? Young cat having kittens

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Anthony Morgan, Nov 26, 2019.

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  1. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Hi,
    I haven't been on the board for a couple of years and I have a non diabetes dilema. Hope it is ok to ask?
    3 weeks ago I found a very young cat ( 6 to 9 months) near a busy road and took it in with the intention of keeping it safe and returning it to its owner. Despite posters, social media etc. no-one has come forward.
    The cat is less than a year old and I now find it to be pregnant. I have had a vet check and the vet has advised the pregnancy be terminated as it may be a difficult birth due to the cats young age and to avoid further unwanted kittens.
    The vet thinks the cat is about half way through the term. I am struggling to know what to do as I am uncomfortable about ending these unborn lives but on the other hand I don't want the cat to suffer.
    I would be very grateful for any advice or experience anyone has that can help me with this.
    Thank you!
     
  2. Vicki Smith

    Vicki Smith New Member

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    Nov 26, 2019
    I work at a shelter and I dont believe this is uncommon and the cat will probably have 2-3 babies. I suggest a second opinion.
     
  3. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Ok, thank you!
     
  4. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Hi Anthony
    Nice to see you here although sorry to hear of your dilemma. It's true that a cat of less than a year old is still technically a kitten, but this little one is clearly mature and able to become pregnant - as Vicki has said above, this isn't uncommon, and the rest of the pregnancy and birth may be just fine.

    I agree, a second opinion would be interesting - some vets are quite pragmatic in these situations, as yours seems to be, but others might take a gentler approach and give the mum and kittens a chance. With good care, including a nourishing diet, it's quite possible that all would be well - the issue then would be finding homes for them all. Are you intending to keep the mum and could you look after her and the kittens for the first few months of their lives?

    Do let us know what you decide. I think most of us here, as cat-lovers, would like to think there would be a happy ending but if it is likely to be a difficult birth, we wouldn't want the kitty to suffer in any way.
     
  5. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    This is the cat.
     

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  6. Vicki Smith

    Vicki Smith New Member

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    How sweet Black cats have a special spot in my heart
     
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  7. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Oh bless her. Anthony, you have probably formed a bond with her now so she is relying on you to do the best by her... listen to your heart and go from there...
     
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  8. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Hello Diana,
    Very nice to hear from you, I hope you are well!
    I think I will get a second opinion. I wasn't intending to take on any more cats but I am willing to adopt this one as it seems unfair to uproot her again and put her in a shelter. Having said that I have the problem of integrating her with my 3 male cats. She has just aggressively chased one of them out of the room.
    Another reason is that the council changed the parking arrangements in my cul de sac and now the cars come down much quicker. Sad to say in 2018 Herbie was run over and killed.
    So I have a lot of anxiety over the safety of my existing cats.
    I could look after the kittens initially but I would hope to find homes for them.
    Thank you for your kind reply!
     
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  9. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    That sounds the best thing, Anthony, a second opinion might make it easier to make a decision.
    I'm very sorry to hear about Herbie. It's devastating I know. Sadly we can't keep our kitties on a lead when they go out.
    I'm glad you'll be keeping this new little cutie. If the pregnancy goes full term and you have babies, they are usually easy enough to find homes for via a reputable organisation.
    Very best of luck :)
     
  10. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you Diana, nice to 'chat' again! Best wishes!
     
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  11. Deborah & Muffy(GA) & Wendall

    Deborah & Muffy(GA) & Wendall Member

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    I've worked in cat rescue for more than 40 years and suggest you go ahead and have her spayed as soon as possible. This cat looks quite young and right now the nutrition she needs to grow is going to the kittens. If she is forced to birth them, she will likely remain small and the health of both her and the kittens could be affected. A cat can get pregnant at 5 months of age but it doesn't mean she's physically or psychologically ready to be a mother. Young moms often abandon their litters or refuse to care for them. Please make life easier for her and just have her spayed.
     
  12. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you for your comments, I appreciate them. She is very young, not sure how old or how far along. I will consider them carefully.
     
