Messageboard
The Village Hall permalink
Cat club : emergency help and support needed
This discussion has been closed.
-
Message 1.Â
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:08 GMT
I'm in a state of shock this morning. I've just discovered that Muffins, our MALE (so they said) rescue kitten (estimated age 5 months when we got him 3 weeks ago) has just had kitten(s).
I'm shaking and excited and not sure what I need to do. Muffins has chosen the least accessible part of the house to give birth. We have a large walk in cupboard space, about 2m long and 1 metre wide, that we use to keep spare bedding. For some time children's clothes that they've grown out of have been chucked in there, pending sorting. So there's a pile of stuff, Muffins loves going in there and now he's in a corner at the very back, in a bit of a dip. I started looking for him in there when he didn't turn up this morning, and discovered him curled up, purring, with a kitten suckling. I suppose I'd better start saying "her". At least Muffins is a unisex name. Anyway, I can't see if there's more than one kitten, and I can't move them. I've stroked Muffins and she seems happy and fine. What should I do ? Blimey, the children are going to be thrilled. They've started saying it would be nice to have more than one cat.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 2
Posted by catwomyn (U1485618) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
eek.
Leave her to it, she'll know what to do. Give her water and go & get some kitten/nursing cat food.
sorry for this...
OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH, KITTENSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do they look like little sausages?
Don't try and move them.
Cat xLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 3
Posted by Emma - no relation (U2818673) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Coo, what a surprise! I have no expertise, but someone who does know will, I'm sure, be along in a minute. Failing that, what about ringing your vet's surgery and asking for some advice over the phone? Or the rescue people you got her from (although if they are all volunteers, there may not be anyone there).
Good luck and have fun!
ENRLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 4
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:21 GMT, in reply to Rachel in message 1
Okay, there does seem to be just the one kitten. I've been lying on top of the pile of clothing/bedding, stroking Muffins (who's purring like an engine) and had a chance to see the kitten better. A tabby, like his mum, tucked up between Muffin's legs and mewling a bit. I think I'd see another one if there were one, so I suppose it's just the one. What should I do ? Muffins will need to come out at some point and eat, and use the litter tray, I suppose. She's certainly been eating for two in the last couple of days, I'd notice a massive increase in feeding. Will she bring the kitten out with her? She can't leave him alone in there, he could get lost, suffocated among all those clothes.
I'm going to give the rescue lady a ring, tell her the news !Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 5
Posted by catwomyn (U1485618) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Rachel, there can be gaps of 45 mins to an hour between kittenses in the same litter, so depending on when Muffins popped that little tabby out, there could be more on the way.
I wish we ahd a picture of your face when you saw them.
Cat xLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 6
Posted by Alsdouble (U524298) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Oooh, kittens.
Kitten, the singular. (odd)
Wow, kittens are the greatet joy on the planet. Had dozaen, well not me personally.
ONE, is very odd. It'll have no mates to fight with a charge round the house chasing.
All the cats I've been around don't move for 24 hours then go off for a feed, then straight back.
Unless you've got a box, I always made boxes, with a ramp for the kittens to eventually slide down. Then she'll (?) choose her own resting spot, in a safe place.
Love kittens. Lot o' fun.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 7
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 07:57 GMT, in reply to catwomyn in message 5
Oh, so there could be more ?
I've just been on the phone to the rescue lady who fostered Muffins before we got him. She reminded me that she hadn't been convinced that he was a he. In fact, I'd started to have strong doubts myself(looking back, the increasingly obvious nipples were a give away) but thought it didn't matter since s/he would be neutered either way at the vets next week...
Rescue lady told me not to worry and let nature take its course. She said one kitten is unusual but that perhaps because she's so young she's only had one. Her stomach wasn't at all swollen (and I'd been tickling it just yesterday evening) so maybe it is just the one.
Cat, my face...actually I was really worried because there was no sign of Muffins this morning which is so unusual, normally he surfaces as soon as we do wanting breakfast. There was however a small amount of sick on daughter's bedroom floor so when Muffins still wasn't around when I got back from taking kids to school I was worried he was lying up sick somewhere or even worse. When I finally found him in the corner of this walk-in cupboard it was a big relief but I couldn't understand why he wouldn't come out for some food. Crawled in to see him and then saw something moving by his legs. At first I thought it was a mouse but then realised cats and mice don't usually snuggle up together...eventually dawned on me that it was a kitten. Quite a shock !Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 8
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:02 GMT, in reply to alsdouble in message 6
Thanks als, so I needn't worry if she's not hungry for a while. A box is a good idea, we have loads in the cellar so I'll dig one out later.
If it is just the one then s/he'll have mum to play with who is still really a kitten herself. That's quite an upsetting thought really, bad enough to have been abandoned, but abandoned and pregnant after some nasty tom cat had his way with her...still, at least there's a happy ending.
