz. (256 grams) up 7 grams Jade is 9.25 oz. (263 grams) up 14 grams Amber is 10oz. (291 grams) up 17 grams February 23, 2006 - Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 9oz. (256 grams) up 14 grams Ruby is 10.3oz. (295 grams) up 21 grams Cobalt is 9oz. (256 grams) up 14 grams Jade is 8.75 oz. (249 grams) up 14.2 grams Amber is 9.6oz. (274 grams) up 21.3 grams February 22, 2006 - Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 8.5oz. (242 grams) up 21.3 grams Ruby is 9.6oz. (274 grams) up 10.6 grams Cobalt is 8.5oz. (220.6 grams) up 21.3 grams Jade is 8.25 oz. (235 grams) up 17.8 grams Amber is 8.8oz. (253 grams) up 17.8 grams February 21, 2006 - Jade shed her cord this evening. All of the kittens now have their eyes open, Ruby was the last hold out and her left eye finally opened all the way tonight. They all know how to hiss if we are bothersome or get too close to their faces. They all enjoy being stroked. Ruby has a big soft tummy and Jade likes chin rubs. Amber likes being rubbed anywhere on her head. Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 7.75oz. (220 grams) up 10.6 grams Ruby is 9.25oz. (263 grams) up 14 grams Cobalt is 7.75oz. (220.6 grams) up 7.1 grams Jade is 7.6 oz. (217 grams) up 17.7 grams Amber is 8.25oz. (234.8 grams) up 7.1 grams February 20, 2006 - Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 8.75oz. (249 grams) up 14 grams Ruby is 8.25oz. (263 grams) up 14 grams Cobalt is 7.5oz. (213.5 grams) up 14.2 grams Jade is 7 oz. (199 grams) up 10.6 grams Amber is 8oz. (227.7 grams) up 17.8 grams February 19, 2006 - Lilac and Cobalt's eyes are open. At this stage their eyes are not fully developed yet and they have a deep red, black alien look to them. Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 6.8oz. (193 grams) up 22.7 grams Ruby is 8.25oz. (234.8 grams) up 21.3 grams Cobalt is 7oz. (199 grams) up 14.2 grams Jade is 6.6 oz. (188 grams) up 21.3 grams Amber is 7.35oz. (210 grams) up 17.8 grams February 18, 2006 -One Week Old Most of the kittens have more then doubled their weight this first week. Lilac is short half an ounce and Jade is short an eighth of an ounce. This is not surprising as both these kittens started out losing a little bit of weight the first day. Weight gains continue to be good for all the kittens. Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 6oz. (171 grams) up 21.3 grams Ruby is 7.5oz. (214 grams) up 14.2 grams Cobalt is 6.5oz. (185 grams) up 10.2 grams Jade is 5.87 oz. (167 grams) up 14.2 grams Amber is 6.75oz. (192 grams) up 14.2 grams February 17, 2006 - Jade more then made up for her low weight gain yesterday :). Ruby continues to be the largest kitten. She is taking after her dad and will be a big cat. In the second photo below you can see the difference in color between Ruby (head on the nest edge in front) and Amber ( head on edge of nest next to Maeve's paw) Ruby is clearly lighter. I think she will be either a chocolate or lilac. The color in chocolates and lilacs comes in slower then in seals and blues. Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 5.25oz. (149 grams) up 14.2 grams Ruby is 7oz. (199 grams) up 21.3 grams Cobalt is 6.1oz. (175 grams) up 21.7 grams Jade is 5.37 oz. (153 grams) up 28.5 grams Amber is 6.25oz. (178 grams) up 14.2 grams February 16, 2006 - Although it is hard to tell from these photos, Lilac, Cobalt and Jade's eyes are beginning to peep open a bit. You can see it on Jade's left eye below. Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 4.75oz. (135 grams) up 17.8 grams Ruby is 6.25oz. (178 grams) up 17.8 grams Cobalt is 5.37oz. (153 grams) up 10.6 grams Jade is 4.37 oz. (124.5 grams) up 7.1 grams Amber is 5.75oz. (164 grams) up 17.8 grams February 15, 2006 - The kittens are becoming very active. Last night they were crawling all over Maeve. Crawling with kittens this age means dragging themselves around. Amber likes to crawl to the front of the nest and hang her head on the edge. During the day yesterday Ruby shed her cord. Thankfully Lilac has gotten nursing down and is doing very well. She still likes to talk a lot and likes to work out. She crawled out of the nesting box yesterday. I gently placed her back in and she settled down for a nap. Last night she was up exercising her legs by lifting her tummy off the surface of the nest. Its funny to see as she shakes with the effort it takes. I believe we have only one boy in this litter, but I will not commit to it for now. I don't want to disappoint anyone if I am mistaken. Color is coming in a little more but not enough to tell points yet. :) This is a just for fun guess..... we might have two that could be chocolate or Lilac, two that might be Seal and one that might be Blue, these are just guesses from very little color on the very edge of the ear. To really be sure we need more time for the color to come in. Many times a breeder can be mistaken on color even when the kittens are much older. So don't hold me to these colors. Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 4.1oz. (117.4 grams) up 17.8 grams Ruby is 5.6oz. (160 grams) up 17.8 grams Cobalt is 5oz. (142 grams) up 14.2 grams Jade is 4.1 oz. (117.4 grams) up 14.2 grams Amber is 5.1oz. (145 grams) up 17.8 grams February 14, 2006 - Happy Valentines day! Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 3.5oz. (99.6 grams) up 17.8 grams Ruby is 5oz. (142 grams) up 17.8 grams Cobalt is 4.5oz. (128 grams) up 17.8 grams Jade is 3.6 oz. (103 grams) up 17.8 grams Amber is 4.5oz. (128 grams) up 14.2 grams I discovered I made an error in Amber's weight when I transferred the figures from my growth record to the diary yesterday. I have corrected her weight and she now shows how great she is doing, In fact that are all gaining nicely now that Maeve's milk has come in. My apologies. February 13, 2006 - Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 2.875oz. (81.85 grams) up 0 grams Ruby is 4.38oz. (124.32 grams) up 24.9 grams Cobalt is 3.875oz. (110.53 grams) up 17.8 grams Jade is 3 oz. (85.4 grams) up 7.12 grams Amber is 4oz. (113.8 grams) up 21.3 grams If you look carefully at the edges of the kittens ears you can see a hint of color starting in the second photo below. We mark the kittens in their armpit and also put a bit of color on their butt so we don't have to pick them up and look under their arm to see who is who. This helps us when we want to be sure a kitten who has lost weight is getting onto a nipple and suckling. You can see Lilac and Jade's color in the first photo above. February 12, 2006 - Morning weigh in...... Lilac is 2.875oz. (81.85 grams) down 10.6 grams Ruby is 3.5oz. (99.645 grams) down 3.56 grams Cobalt is 3.25oz. (92.53 grams) up 7.11 grams Jade is 2.75oz. (78.293 grams) down 7.12 grams Amber is 3.25oz. (92.53 grams) up 10.6 grams For anyone who is new to our kitten diary I should mention I use my office as a kittening room. I spend most of my time in this room and It has a gas fireplace I use to keep the room temperature at 80 degrees. During the night we use a heated nest. It's important to keep the kittens warm. The leading cause of preventable mortality in new born is kittens is low body temperature. Every morning I weigh each kitten. I use a kitchen scale and small basket placed in front of the fire to be sure no one becomes chilled. I put grams and ounces on this diary because most people are familiar with ounces but when working with babies so little most breeders prefer grams as it give us more detail. February 11, 2006 -10:00pm February 11, 2006 -- 1:00pm Yes, we will have to call this group the tail end gang. Everyone of them was born tail first. Our Maeve is going against the odds again :) The Stats at birth #1 10:05am purple Lilac 92.5 grams (3.25 ounces) #2 11:05am red Ruby 103.2 grams (3.625 ounces) #3 11:15am blue Cobalt 85.4 grams (3 ounces) #4 11:43am green Jade 85.4 grams (3 ounces) #5 12:07am yellow Amber 81.8 grams (2.875 ounces) Names used represent the color (non toxic food coloring) each kitten is marked with for identification. Owners will choose real names. ______________________________ 2-11-2006 - 6:00am Maeve began calling, 9:15am noticeable contractions began, 10:05 she started panting. She seemed much more uncomfortable this time compared to past labors. 10:40 first kitten delivered tail first, 3-1/2oz. 11:05 second kitten delivered tail first, 3-5/8oz., 11:15 third kitten delivered tail first, 3 oz......hmm is this the tail first gang? ............more kittens to come........ Photo taken Wednesday 2-08-2006. Oh my goodness what a belly. Maeve seems quite content to stay pregnant, so far no nesting behavior. Photo's taken January 28th, 2005 - We can feel the kittens moving and kicking :) All images, text, and all other contents of this site are protected by copyright law. The contents of this site may not be reproduced, distributed, exhibited, published, or used in any form, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from the copyright holder. All images, and text copyright © Black&Tan, 2000-2013 | All Rights Reserved | Contact
The music used on this page is Let Them Be Little by Billy Dean
These kittens are the progeny of our sire Balor and dam Maeve.
Look for follow up photo's of the kitten's in this litter as they grow up on our Where Are They Now? page.
April 30, 2006- The close of this month also brings a close to this litters diary. With smiles and a fond look back each of the kittens in this litter was special, with their own personalities and individual look. Everyone of them was truly beautiful. We thank them for bringing new friends into our lives and look forward to updates and birthday photos from their new owners. We like to see our babies as full grown adults. :)
Closing Stats
#1 Lilac is now Black&Tan Tymo Mostiamo and lives in the Netherlands.
#2 Ruby is now Black&Tan Keva Guinness she lives here with us and has her own Keva page
#3 Cobalt is now Cocoa and lives in Massachusetts.
#4 Jade is now Koota and lives with her sister Jibelle (#5 Amber) in Massachusetts
#5 Amber is now Jibelle and lives with her sister Koota (#4 Jade) in Massachusetts
We were honored this weekend to have Peter and Kevin come to our home to meet us and pick up their kitten, Lilac. They traveled here from the Netherlands (Holland) while Monique was home at Cattery Mostiamo taking care of the family. After many months of emails and researching Siamese pedigrees Monique and Peter decided to choose a kitten of ours to become their foundation stud. Cattery Mostiamo is a member of the Traditional Siamese Workgroup of the Netherlands. Shipping a kitten off to another country can be worrisome but Monique and her family made the process easy for us and it was wonderful to meet and visit with Peter and Kevin. We know Lilac will have the very best quality of life with them. We would be very happy to work with them again in the future should needs bring us together. Lilac is now named Tymo and has his own page on their Cattery website. We look forward to seeing future kittens from him with their beautiful queens Najra and Yuna.