  13. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    More pictures:
     

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  14. FurBabiesMama

    FurBabiesMama Well-Known Member

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    I would let it proceed and deal with whatever the outcome is in the best way I could. My Willow was also a young pregnant cat when taken in by a rescue. Her kittens did not survive in the end, but she was fine (now 17 1/2). The outcome may be bad for the babies or for her, but it also may turn out okay for her and/or them. I would deal with what happens, let nature take it's course. I would not choose to kill the kittens. Just sharing my opinion!

    Provided she makes it through okay, I would definitely have her spayed as soon as it is safe to do so.
     
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  15. Chloe007

    Chloe007 Member

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    This is totally anecdotal, but I had a similar situation with a cat a couple years ago. She had just turned one year old when we found out she was pregnant. She only had two kittens, but everything turned out okay for both her and her kittens. The only issues really came after the babies were born, she wanted nothing to do with them and my vet had told me that this wasn't uncommon with young cat moms, similar to young human moms! We ended up having to bottle feed them, and she never really became attached in any way, but they were healthy kittens and she was fine. Not saying what you should do, but in my experience, things worked out (mostly) okay.
     
  16. JL and Chip

    JL and Chip Well-Known Member

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    Most of the time Mother Nature cuts first-time moms a break and they only have 1-3 kittens. I’ve seen it go both ways ... sometimes good results, sometimes not. I personally can’t terminate kittens that are near full term, though I’ve spayed a number of rescue cats that we found were in the early stages of pregnancy. Gestation for a cat is relatively short, though, so I wouldn’t wait too long to get that second opinion.

    As for integrating her with your males ... don't judge how things will go based on how she’s acting right now. Pregnancy hormones might be making her more high-strung at the moment. I had a stray show up one time who was all “momma bear” and wouldn’t let the resident tough-guy Tom cat into “his” barn until after the babies were born, weaned, and she was spayed. After that, she calmed down significantly and settled in nicely with the crew.

    Best wishes with whatever you choose.
     
  17. Lisa and Witn (GA)

    Lisa and Witn (GA) Well-Known Member

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    If you decide to let her have the kittens, before you put them up for adoption, please have them fixed. I have always done that with the kittens I have rescued and it helped to find them new homes quickly.
     
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  18. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thanks for your comments, good of you to take the time.
     
  19. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you, I certainly would.
     
  20. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you for your comments I appreciate them, I was thinking that too. My 3 males have lived together for several years. Two get on well but they both bully Jack still!
     
  21. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you for that, you obviously did a great job raising the kittens!
     
  22. Noah & me (GA)

    Noah & me (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I confess I haven't read every post. When we adopted Zoe and Jacob as kittens (brother and sister) we were told they were neutered/spayed. They were not.
    Zoe was a kitten in November and pregnant in June so that's pretty young and the brother sister thing was not an issue. Out popped Noah, Nigel, Andrew and Simon. It's not possible for everyone but we had the money, lots of room and enough love to spread around. That is how we went from three to five to nine cats in a little over a year.
    Then we got a puppy. I would not trade those years for anything.
    In the very short time we thought of giving the kittens away (what were we thinking of?) we got only one offer from a woman who had run over her own cat. :blackeye:
    011_nigel.JPG 011andrew_noah.JPG
     
  23. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you, that's a heart warming story! I have arranged for the cat to have an ultra sound scan to try and find out what stage the kittens are at. I have spoken to a lady who runs a local shelter though and she told me she has had some very bad experiences with young cats having kittens.
     
  24. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    There may not be a definitive right or wrong answer to this, Anthony. There are going to be different experiences, good and bad. I don't envy you having to decide what to do but see what the ultrasound shows and go from there.
     
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  25. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you, will do, it can't hurt to have more information.
     