Rescue lady said it sounded like she's found an ideal spot to give birth. And that I must keep the children away as she'll want peace and quiet. I will but they're going to be so excited it won't be easy.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 9
Posted by Alsdouble (U524298) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Enjoy it. Cats are real smart.
Ah well, now you have 2 cats.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 10
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:25 GMT, in reply to alsdouble in message 9
Funny thing is, my daughter (who led the campaign to get a cat in the first place) was saying just yesterday that really two cats would be better. Looks like she's got her wish !Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 11
Posted by dino (U13520517) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Rachel,
congratulations to Muffin, how exciting.
I have no experience of really little kittens but I agree that is best to leave her to sort herself out in peace and just make food, water and litter tray easily available for her.
Do post a pic if you can - any names yet?
dinoLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 12
Posted by Alsdouble (U524298) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Just watching animal rescue on Ö÷²¥´óÐã1. (My gawd some people are so stupid with their animals.)
One thing came up in this, and I have never seen this miself. Cats who have small litters, are there any left in?
Don't panic. Like I said I have never even heard of it. or even thought of it. But, one kitten is very unusual.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 13
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:50 GMT, in reply to dinosaur in message 11
Oh blimey, there's another one just been born. I just went to have a look at her as it came out. Possibly there's a third one born as well, it's hard to be sure, it's a very dark corner.
I'd just calmed down and now I'm feeling all shaky again.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 14
Posted by dino (U13520517) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Cat,
well at least you don't have to worry about there only being one now!
keep counting...
dinoLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 15
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:53 GMT, in reply to alsdouble in message 12
als, as you see, that's no longer a worry ! Actually, the cat rescue lady had warned me about this as well, but it's no longer a problem.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 16
Posted by Jane (U1484860) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Sounds like muffins is pretty relaxed about the whole process so I'd just keep a close eye on her and leave her to it. If she or the kittens become distressed then call the vet, if fact you could call anyway and check what you should be doing (if anything)
Would love to see your childrens faces when you tell them the news!Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 17
Posted by Alsdouble (U524298) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Grief. I'll nip back later. The cat count may go up.
Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 18
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Congratulations, Rachel! Following on from what others have said: In my experience mums give birth in one secluded (inconvenient!) place, carefully ignoring any arrangements their humans have made for them.
Once the kittens are born (soon after the births or up to 24 hours-ish later), mum will usually move them to another (inaccessible) place. This is natural instinct because in the wild the smell of the birth and vulnerable newborns will attract predators, including maurauding toms who will kill kittens and try and mate the poor mum.
Nursing mums drink (or should drink) a lot of water beause of being a milk factory, as well as as much food as they want.
If Muffins can be persuaded that it is her very own idea to move the baby to a high-sided cardboard box (with U shape cut out for ungainly new mum not to have to jump too high), that would be ideal, as the kitten couldn't wriggle off anywhere, and would be protected from draughts and too much light.
I'd line the box with thich sheaves of newspaper (easily changed) and then a thin, *stiffish* cat cushion. I stay stiff since I read somewhere that kittens might get suffocated in/under the folds of a floppy blanket. I dunno though? Anyone else read this?
since mum is Muffins, are you thinking of a cakey type name for the little one?!
Actually, als, that was at the back of my mind too. On the one hand, young mums are more likely than adult ones to produce a small litter; on the other, it it could be that she has more to come.
Especially if a mum is small, a kitten could get stuck, though I would expect one could see signs of labour; but also (irrc) dead kittens might not produce sufficient contractions for her to expel them.
In both cases, mums need medical help within 24 hours, sooner if she is in distress/uninterested in the kitten, or she could become very ill.
That is worst case scenario though, and not that common. Just worth bearing in mind.
RustyLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 19
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Ha - I see things have moved on since I began my post. Your daughter will think all her birthdays have come at once!
RustyLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 20
Posted by StillBorisBecka (U14076840) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
oooh joy congratulations to all concerned and what a lovely start to cat keeping..those are lucky kittens Lilly sends eye kissis...Boris
Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 21
Posted by Jo Bo (U1485540) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Goodness Rachel, that must have come as a bit of a shock. I have no experience of tiny kittens, but I'm sure as long as Muffins is happy and so are the kits, all will be fine.
Good luck.
Jo xLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 22
Posted by catwomyn (U1485618) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
oh and Rachel, she'll eat the afterbirths so no need to remove them.