April 25, 2006-
April 24, 2006- Cobalt was picked up yesterday. I could not have asked for a better farewell for him. When they arrived he was curled in a nest. The three children gathered around him and talked gently to him while stroking him. He gave them all kisses, licking their fingers. He was very comfortable with them. We opened his carrier and put his nest in for him. He played and when he was ready to go he walked into the carrier and curled up in his nest. I am confident he will be spoiled and will never want for companionship or love.
Lilac will be staying with us until his family comes on the 30th.
Ruby is staying with us for now. We will be watching how she develops and may even let her become a queen.
April 20-22, 2006- Amber and Jade's family came and picked them up on Saturday. Their family was so excited to be able to take them home. The kittens were happy to play and be snuggled by their new family. I know they will be well loved.
The kittens are 10 weeks and were able to go home early. The kittens and Maeve tell me when they are ready. Wednesday night Maeve came to sleep with me. The kittens remained in the family room. This was her sign that she believes they are ready to venture forth on their own. Amber also let me know she was ready. She began to follow me through the house. This was her way of saying she is ready to bond with her owner.
April 19,2006-
These kittens are always on the go so getting good photos of them has been difficult. I'll keep trying for better ones this week. With this litter they all seem to be equal in their personalities and in their position within the group. There are no stand out dominant personalities. They all want to get the toy at the same time and often climb on top of each other in pursuit. No one kitten is holding back. It is alot of frenzied action, lol. They are all getting big. Lilac is still the largest but in a nice balanced lean way. Ruby is showing her solidness to go with those Popeye arms she had as a tiny kitten. :) Cobalt face is maturing nicely, he is going to be a very handsome classic Siamese. His face has nice proportion for his large eyes.
April 14-16, 2006- nine weeks old
April 13, 2006-
Amber, Jade, and Cobalt went to have their alter surgery today. Their pre surgical blood work was excellent and they each did very well. They all get lots of extra hands on care and comfort from the staff at the Cat Hospital. They said it was because the kittens were irresistible but I really think it is because the staff at the Cat Hospital are extra special. Now our challenge has been to keep them quite and not allow the girls to pull at their tummy stitches. Amber has been more cranky. My daughter has spent most of the evening cradling her in her arms and stroking her cheek so she sleeps. I have been keeping Cobalt from playing to rough with one hand while stroking Jade with the other. Because not all the kittens had surgery we are going to separate Jade and Amber from the rest of the kittens. They have all the essentials young girls could want. :)
April 10, 2006-
We brought in a new coffee table with ottomans under, of course the kittens were the first to check it out.
Here is our presentation of Kittens under glass
This week the kittens went to see our Vet and had their first core immunizations. They were all pronounced wonderfully healthy and all did well. They were very happy to be home afterward. They had visits with their new families and enjoyed playing and showing off.
The perspective on this photo was so funny I decided to include it
April 05, 2006-
Bi-weekly weigh in...... Once a kitten is 2 lbs I stop weighing them so this is our last weigh-in. :)
I keep thinking Cobalt is a little boy but from his weight he is not. I guess compared to his big brother Lilac he seems smaller. Cobalt has a closer laying coat and has what I call a pixie look. There is something special about him I can't put a name to. Maybe he just reminds me so much of his mama, my sweet Maeve.
Ruby is 2 lb. 1 oz up 117 grams
Cobalt is 2 lb. 2 oz up 121 grams
Jade is 2 lb. up 121 grams
Amber is 2 lb. up 103 grams
April 04, 2006-
Amber discovered the stairs and was fascinated with exploring this new area. So far she is the only one to brave this adventure.
Although I use food coloring on my kittens armpits and butts for identification when they are little, I did not color the faces of the kittens below. :) I altered the photos ;)
April 01, 2006- seven weeks old
The kittens point colors are coming in very nicely.
;) It is April first after all o_0
Bi-weekly weigh in...... Once a kitten is 2 lbs I stop weighing them.
Lilac is 2 lb. up 64 grams
Ruby is 1 lb. 12 oz up 68 grams
Cobalt is 1 lb. 13 oz up 82 grams
Jade is 1 lb. 12 oz up 43 grams
Amber is 1 lb. 12 oz up 50 grams
March 29, 2006-
(click logo to see video)
Bi-weekly weigh in......
Lilac is 1 lb. 14 oz up 96 grams
Ruby is 1 lb. 10.5 oz up 0 grams not surprising after the big gain last weigh in
Cobalt is 1 lb. 10.9 oz up 96 grams
Jade is 1 lb. 10 oz up 75 grams
Amber is 1 lb. 10 oz up 100 grams
March 27, 2006-
This past weekend Lilac decided or realized he was now the big kitten of the litter and he wasn't going to let these girls get the better of him. So it was no more Mr. Nice Guy. He let his alpha cat shine through and the girls met him at every challenge. I say girls but I have to admit Ruby tossed caution to the wind and jumped right in to tussle with him every chance she could. This was really the week of knock down drag out brawls and the noisiest ones we have had, lol. Lilac not only found his inner beast he also discovered his growl, it is funny to watch them test each other and to hear him growling when a sister is getting the better of him. They don't really hurt each other, they are just learning about themselves. Today they were more settled down. I believe they have learned how far they can go before it hurts. This is an important lesson for them to learn so they will be gentle in their play as they grow. Cobalt's face reminds me of Maeve when she was little, his may be a little wider. I've reduced the kitten milk I was adding to the dry baby kibble until today was dry only. I've been giving Maeve some packets of bits and gravy as an incentive to keep her calorie intake up, Cobalt discovered this tastes pretty good. He sneaks a few bites while all the kittens are busy eating the baby cat. When the crowd thins he moves over to finish his meal with baby cat. I ended up putting the training litter pan in the family room for the kittens. It has been making its way out of the family room and through the kitchen a few feet every day. I hope to have it into the laundry room where the big litter boxes are by the end of the week. The goal of this process is to get whoever it was that couldn't find the big litter box to realize the correct location for deposits.