  26. Noah & me (GA)

    Noah & me (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Anthony, when I said "I would not trade those years for anything" I meant it. It was also a lesson in genetics both good and bad. The mother was a ginger/red colour and the father was black with white markings but one kitten was orange and the other three were yellow with white markings. That's where my fondness for long hair yellow cats comes from. The downside was that one or both of the parents passed on cardiomyopathy to all four kittens. Noah was the only one that made it past the age of ten.
    Maybe one day genetic testing for cats will be commonplace but until then we just take our chances. Kittens are so easily adopted which is why we usually take in older cats but just once everyone deserves a bundle of kittens. At first we did not want to get too attached to them so we gave them temporary names like Spud or Stripe. Then one Saturday morning they climbed up on our bed one by one and we knew they had a forever home.
    Even if we had known how short their lives would be I cannot say for sure we would have declined knowing the happiness they brought us. Nothing about life with cats is guaranteed. Whatever you decide we all support you.
     
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  27. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you, I appreciate hearing that. I have cared for cats over many years, once I was down to one, then another arrived meowing on top of my neighbours WW2 air raid shelter which was still there in 2001! Just over two years ago I had 5 and then sadly lost Shelley, my diabetic cat in the picture and Herbie by road accident. Now this kitten has arrived.
    I was quite shocked when the Vet suggested spaying a pregnant cat, I had assumed nature would just take its course. My only concern is the welfare of the cat, if she were older I wouldn't consider it.
    I will just have to see how things go with the scan tomorrow and will hopefully be better informed.
    I appreciate the support!
     
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  28. Noah & me (GA)

    Noah & me (GA) Well-Known Member

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    I wasn't exactly sure of Zoe's age when she became pregnant. We have the same vet 15+ years later, her dad was a vet as well, so we trusted her judgment as to letting Zoe go to full term. The cardiomyopathy they had wasn't something you would go looking for, I cannot remember which variant they had but it's quite uncommon. I completely agree that the life of the mother comes first otherwise you might have kittens who are unable to feed at home if at all.
    And the air raid siren! In the early seventies when we were still pretty sure the Russians would nuke us one day we had one down the block. :blackeye:
     
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  29. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    The little cat had the scan yesterday evening and it showed that there are at least two kittens and that they are nearly fully developed and the Vet said they could be born within a week. So too late for anything but to let nature take its course. At first I felt relieved but then the feelings of apprehension set in about the risks and that I'm not yet prepared for this.
    Last night she was wanting to explore the whole house, difficult with my other cats, and at one point was on top of my wardrobe. I thought oh no, you can't have them up there!
     
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  30. Noah & me (GA)

    Noah & me (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Is this your first litter? I was a complete wreck with Zoe and wanted her to be admitted but my vet said take her home and you'll both figure it out. Eventually I put a heating pad on the lowest setting under some old thick bath towels in a hall closet she was circling. That's where the (sloppy) magic happened and just as predicted nature took it's course. She moved the four kittens almost every day and even managed to clamber over the kiddy gate we bought to keep the dog out.
    I can't tell you what to look for, what is unusual or what constitutes a 911. It just happened, she cleaned up and POOF! Four bouncing baby boys. :D
    You'll keep us informed yes?
     
  31. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Many years ago a stray cat turned up and I started feeding her. It wasn't there all the time until one day she turned up with four walking meowing kittens.
    But I have never been involved at this stage where I have an ' involvement' in the process.
    Certainty will post with news. Thank you!
     
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  32. Lisa and Witn (GA)

    Lisa and Witn (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Prepare a box for her to have her kittens in and show her where it is at. Since most cats like to have their kittens in a quiet place, put it in a room that is not very busy.

    When Duquessa was ready to give birth, she woke me up at 2:30 in the morning. I carried her to her box and the first one was born a few minutes later. After I saw that she knew what to do with her newborn, when I tried to leave the room, she tried to follow me. She obviously wanted me in there while she was giving birth. So I got to witness her giving birth to 5 kittens, born 30 minutes apart.

    I don't know if your cat will be the same way. Hopefully she will be. I feel very blessed that Duquessa trust me so much that she wanted me to be there for her giving birth.
     