Cat xLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 23
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:41 GMT, in reply to Rusters in message 18
Right, so I've already put one smallish box (with a side cut down) in the cupboard next to her. But if I've understood it right, she'll be moving them somewhere else soon, so should I put a box in a likely corner ? There aren't any other inaccessible spots in the house. Well, there is one very large one, the cellar. She's been down a couple of times when we haven't closed the door properly and has at other times been very keen to get in. I suppose she was looking for a nesting place. No way am I letting her down there with the kittens, I don't think it's safe. There's a boiler and hot pipes for a start, besides the piles of boxes stacked up everywhere. If they went down there we might never see the kittens again, they could turn out quite wild. So, cellar door will stay firmly bolted for the moment.
I've been up for another peep at kittens, had a lovely stroke with a purring Muffins, but couldn't see the kittens (could just hear little noises). The corner she's in has some clothes hanging down from rails which hide things fairly well, there was just Muffin's head and part of her body sticking out this time. They're all lying on one of oh's old jumpers.
So this box I need to get ready. So it has to be big enough for Muffins and kittens. I don't have any stiff cushions. Can't think of anywhere locally to get one and I don't want to go too far away. Would a couple of old tea towels on top of newspaper do the trick ?Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 24
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Rachel, as long as you aren't seriously worried about the kittens where they are, I'd do nothing until (if) Muffins decides to move them. Once she has chosen a spot, or seems determined to say where she is - and in a cupboard is an ideal spot from her point of view - then maybe clear a space and put the box in with her and keep fingers crossed.
I'd not present the box until she has done with the birth and afterbirth because, if the box becomes "sullied" with blood, afterbirth, general drips etc., she might move them again, despite your changing the paper/bedding.
Frankly, I think the blanket worry is over the top, so just use anything you think will keep them warm/cushion them against the "floor".
Just thinking about Muffins - thank heavens she is with you. The alternatives don't bear thinking about.
RustyLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 25
Posted by StillBorisBecka (U14076840) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
i can see that Rachel is not going to egt a lot done today.....i was bad enough watching chicks hatching on sunday.....but unexpected kittenses..mega cute...CP lady just rang and we*might* get a kitten for lilly at the weekend.paws crossed ..Boris
Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 26
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:04 GMT, in reply to Rusters in message 24
Thanks Rusters, and everyone else. It's so reassuring to have advice and encouragement in here.
Latest update : there are 4 kittens ! I went up again and got a good view while they were all suckling. Such a lovely and moving sight. I felt like laughing (4 kittens from our boy cat!) but also had tears pricking the backs of my eyes. Such dear, darling little things. And Muffins still just a kitten herself. She purrs like mad while they suckle.
Three of the kittens are tabby, with various amounts of white, but less than their Mum. The 4th has a lot of white with patches of black and possibly ginger, so maybe a tortoiseshell. Of course, it's all a bit difficult to see at the moment.
Wow. It's 12 here and I haven't had my breakfast yet, let alone my coffee.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 27
Posted by catwomyn (U1485618) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
ahhhh, 4 kittens. How did she fit them all in? My stepsis's friend adopted a stray cat, who gave birth while she still had her kitten teeth, it is very sad.
I'm so jealous - you'll observe how their little ears seem to migrate from the sides of their head to the top, when they're about 3 or 4 weeks old...
Have you told OH the news yet? And I bet your children's faces are a picture when you tell them as well.
Cat xLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 28
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:34 GMT, in reply to catwomyn in message 27
Cat, I can't believe I didn't notice she was pregnant. I suppose you don't see what you believe to be impossible. She was quite skinny when we got her and I had noticed this week that she seemed a lot bigger and when she had a couple of days of eating huge amounts of food wondered whether I'd have to watch the amount she ate. Fortunately I assumed she was going through a growth spurt and needed extra food for that, so gave her as much to eat as she wanted.
O/h is away at the moment but he's had e-mails keeping him up to date. He was worried that I wouldn't know what to do so I reassured him I had cat rescue lady plus ML to help me out with advice !
I can not wait to tell the children. They're going to be so thrilled.
It's ironic, because by taking on a 5-month old cat we missed out on the joys of a really young kitten (which was our original plan). However I told myself that at least we'd missed out on the mess on the floor/ripped furniture stage. And with Muffins being such a sweetheart I was congratulating myself on having the joys of a cat without the hard work of kittenhood. And now we have 4 of them !Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 29
Posted by Alsdouble (U524298) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
FOUR!
Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 30
Posted by Portia Antrobus (U1486085) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Oh, Rachel - what a clever boy! (sorry - this really is an occasion for !!!s).
You've got plenty of good advice but it sounds as if she's doing very well. Lucky you went for Muffins which, as you say, will do for M or F. Bet she ends up as Muffy though, as my old Muffet (RIP) did.
Hope for piccies in due course.....Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 31
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:47 GMT, in reply to Portia Antrobus in message 30
I have taken a couple of photos but with the flash off so they didn't come out at all well, despite the fact that there's quite good natural light in there from a high window. I don't know if flash is a good idea for kittens, even though their eyes are closed. Anyone know ?