March 25, 2006- six weeks old
Lilac is 1 lb. 10.6 oz up 46 grams
Ruby is 1 lb. 10.5 oz up 139 grams
Cobalt is 1 lb. 7.5 oz up 43 grams
Jade is 1 lb. 7.3 oz up 53 grams
Amber is 1 lb. 7 oz up 46 grams
March 24, 2006-
March 22-23, 2006-
When I took the kitten training litter box out I also moved the kitten food bowls out of my office and into the kitchen. The kittens were quick to learn the foods location. We have had a couple little litter training accidents. The first time it happened it was my fault. Cobalt was standing next to Mom while she ate and was crying. I thought he was hungry and wanted milk....but he was saying "I gots to go" but I didn't understand ....he went on the small rug I keep under the food bowls. Poor baby, he associated the litter box as being in the same room as the food. At this point I decided to move the litter box to the laundry room off the kitchen. The kittens are quick to learn the new location with some help. Anytime a kitten forgets and is in my office crying we quickly whisk her off to the new location. :) There were a could little accidents in a nest (we have lots of nests) this morning. Fortunately the locations have all be on machine washable items. I will be sure everyone visits the litter box before bed and I will leave the laundry room light on for a few days.
Lilac is 1 lb. 9 oz up 113 grams
Ruby is 1 lb. 5.6 oz up 57 grams
Cobalt is 1 lb. 6 oz up 57 grams
Jade is 1 lb. 5.5 oz up 85 grams
Amber is 1 lb. 5.5 oz up 53 grams
March 20, 2006-
Click the logo image below to see the video
The kittens began to chase a toy that we drag on the floor. Amber was and is the first off the mark in pursuit. She is also the big wrestler. When I hear a kitten shot out, I know Amber is in the mix, lol. Cobalt tries to keep up with her. Lilac seems to have an air of being above brawling. He's happy to wrestle and play but in a civilized manner. He has a gentle soul. Jade is an all about good sister, one of the middle child makeup. And Ruby is a bit reserved. She wants to be sure everything is copasetic before she joins in.
They discovered the cat tree in my bedroom and had fun climbing it. Maeve is a bit of an over protective mama and they are worrying her a bit. She wants to keep them all together but they are ready to go on their own for a bit. She's trying to adjust.:)
All the kittens are now eating the kitten milk and baby cat kibble mixture. Some still insist on being hand fed some milk too. I removed the training little box today. We'll see if they all remember to climb into the big box. I think everybody has used it.
March 18, 2006- five weeks old
Lilac is 1 lb. 5oz up 64 grams
Ruby is 1 lb. 3oz up 25 grams
Cobalt is 1 lb. 4oz up 35 grams
Jade is 1 lb. 2 oz up 43 grams
Amber is 1 lb. 3 oz up 46 grams
Some of these weights look a bit low but the weights from the last weigh in were higher so it tends to even out. The average weight gain should be around 100 grams a week or 50 grams bi-weekly. I'm not surprised at Ruby's progress she will not eat kibble and isn't too keen on kitten milk. All of the kittens are still nursing also.
March 17, 2006- Happy St. Patrick's Day
We are still working on moving to baby cat kibble. Everyone is remembering their litter box manners. This is the youngest I have had kittens out and about so I make sure they all come to the box in the morning a couple of times during the day and again at night. The kittens are going to get pedicures today. My hands are covered with unintentional scratches from their needle sharp little claws. I like to wait for the first clipping until I feel they trust me.
March 14, 2006 - This morning I awoke and was greeted by all the kittens pouring out from under my bed, calling good morning to me. LOL We checked the run and it was all in place. We had to assume Maeve carried them. To get out of the run Maeve has to jump up onto a low stool and then up on top a short bookcase then down to the floor. I cringe at the thought of her doing this five times with a kitten in her mouth. Usually when she thinks its time for the kittens to be out of the run she will pull the side of the run open. I brought all the kittens back to the run and fed them. I sat down at my desk next to the run and within 10 minuets Maeve was trying to carry out a kitten again. I would have preferred to keep them in the run until all are eating solid food well. Since they have all learned their litter box manners and Maeve says it is time, I have removed the run and allowed her to take them where she wants. I will collect them at meal times and after naps to be sure they don't forget what they have learned so far.
Lilac is 1 lb. 2.75oz up 78 grams
Ruby is 1 lb. 2.75oz up 50 grams
Cobalt is 1 lb. 2.75oz up 78 grams
Jade is 1 lb. 1 oz up 68 grams
Amber is 1 lb. 2 oz up 57 grams
March 14, 2006 - I been working on getting some face photos with good eye color.
I realized tonight I had the photo above labeled as Cobalt, I made a mistake and it is actually Amber. As you can see by comparing them Amber's face is fuller the Cobalt's, Sorry o_0
Lilac used the scratching post this morning.
Last night when I was feeding the kittens, it was more like I was in the middle of a feeding frenzy :). Lilac, Jade and Cobalt ate from the kitten milk / kibble bowl while I fed some of the other kittens on my knee. When I finished up I realized Lilac had crawled into my lap. He was in the cutest position sleeping. Luckily I had the camera near me so I held it above my head and took a couple of photos.