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  33. Panic

    Panic Well-Known Member

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    Looking forward to hearing about the kittens' arrival and hope all goes well for Mama. I must admit I'm a bit envious; I haven't had the chance to raise kittens for a good 15+ years. All my kitties are fixed now of course, and there's always the pressure of finding good homes, but I absolutely loved helping raise those little cuties. <3
     
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  34. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you for sharing that, it's a wonderful story! I have prepared a few places but she has got used to my kitchen and living room which isn't ideal as I have 3 male cats and she is the new addition. Will just persevere trying to get her somewhere quieter!
     
  35. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you, I don't feel very confident about dealing with this but just hoping there are no complications.
     
  36. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    I think you'll be fine, Anthony, you have a lot of experience with cats and Mother Nature will do all the work! Is there anyone nearby you could call in for some reassurance, once things start happening? And/or could you ask the vet to accept a phone call if you need urgent advice? There are nearly always people on here too, of course, and you've had some great suggestions already... definitely worth maintaining the dialogue as you probably will have questions after the kittens are born and people here will be only too happy to help!
     
  37. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    I have been in touch with a lady who runs a local cat charity and she has said to ring her if I need any advice so that's very helpful. Same with the Vet but they don't do a after hours service. I will certainly stay on the board, as always a very kind, caring and helpful community!
    Thank you!
     
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  38. Lisa and Witn (GA)

    Lisa and Witn (GA) Well-Known Member

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    You probably will not need it, but also have the number for the after hours emergency vet if you have one nearby.
     
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  39. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Hi Anthony
    Just wondering if there's any update...?
     
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  40. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    Wish i'd seen this earlier. My cat Tripper who is now 16 yrs. Followed us home 1 night 16 yrs ago. She was a baby and no one claimed her. Tiny and skinny and walked with us 1/4 mile and then right in our door. Estimated age was 4-5 months. Had started all the vaccines, and spay to be done in 2 weeks. The saturday before spay, i suspected she was pregnant. Xray confirmed 1 very large baby do any day. We had her 3 weeks by then and she delivered that night. She was young, had no problems but didnt know what to do with baby. I cut cord, dried the baby. Tripper kept sitting on it. the 1st 24 hrs, she wouldnt let it nurse. I kept trying to get her to every 2 hrs and when she didnt i fed it. Evenutally she caught on and she was a good mom. Your kitty might be young and not kniw what to do, be preoared to intervene if needed, she just might need to be taught what to do.
     
  41. jayla-n-Drevon

    jayla-n-Drevon Well-Known Member

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    mama is so pretty and teeny! :bighug:
     
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  42. Ann & Scatcats

    Ann & Scatcats Well-Known Member

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    We are waiting for baby news and hoping everything goes well :cat:
     
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  43. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Hi, thanks for your message.Sorry for not replying earlier but I haven't been on the board for a few days. The little cat had had 4 kittens this morning. She seems to be doing alright. The kittens appear active and trying to feed but as I can't see any milk, I'm not sure if they are getting any. I am watching them closely and will get help if necessary.
     
  44. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you, can you see my reply to Olive & Paula please.
     
  45. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Hi, Diana thank you, can you see my reply to Olive & Paula please.
     
  46. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    I
    Thank you, can you see my reply to Olive & Paula please.
     
  47. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    glad everyone made it through. It's good to weigh the kittens everyday. This way you know they are eating. They should gain, if not you will need to supplement.
     
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  48. Olive & Paula

    Olive & Paula Well-Known Member

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    There is a Facebook page called Orphan kitten bottle feeders and fosters. They can help if you need it.
     
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  49. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Tha
    Thank you, I will have a look.
     
  50. Lisa and Witn (GA)

    Lisa and Witn (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Congrats on the new babies. Can't wait to see pics.
     
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  51. Charlotte and Lucky’s mom

    Charlotte and Lucky’s mom Well-Known Member

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    Hi!! So happy she delivered them ok. If you end up having to give them a milk replacer, make sure you wash their anal area with a warm cloth to stimulate them to urinate and/or defecate as mom would do this to them after they ate. They also should be fed frequently through a 24 hour period- offer it every 2-3 hours. And keep them warm!! Hopefully the mother’s milk will come down soon and you can sit back and watch!! Cats love to be high up so it sounds like this mom might like a cat tree within her near future- she can keep tabs on your males from up there without feeling threatened. I would keep mom and kittens separated from your males for a while too as mom will be protective of them! Good luck!
     
