Indeed, I messed up today. Momma cat, Farrah, seemed really comfortable with my handling the kittens so today I decided to do nice close up shots. It wasn’t the best idea. I realize that I risked the beautiful balance that I have created thus far, but don’t worry, it ended well.
It is in our human nature to want to approach and interact with the newborn kittens as soon as possible. Like me, I got antsy and almost messed up with the natural kitten development. Just like with any other mammal, the kittens belong with their mother for at least the first 8 weeks of their lives, ideally 10 whenever possible. I should know. One of my cats was under a week old when I found him in a cardboard box in the middle of a lawn, luckily before the sprinklers came on. That was Bob, named after a bob cat because he was born without a tail. Poor Bob, I hope he at least got to get to suckle on his momma for the first two days of his life, as it is important to get the vital colostrum in that time period. Then after the second day, or say after the first couple to four weeks, why not remove a kitten from its mother to bottle feed and better bond with it? Very simply, because the first 10 weeks are vital to the kitten’s training; training it can get only from it’s mother and litter mates. We’ve all heard or see, like Bob, cats that continue to knead, aka milk tread, on shirts and soft blanket material. That’s not necessarily cute. It’s a behavior that marks most kittens that were removed from their mother before their time. Keeping the newborn kittens with their mom is absolutely necessary not just for nutritional purposes, but for their proper socialization.
Here are today’s newborn kitten pictures including what happened when Farrah came to claim the kitten I was messing with.
She took him to a corner away from the rest of the kittens
But a few scary seconds later, I realized she was peaceful again
I waited and when Farrah left to eat, I moved her kitten into the box with the rest of the litter. Phew!
The tan and white one is the most mobile and alert kitten,
but I admit that the calico kittens are the show thieves
The black and white one, pretty sure it’s a HE
He’s second in his development. He also has a goatee!
Here’s the calico kitten I now call Puddles
Both calico kittens’ coloring is rather vivid, as for their markings . . . just look at the photo.
Here is the latest newborn kitten video:
I am supposed to rescue animals, not sabotage nature. Consider this post a public apology to Farrah–the best momma cat.
The Crazy Cat Lady
Don’t worry about the kitten mistake – it happens to everyone. The same thing happened with Mac (our kittens mom) and Io (their brother, who is really not a kitten but a tiny black bear) when they were about 2 weeks old.
We have a lot of kneading at our house – both Virgil and Barney were about 4 weeks when we got them (they were both left at the vets and needed homes), and Floyd did it too (in addition to sucking on fabric – which is wool sucker syndrome, which happens a lot with kittens weaned to soon). It is a too early weaning thing but it is also a sign of love and trust – but it is a different way that they do it (I can’t explain it but you can just tell).
Oh, I am pretty sure that the black and white dude is a tuxie (tuxedo cat) like Kirzon and Virgil at our house (much more similar to Kirzon with a bit more of the white, while Virgil is a more classic tuxie with a lot of black). At first I was thinking cow kitty (mostly white with spots of black, kinda like a cow – but in a good way) but it seems there is more black there then I thought. And I love the vibrant calico coloring too but those two tan kitties are so fascinating because of the color – I wonder if they will stay that color.
Oh, and I saw you mention you are two days drive – don’t even joke, because Gus and Stella came up here from Fort Worth (we are just outside Chicago so that is a good 14 hour drive!)
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Keep up the good work, I like your writing.
Love newborn kitten pictures!
If you start training them early, you can end up with your own private circus. I’m serious. My cats do tricks!
What a great resource for an animal lover like myself
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I want my own kittens now. Look at all those adorable kittens. I love the dilute calico one the most.
You should change your layout. Make a calico kitten background MOL
Looks to me like the author of this blog is having too much fun. Well, so do we, the readers.
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How about coming up with your own books now? The kitten pictures are superb.
This is based on real life, right? Sounds like it’s both personal experience and research. A good formula
My cat is pregnant. I can use all your insight. Thanks
Goooooooooo kittens! Cute calico kitten names.
Oh, look at all those calico kitten pictures! Beautiful, just beautiful! Love to see photos that make you feel good. Too bad we do not get more of these. Your tuxedo is adorable too. What personality!
I agree with everything you said! I’m new at this.
I’ll be back…
I will use your advice religiously from now on. I love your blog.
Super blog entry. You definitely know what you are discussing here. Im so pleased I was able to find this blog. I look to see more great posting from you. Keep up the excellent work.