March 13, 2006 -
This litter is such a joy. I never tire of watching and interacting with these little miracles of nature. Lilac is going to be an ambassador. He is so social and people oriented, I can see the joy in his face as he runs to me when I sit on the floor. He crawls in my lap and talks on and on about all that is important to a Siamese kitten. :) Then he settles down and drinks it in as he observes me. Not to be outdone his brother and sisters are also eagerly vying for my attention. Ruby, Amber and Lilac have been the most active with Cobalt and Jade hanging in the nest observing and playing with each other, until this weekend. Any uncertainty they may have had is now a thing of the past. They have matured to the same level as their siblings and are now in the thick of things.
Litter box activity is going well. For a few days we had digging parties headed up by Ruby. She has the biggest paws in the litter. Don't tell her I said this but she has Popeye arms, lol. We will have to see if she grows into them or if she just has her Dad's front legs. As digging activity increased from all the kittens more wet spots appeared. A good sign :) Last night the digging party was convinced there were no treasures to be uncovered in the box, so they left deposits for me to remove this morning. From the number of them I would say this was a multi kitten activity. I observed Ruby after breakfast leaving her deposit. So they are progressing nicely. :)
They all love their kitten milk now and push each other to get into position to be the first to eat, a good sign too :). They should all begin to eat kibble very soon. So far only Lilac has indulged. Yesterday I mixed some kitten milk with their baby cat kibble but the only kitten interested was Lilac.
Click each logo image below to see the video
March 11, 2006 - Four Weeks Old
Now that the kittens are one month old we will begin weighing them twice a week.
Morning weigh in......
Lilac is 1 lb. up 14 grams
Ruby is 1 lb. 1 oz. up 49 grams
Cobalt is 1 lb. up 35 grams
Jade is 14.6 oz. (416 grams) up 14 grams
Amber is 1 lb. up 14 grams
March 10, 2006 - All the kittens are now taking KMR from an eye dropper. I supplement in the morning and at night and allow each to eat as much as they want. Maeve also drinks her share. :)
Lilac is 15.5 oz. (441 grams) up 28 grams
Ruby is 15.2 oz. (434 grams) up 14.75 grams
Cobalt is 14.75 oz. (420 grams) up 7.1 grams
Jade is 14.1 oz. (402 grams) up 7.1 grams
Amber is 15.5 oz. (441 grams) up 3.5 grams
March 9, 2006 -
Ruby has spent quite a bit of time in the litter pan digging, just digging. I expect her to make a sandcastle soon.
Lilac is 14.5 oz. (412 grams) up 3.5 grams
Ruby is 14.9 oz. (423 grams) up 14.2 grams
Cobalt is 14.5 oz. (412 grams) up 17.7 grams
Jade is 13.9 oz. (395 grams) up 10.6 grams
Amber is 15.3 oz. (438 grams) up 24.9 grams
March 8, 2006 -
Due to the long load time drain on this page I have moved each video to it's own page
The kittens are becoming more playful. They still spend most of the day eating sleeping and growing.
Lilac is 14.37 oz. (409 grams) up 17 grams
Ruby is 14.37 oz. (409 grams) up 3.5grams
Cobalt is 13.8 oz. (385 grams) up 14.2 grams
Jade is 13.5 oz. (384 grams) up 14 grams
Amber is 14.5 oz. (412 grams) up 3.5 grams
The more tan colored kittens are the seal points, the whitest kitten is Ruby, and the kitten that is in between those two colors is Lilac the blue point.
March 7, 2006 -
Now that we have moved to the new web domain we have lots more space so I am going to try and see if I can get away with some small video clips.
Lilac strolled up to the kitten dish this afternoon and started eating as if he had always eaten kibble.
Amber has been in the training pan but only to get litter stuck to her mouth. We brush it away for her so she doesn't eat it.
Lilac is 13.75 oz. (391 grams) up 10.6 grams
Ruby is 14.25 oz. (405 grams) up 7.1grams
Cobalt is 13.3 oz. (380 grams) up 10.6 grams
Jade is 13 oz. (370 grams) up 7.1 grams
Amber is 14.3 oz. (409 grams) up 10.6 grams
March 6, 2006 - I weighed the kitten after I fed them this morning. Lilac made up for his lack of gain yesterday. Cobalt began eating/sucking KMR. I am pleased, his face was starting to look a little drawn. Even though he didn't take much it's a step in the right direction. Poor Lilac is so much more advanced then his siblings he spends a lot of time calling to them to come and play. He has started sprinting. Its funny to watch the little burst of speed to go a few steps. When I sit on the floor he climbs up onto my lap and calls to his sister Amber.
We have some interesting voices in this litter. Lilac is the typical high pitched kitten mew. I realized last night when my son was in talking to Amber that she sounds just like the creak of a rocking chair, lol. Ruby's meow right now is creaky too almost like her squeaker is broken. Jade and Cobalt have quite mews unless they are messed with then the volume goes up. :-)
Lilac is 13.3 oz. (380 grams) up 32 grams
Ruby is 14 oz. (398.5 grams) up 7.1grams
Cobalt is 13 oz. (370 grams) up 14 grams
Jade is 12.7 oz. (363 grams) up 10.6 grams
Amber is 14 oz. (398 grams) up 21 grams
March 5, 2006 - The kittens have entered the big headed toddler stage. Sometimes in photos their heads can look almost as big as their bodies. :)
Lilac is the little explorer and he is stressing his Mum to no end. She is not ready to allow free rein but Lilac is ready. He has been taking KMR eagerly, he must be burning off those calories! I have upped his supplemental feeding times. Amber still does not understand that KMR is good, she eats a little then says no more. Ruby agrees with her and Jade and Cobalt still refuse to have anything to do with it, they just want Mama. All of them are much more active. We removed the nesting box today from the run area. The nest is now on the floor with two large towels (for traction) covering the floor. Maeve allows them in the open nest during the day and puts everyone into the pyramid at night. She sits outside the door so she can monitor the coming and going.