  52. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Hi, Thank you! The kittens seem to be feeding and not making too much noise at the moment. I thought there would have been more obvious signs in her teats, they are clearly visible but don't look swollen at all. She does have a few higher observation points but I will have a look for a proper cat tree. My males are banned from the living room for the time being.
     
  53. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you very much, just hoping they will all be ok!
     
  54. Ann & Scatcats

    Ann & Scatcats Well-Known Member

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    Congratulations to the little ones!

    In 2010 I, Simba and Gustav rescued 3 little 8 weeks old babies, Donna, Sessan and Zackie. I gave them plenty of KMR milk supplements, inspected them physically, cleaned them and then taught them all about inside living with going on litter box e.t.c, and well vet examed too. They are 9 years now and Sessan has developed diabetes too, so it was perfect that I, Simba and Gustav rescued them, since we could early teach the person the babies live with all about diabetes and other cat conditions too.

    You will be a great baby extra parent.
    Again Congratulations.
     
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  55. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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  56. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you, that's very kind. You obviously did a wonderful thing for the 3 rescued kittens. So glad it worked out so well!
    Best wishes!
     
  57. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Well done Anthony, all sounds good :)
     
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  58. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you Diana, the little cat has done it all by herself really. Just hoping things continue to go well.
     
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  59. Kate & Toby

    Kate & Toby Member

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    Awww welcome to the world sweet babies. I'm so glad everything is going ok so far. Sounds like mama is doing OK. Well done Anthony, you're doing so good too. X
     
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  60. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you Kate. Are you familiar with rearing kittens? I have just been reading the environmental temperature should be 29–32C in the kitten box. I did order a heat pad but wasn't happy with it so I sent it back. The lady at the local cat charity said they didn't use them and the mother's body temperature should be sufficient. All I could get today was a microwaveable one. I will keep the central heating on but I'm worried if they will be warm enough?
     
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  61. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    I have just been reading the environmental temperature should be 29–32C in the kitten box. I did order a heat pad but wasn't happy with it so I sent it back. The lady at the local cat charity said they didn't use them and the mother's body temperature should be sufficient. All I could get today was a microwaveable one. I will keep the central heating on but I'm worried if they will be warm enough? Any thoughts please?
     
  62. Larry and Kitties

    Larry and Kitties Well-Known Member

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    If the box is insulated from the floor like the box is made of towels and has sides, then the mother's heat should be sufficient. To be safe I would also use the microwavable disk you purchased. About two years ago I had a small mother and her two kittens since the kittens were 3 days old. I just removed the top the carrier I transported them it. The carrier was lined in towels. The mother was only about a year old and small.
     
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  63. Lisa and Witn (GA)

    Lisa and Witn (GA) Well-Known Member

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    If they are in the house they should be warm enough
     
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  64. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    I
    am using the bottom half of a plastic dog carrier with a cardboard lining and fleece bedding. Resting on carpet. I thought about putting the top half on but it might scare her. Thanks for your comments!
     
  65. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you!
     