Lilac is 12.25 oz. (349 grams) up 0 grams
Ruby is 13.75 oz. (391 grams) up 0 grams
Cobalt is 12.5 oz. (356 grams) up 7.1 grams
Jade is 12.37 oz. (352 grams) up 10.6 grams
Amber is 13.25 oz. (377 grams) up 7.1 grams
March 4, 2006 - Three Weeks Old
Lilac is 12.25 oz. (349 grams) up 10.6 grams
Ruby is 13.75 oz. (391 grams) up 7.1 grams
Cobalt is 12.25 oz. (348 grams) up 7.1 grams
Jade is 12 oz. (341 grams) up 14.2 grams
Amber is 13 oz. (370 grams) up 10.6 grams
Lilac has been out and about exploring and is ready to go. His strength is increasing. This makes Maeve worry. We will set up the kitten run. This is a photo of past kittens in the kitten run. Kittens will stay in the run until they are weaned and litter trained, usually a couple of weeks. This helps the kittens and Maeve by limiting where they can wander and keeping them in a safe zone so to speak. Maeve can come and go as she wishes. Amber has left the nest and ventured to the entry pillow. The strength of all the kittens is progressing nicely. Lilac had KMR for breakfast. I am happy to see Jades weigh up this morning.
March 3, 2006 -
Lilac is really bringing a smile to my day. He now walks out of the nest to greet visitors and talks to you when you visit. Amber follows him to the front of the nest and looks up. I think her little inner voice is saying " I want to go too" but she isn't quite ready. :) The weight gains for Thursday were not what I want to see. They should be gaining approximately 100 grams a week for the first six weeks. This week is down so I have decided to start supplementing them with Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR). Many breeders feel supplementing at 3-4 weeks helps to advance kittens to weaning. Last night was my first attempt. Lilac was happy to try and his weigh shows the difference. Ruby and Cobalt had a very small amount and were not as keen to accept it. Amber and Jade just flat out refused to have any. My hope now is that by supplementing those who will there will be more of Mama's milk for those who won't. I expect the kittens to begin weaning in a week or two. They first have to get out and walk so they can manage to eat from a saucer.
They have all begun to play with each other, hugging and mouthing. Its funny to watch one that wants to play continually poke and bite another sleeping kitten trying to wake it up.
Lilac is 11.8 oz. (338 grams) up 17.8 grams
Ruby is 13.5 oz. (384 grams) up 17.8 grams
Cobalt is 12 oz. (327 grams) up 14.2 grams
Jade is 11.5 oz. (327 grams) up 3.5 grams
Amber is 12.6 oz. (359 grams) up 7.1 grams
March 2, 2006 -
Lilac is 11.25 oz. (320 grams) up 3.5 grams
Ruby is 12.8 oz. (366 grams) up 14.2 grams
Cobalt is 11.5 oz. (327 grams) up 3.5 grams
Jade is 11.3 oz. (323 grams) up 3.5 grams
Amber is 12.3 oz. (352 grams) up 0 grams
March 1, 2006 -
Amber has become the social kitten. Whenever someone comes to the nest she is first to look up and will stay at the front of the nest looking up at you with the big wide-eyed innocent look of a child.
In the photos below some of the kittens look a bit wall-eyed. They are not. Their eyes are still developing their focus and they may not be focused on the camera thus the wall-eyed look. As they mature their eyes and eye color will improve.
Lilac is 11.1 oz. (309 grams) up 7.1 grams
Ruby is 12.3 oz. (352 grams) up 3.5 grams
Cobalt is 11.3 oz. (323 grams) up 14 grams
Jade is 11.25 oz. (320 grams) up 7.1 grams
Amber is 12.3 oz. (352 grams) up 7.1 grams
February 28, 2006 -
Lilac is 10.8 oz. (309 grams) up 3.5 grams
Ruby is 12.25 oz. (348 grams) up 14.2 grams
Cobalt is 10.8 oz. (309 grams) up 10.6 grams
Jade is 11 oz. (313 grams) up 10.6 grams
Amber is 12.1 oz. (345 grams) up 17.7 grams
February 27, 2006 -
A nice orderly breakfast.
This is such a nice napping photo, so much cute going on.
Pile in for snack time.
When the kittens hear me, or anyone else, they all pop their heads up and face forward to see me. They call out to visitors. This morning Lilac crawled out of the nest and box to the pillow in front of the box to greet me. I keep the pillow there just in case anyone makes a break for it. Maeve would not allow him to crawl any further. Yes, I said him :) Lilac and Cobalt are our two boys in this litter. Ruby has a magically appropriate name right now she has beautiful white fur and her nose is a pinkish brown. When light shines on her her eyes with the typical Siamese reflected red makes her look like a sparkling ruby. You can see in the top photo today that Ruby's sparkling white coat stand out.
Lilac is 10.75 oz. (306 grams) up 17.8 grams
Ruby is 11.75 oz. (334 grams) up 10.6 grams
Cobalt is 10.5 oz. (289 grams) up 14.2 grams
Jade is 10.6 oz. (302 grams) up 14.2 grams
Amber is 11.5 oz. (327 grams) up 10.6 grams
February 26, 2006 -
Lilac is 10 oz. (288 grams) up 17.8 grams
Ruby is 11.3 oz. (324 grams) up 10.6 grams
Cobalt is 10 oz. (284 grams) up 7.1 grams
Jade is 10.1 oz. (288 grams) up 10.6 grams
Amber is 11 oz. (316 grams) up 14.2 grams
February 25, 2006 -Two Weeks Old
Dad stopped by today after his walk to wish us Happy Birthday.
I love this photo of Ruby yelling. She looks like a brute and she is not. LOL I picked her up when she was asleep and she was not happy. This photo doesn't do her justice but I couldn't pass on showing it to you. :)
I'm sorry a couple of these photos are a bit fuzzy. Amber and Ruby have begun to groom their paws and arms. Its hard to tell with this gallery of red reflected eyes but their eyes are developing the blue and we can now see the pupil. I need a good sunny morning to get better photos of their eyes.
Lilac is 9.5oz. (270 grams) up 7 grams
Ruby is 11oz. (313 grams) up 10.6 grams
Cobalt is 9.75oz. (277 grams) up 14 grams
Jade is 9.75 oz. (277 grams) up 14 grams
Amber is 10.6oz. (302 grams) up 10.6 grams
February 24, 2006 -
Lilac is 9.25oz. (263 grams) up 7 grams
Ruby is 10.6oz. (302 grams) up 7 grams
Cobalt is 9.25oz. (256 grams) up 7 grams
Jade is 9.25 oz. (263 grams) up 14 grams
Amber is 10oz. (291 grams) up 17 grams
February 23, 2006 -
Lilac is 9oz. (256 grams) up 14 grams
Ruby is 10.3oz. (295 grams) up 21 grams
Cobalt is 9oz. (256 grams) up 14 grams
Jade is 8.75 oz. (249 grams) up 14.2 grams
Amber is 9.6oz. (274 grams) up 21.3 grams
February 22, 2006 -
Lilac is 8.5oz. (242 grams) up 21.3 grams
Ruby is 9.6oz. (274 grams) up 10.6 grams
Cobalt is 8.5oz. (220.6 grams) up 21.3 grams
Jade is 8.25 oz. (235 grams) up 17.8 grams
Amber is 8.8oz. (253 grams) up 17.8 grams
February 21, 2006 -
Jade shed her cord this evening. All of the kittens now have their eyes open, Ruby was the last hold out and her left eye finally opened all the way tonight. They all know how to hiss if we are bothersome or get too close to their faces. They all enjoy being stroked. Ruby has a big soft tummy and Jade likes chin rubs. Amber likes being rubbed anywhere on her head.
Lilac is 7.75oz. (220 grams) up 10.6 grams
Ruby is 9.25oz. (263 grams) up 14 grams
Cobalt is 7.75oz. (220.6 grams) up 7.1 grams
Jade is 7.6 oz. (217 grams) up 17.7 grams
Amber is 8.25oz. (234.8 grams) up 7.1 grams
February 20, 2006 -
Lilac is 8.75oz. (249 grams) up 14 grams
Ruby is 8.25oz. (263 grams) up 14 grams
Cobalt is 7.5oz. (213.5 grams) up 14.2 grams
Jade is 7 oz. (199 grams) up 10.6 grams
Amber is 8oz. (227.7 grams) up 17.8 grams
February 19, 2006 -
Lilac and Cobalt's eyes are open. At this stage their eyes are not fully developed yet and they have a deep red, black alien look to them.
Lilac is 6.8oz. (193 grams) up 22.7 grams
Ruby is 8.25oz. (234.8 grams) up 21.3 grams
Cobalt is 7oz. (199 grams) up 14.2 grams
Jade is 6.6 oz. (188 grams) up 21.3 grams
Amber is 7.35oz. (210 grams) up 17.8 grams
February 18, 2006 -One Week Old
Most of the kittens have more then doubled their weight this first week. Lilac is short half an ounce and Jade is short an eighth of an ounce. This is not surprising as both these kittens started out losing a little bit of weight the first day. Weight gains continue to be good for all the kittens.
Lilac is 6oz. (171 grams) up 21.3 grams
Ruby is 7.5oz. (214 grams) up 14.2 grams
Cobalt is 6.5oz. (185 grams) up 10.2 grams
Jade is 5.87 oz. (167 grams) up 14.2 grams
Amber is 6.75oz. (192 grams) up 14.2 grams
February 17, 2006 -
Jade more then made up for her low weight gain yesterday :). Ruby continues to be the largest kitten. She is taking after her dad and will be a big cat. In the second photo below you can see the difference in color between Ruby (head on the nest edge in front) and Amber ( head on edge of nest next to Maeve's paw) Ruby is clearly lighter. I think she will be either a chocolate or lilac. The color in chocolates and lilacs comes in slower then in seals and blues.
Lilac is 5.25oz. (149 grams) up 14.2 grams
Ruby is 7oz. (199 grams) up 21.3 grams
Cobalt is 6.1oz. (175 grams) up 21.7 grams
Jade is 5.37 oz. (153 grams) up 28.5 grams
Amber is 6.25oz. (178 grams) up 14.2 grams
February 16, 2006 -
Although it is hard to tell from these photos, Lilac, Cobalt and Jade's eyes are beginning to peep open a bit. You can see it on Jade's left eye below.