  66. Chloe007

    Chloe007 Member

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    Newborns are very sensitive to cold, but as long as they are being kept warm (central heating on, maybe a couple degrees higher than you'd normally set it) you should be fine. Just make sure that wherever they are, the heat is getting in the room. My mom unfortunately lost a litter of kittens this way when she didn't know about this, she had them in the basement because that's where kitty gave birth, and when the mama started bringing them all the way up the stairs and trying to put them in her bed, she thought she was just being cute/silly. Sadly, she was doing that because mama knew her kitty's weren't warm enough. She didn't want them to get hurt, and not knowing any better, brought them back into the basement. They passed. Not to scare you though, this can easily be avoided. The problem with my mom's scenario was that the central heating wasn't warm enough all the way down in the basement. And if you notice mama kitty trying to move the kittens to a different (warmer) area of the house, or tries putting them under her blanket or something, keep that in the back of your mind that could be why. But as long as it's warm, don't worry too much about it- a heating pad isn't necessary. If you have any questions, I've gone through this twice with a young kitty mama (1 year for first litter, second came a couple months later before we were able to get her fixed). Both litters turned out great, although mama had issues with not being attached to her first litter, so we had to step in. If your kitty isn't having that issue, I'd advise being a little hands off for the first few days- unless you have reason not to be. Just keep an eye on things, but it's best not to pick the kitty's up, or even touch them really in the beginning if you don't have to. It's a scent thing, and it's important to keep only mama's scent on the babies.
     
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  67. majandra

    majandra Well-Known Member

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    Oct 11, 2018
    Quiet kittens are happy kittens generally in the first week. They eat and sleep, and protest when mom plops down unceremoniously on top. If you decide to avoid handling them at first, you should be able to tell that they are nourished if they continue to nurse with vigor.

    If at any point you feel the need to put a heating pad under box, make sure it is only under a portion so the kittens can move off it.
     
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  68. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Thank you for your comments! The kittens are in a cloakroom in the corner of the living room. The door is left open for the heat to circulate and the central heating is turned up. I haven't tried to handle them, just leaving it to the mum for now.
    Sorry to hear about your mom's litter. I appreciate the advice!
     
  69. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Thank you, I appreciate the advice!
     
  70. sandscout

    sandscout Member

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    Apr 27, 2018
    How are your mama kitty and babies doing?
     
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  71. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Feb 16, 2017
    Hi, thanks for asking. They all seem to be doing well, mama is looking after them very well. I think she is doing a great job for such a young cat. I keep an regular eye on them but just at a distance, wouldn't like to upset things.
     
  72. Lisa and Witn (GA)

    Lisa and Witn (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    That is good news.
     
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  73. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Feb 16, 2017
    Merry Christmas! Thank you for all the help and advice. Mum and kittens, now 12 days old, doing well. They have been for a Vet check and all was OK. Hope everyone has a good Christmas!
     
  74. Dyana

    Dyana Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Merry Christmas!
    I bet the kitties are cute :) Do you have any photos to share?
     
  75. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Hi Dyana,

    They are, two black and two stripey ones. They are in a dark cloak room and my tablet doesn't have a flash, so I can't get a good picture yet. I will post some once I can.
    Have a lovely day!
     
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  76. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Feb 16, 2017
    This is mum today.
     

    Attached Files:

  77. Dyana

    Dyana Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    What a beautiful panther cat! :cat: I bet she's a good momma.
     
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  78. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Dec 29, 2009
    Lovely to see that all's well, Anthony, well done!
    Merry Christmas!
     
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  79. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Thank you Diana! So far so good, she's done really well considering she's so young and small herself. Hope you have a lovely day, Merry Christmas!
     
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  80. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    The kittens are now 5 weeks old and I have managed to get some pictures. IMG_20200115_132558_hdr.jpg IMG_20200115_132638_hdr.jpg IMG_20200117_233451_hdr.jpg IMG_20200109_115119_hdr.jpg IMG_20200115_131524_hdr.jpg
     
  81. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Dec 29, 2009
    Wow! How gorgeous! Well done Anthony! How is mama cat doing? Do you have any names for them?
     
  82. Dyana

    Dyana Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Thank you for the much awaited pictures. They are gorgeous!
     
  83. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Hi Diana,
    Mama is doing very well, considering how young she is, she couldn't have looked after them any better. I haven't got names for them yet. The two stripey ones are boys and are the biggest and very playful. I think the two black ones are girls. The smallest black one is a lot smaller than the biggest kitten but she is very lively and playful too. The bigger black one seems the quietest but is feeding well. Mama is still providing all their food but I am going to start trying to wean them now.
     
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  84. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Hi Dyana,

    Sorry for the delay, the light has been so poor and the camera doesn't have flash. The pictures aren't great but I will post some more when possible. Thanks for your interest & comments!
     
    Dyana likes this.
  85. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

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    Dec 29, 2009
    Wonderful Anthony, well done you! I hope you're enjoying them all :)
     
  86. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Oh yes, certainly. As you know this came about completely by chance and was totally unexpected. It's been quite an experience!
     
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  87. Ann & Scatcats

    Ann & Scatcats Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2009
    The little striped ones stripes kind of reveal what their cat father look like. I would look for a male with those stripes and if I found him I would demand he pays child allowance to their mother :cat:

    They are so cute.

    You have to give them their personality fitting names.
    What name have you given the mother?
     
  88. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    IMG_20191225_114541_hdr.jpg
    Hi,

    I call the mother Sweetie because she is a really sweet girl. My cousin found her on 5 th November. We tried to find her owner, Facebook, posters etc but no-one one came forward. I took her in as my cousin couldn't keep her but it was a few weeks before I realized she was pregnant. She is only young herself but very confident and domesticated but I know nothing of her past. I will have to go looking for a stripey male in that case.
    I will have to think about some suitable names for the kittens however . Thanks for your comments!
     
  89. Lisa and Witn (GA)

    Lisa and Witn (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    They are adorable. I really love the markings on the tabbies - very striking.

    If possible, have them fixed before placing them up for adoption. I found it easier to find homes for the rescues that I raised when they were fixed. Here we can have them fixed when they weigh at least 3 pounds, which is usually when they are around 3 months old.
     
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  90. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Hi Lisa,

    Thank you, yes they are quite unusual. I would hope to do that, there will be a lot to think about in the next couple of months.
     
  91. Diane Tyler's Mom

    Diane Tyler's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    Oh Anthony you have done a great job with them.They are so darn adorable. Sweetie is such a good mama
     
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  92. Kate & Toby

    Kate & Toby Member

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    Aug 23, 2019
    They are little poppets and look at mummy being so wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing the pics and super well done to you. What a wonderful story xxx
     
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  93. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Feb 16, 2017
    Thank you Kate, that's very kind of you!
     
  94. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Hi Diane,
    Thank you, I appreciate that! I have had some worrying moments but have come through them. Hoping things continue to go well!
     
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  95. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    They seem to be growing more quickly since they started on a little solid food! IMG_20200121_114507_hdr.jpg IMG_20200121_113435_hdr.jpg IMG_20200121_114259_hdr.jpg

    I am feeding wet kitten food from Hi-Life, Wainwrights and Felix, all mixed with water. Some dry Wainwrights and Applaws soaked in water.
    Does anyone have any suggestions for a good kitten food (UK)? Thank you!
     
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  96. Diana&Tom

    Diana&Tom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 29, 2009
    Ah they're gorgeous, Anthony! You're doing a great job.

    I always recommend the Natures Menu brand of food - it's not as widely available as some brands, but better quality than some of the supermarket foods. I feed my civvie Sapphire on the adult pouches, and I'm pretty sure there's a kitten version too - have a look at www.fetch.co.uk or the Natures Menu website itself. If you spend a certain minimum amount you get free delivery.

    There are other brands too I'm sure but NM is a good place to start. You could contact them and ask if they'd send you some samples perhaps.
     
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  97. Lisa and Witn (GA)

    Lisa and Witn (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    If you can buy Fancy Feast where you live, they have a canned kitten food. At this age they should gain around a pound a month. Not sure what they recommend in the UK, but here you can have the kittens fixed when they are at least 3 pounds.
     
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  98. JL and Chip

    JL and Chip Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    I been wondering how the momma and kittens have been doing. They’re absolutely beautiful! Good for you for stepping up to take in the mom and caring for her and her little family. . I think you probably saved some very special (and cute) lives.
     
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  99. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

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    Feb 16, 2017
     
  100. Anthony Morgan

    Anthony Morgan Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2017
    Hi Lisa,
    Thank you, I'm not sure if this is available in the UK but I will make some enquiries. I will have to keep a check on their weight and speak to my vet about that. Kind regards!
     
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