Lilac is 4.75oz. (135 grams) up 17.8 grams
Ruby is 6.25oz. (178 grams) up 17.8 grams
Cobalt is 5.37oz. (153 grams) up 10.6 grams
Jade is 4.37 oz. (124.5 grams) up 7.1 grams
Amber is 5.75oz. (164 grams) up 17.8 grams
February 15, 2006 -
The kittens are becoming very active. Last night they were crawling all over Maeve. Crawling with kittens this age means dragging themselves around. Amber likes to crawl to the front of the nest and hang her head on the edge. During the day yesterday Ruby shed her cord. Thankfully Lilac has gotten nursing down and is doing very well. She still likes to talk a lot and likes to work out. She crawled out of the nesting box yesterday. I gently placed her back in and she settled down for a nap. Last night she was up exercising her legs by lifting her tummy off the surface of the nest. Its funny to see as she shakes with the effort it takes. I believe we have only one boy in this litter, but I will not commit to it for now. I don't want to disappoint anyone if I am mistaken. Color is coming in a little more but not enough to tell points yet. :) This is a just for fun guess..... we might have two that could be chocolate or Lilac, two that might be Seal and one that might be Blue, these are just guesses from very little color on the very edge of the ear. To really be sure we need more time for the color to come in. Many times a breeder can be mistaken on color even when the kittens are much older. So don't hold me to these colors.
Lilac is 4.1oz. (117.4 grams) up 17.8 grams
Ruby is 5.6oz. (160 grams) up 17.8 grams
Cobalt is 5oz. (142 grams) up 14.2 grams
Jade is 4.1 oz. (117.4 grams) up 14.2 grams
Amber is 5.1oz. (145 grams) up 17.8 grams
February 14, 2006 - Happy Valentines day!
Lilac is 3.5oz. (99.6 grams) up 17.8 grams
Ruby is 5oz. (142 grams) up 17.8 grams
Cobalt is 4.5oz. (128 grams) up 17.8 grams
Jade is 3.6 oz. (103 grams) up 17.8 grams
Amber is 4.5oz. (128 grams) up 14.2 grams
I discovered I made an error in Amber's weight when I transferred the figures from my growth record to the diary yesterday. I have corrected her weight and she now shows how great she is doing, In fact that are all gaining nicely now that Maeve's milk has come in. My apologies.
February 13, 2006 -
Lilac is 2.875oz. (81.85 grams) up 0 grams
Ruby is 4.38oz. (124.32 grams) up 24.9 grams
Cobalt is 3.875oz. (110.53 grams) up 17.8 grams
Jade is 3 oz. (85.4 grams) up 7.12 grams
Amber is 4oz. (113.8 grams) up 21.3 grams
If you look carefully at the edges of the kittens ears you can see a hint of color starting in the second photo below.
We mark the kittens in their armpit and also put a bit of color on their butt so we don't have to pick them up and look under their arm to see who is who. This helps us when we want to be sure a kitten who has lost weight is getting onto a nipple and suckling. You can see Lilac and Jade's color in the first photo above.
February 12, 2006 -
Lilac is 2.875oz. (81.85 grams) down 10.6 grams
Ruby is 3.5oz. (99.645 grams) down 3.56 grams
Cobalt is 3.25oz. (92.53 grams) up 7.11 grams
Jade is 2.75oz. (78.293 grams) down 7.12 grams
Amber is 3.25oz. (92.53 grams) up 10.6 grams
For anyone who is new to our kitten diary I should mention I use my office as a kittening room. I spend most of my time in this room and It has a gas fireplace I use to keep the room temperature at 80 degrees. During the night we use a heated nest. It's important to keep the kittens warm. The leading cause of preventable mortality in new born is kittens is low body temperature. Every morning I weigh each kitten. I use a kitchen scale and small basket placed in front of the fire to be sure no one becomes chilled. I put grams and ounces on this diary because most people are familiar with ounces but when working with babies so little most breeders prefer grams as it give us more detail.
February 11, 2006 -10:00pm
February 11, 2006 -- 1:00pm
Yes, we will have to call this group the tail end gang. Everyone of them was born tail first. Our Maeve is going against the odds again :)
The Stats at birth
#1 10:05am purple Lilac 92.5 grams (3.25 ounces)
#2 11:05am red Ruby 103.2 grams (3.625 ounces)
#3 11:15am blue Cobalt 85.4 grams (3 ounces)
#4 11:43am green Jade 85.4 grams (3 ounces)
#5 12:07am yellow Amber 81.8 grams (2.875 ounces)
Names used represent the color (non toxic food coloring) each kitten is marked with for identification. Owners will choose real names.
______________________________
2-11-2006 - 6:00am Maeve began calling, 9:15am noticeable contractions began, 10:05 she started panting. She seemed much more uncomfortable this time compared to past labors.
10:40 first kitten delivered tail first, 3-1/2oz. 11:05 second kitten delivered tail first, 3-5/8oz., 11:15 third kitten delivered tail first, 3 oz......hmm is this the tail first gang?
............more kittens to come........
Photo taken Wednesday 2-08-2006. Oh my goodness what a belly.
Maeve seems quite content to stay pregnant, so far no nesting behavior.
Photo's taken January 28th, 2005 - We can feel the kittens moving and kicking :)
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