Latest update : mother and kittens all seem to be doing well. Muffins was mewing a bit plaintively at me at one point so I took some food up in a bowl. Turns out she was ravenous and ate a whole sachet. I put the bowl down near her but she didn't want to move at all (understandably, with 4 kittens curled up on her, so cute) so I had to hold the bowl for her.
Have prepared a box in case she decides to move the kittens. If she doesn't, I'll try to clear an area where she is to put the box in. I've put sheets of newspaper and an old cot blanket inside the box. The cot blanket is light, loose-knit and designed to be safe for human babies so I imagine it'll be fine for kittens.
I haven't got a stroke of work done all day ! I've spent a lot of time stroking Muffins and gazing at the kittens. She seems to like having me around.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 32
Posted by Ali-cat (U8666386) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Aw Rachel, congratulations to you both, and what a clever puss to have done such a smooth sex-change.
Yes, photos would be lovely when you can spare a minute.
xx
AliLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 33
Posted by Mylovelyhorse (U7473297) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Have just arrived at this thread and read through it... How amazing! Clever little Muffins! And I'm so so pleased that she's safe in a place where she's obviously loved and cared for. Gosh... four kittens. You must be absolutely stunned.
Do post some piccies when you can (but I leave it to the experts to say whether it's OK to take flash photos yet).
Am excited for you.
MLH xLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 34
Posted by catwomyn (U1485618) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
she may well want to eat even more, Rachel. Allow her to eat as much as she wants - 4 is a lot of kittens for a young tiny cat, and she'll need all the energy she can get.
Think it'll be breakfast (and lunch, and supper) in bed for a while for her... has she also got access to water and a litter tray?
Do impress upon the children not to sneak in and touch the kittens, as if they lose their 'mummy' smell she may reject or even kill them. She will also be very protective of them and may snap at the children if they try to touch the kits. I imagine your children will be really good but even as an adult I know how strong the temptation to furfle them can be!
Cat xLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 35
Posted by orangetip (U3980471) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:49 GMT, in reply to Rachel in message 31
Rachel, just saw this on a rare visit to ML - aww! Just wanted to say that I'm not that surprised you didn't realise she was pregnant. I remember visiting a friend in southern Italy who fed a very tiny semi-feral cat which lived in the garden, as her husband wouldn't allow it into the house. Said cat had suddenly (ie a couple of days before I visited) started constantly begging for food and developed a slightly swollen tummy. I thought it was probably worms, and suggested getting some tablets from the vets, but the very next day the problem resolved itself in the shape of 2 kittens! The funniest bit was that the anti-cat husband went all soppy & immediately rushed out and bought prime fish for the cat - still wouldn't let her into the house though. To this day we still don't know where those kittens were hiding because she definitely never looked even slightly pregnant.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 36
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:24 GMT, in reply to catwomyn in message 34
I am a bit worried about where the kittens are. I just went to check and one kitten had wandered off a bit from Muffins, who seemed blissfully unaware. So I picked up kitten and returned it to Mum. I know I shouldn't handle them this early, but feeling around there are some gaps that they could fall into. They're sitting on piles of clothes, mostly sorted and tied up in plastic bags, so obviously with some gaps. I was fine about Muffins going in there as I knew there was no problem with a cat his size, but I'm a bit worried about these tiny kittens. Should I trust to Muffins or try to move them into the box ?Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 37
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:28 GMT, in reply to Rachel in message 36
Well, just back from picking up the children and was relieved to count 4 kittens cuddled up with Muffins. So maybe I'm being too much of a worrier.
There's nowhere inside the walk-in cupboard to put bowls or litter tray, so I've put both on the landing outside. Muffins hasn't been to the toilet at all today and I'm presuming she'll need to soon. I did show her the litter tray so I hope she realises it's just there. I don't know if she'll leave the kittens to use it though.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 38
Posted by catwomyn (U1485618) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
I'd try to at least cover the plastic bags to avoid risk of suffocation, Rachel. I'm not really a new mum/kitten expert, so can't really advise further re: moving them to box, I'm afraid. I'll ask around though.
So, I'm dying to know... what did the children say?
Cat xLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 39
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:48 GMT, in reply to catwomyn in message 38
thanks Cat. Fortunately the plastic bags are covered by loose items of clothing that have been thrown in there as well. Oh dear, all my slobbish secrets coming out. It's just there are some gaps in there. Not that any have fallen down one yet and Muffins has chosen a spot that's flat and solid (actually she's moved to a better spot than she was this morning), but if they wander off a bit I'm worried they'd fall down one and they couldn't get out without my help. Also, she shows no sign of wanting to move at all in order to use litter tray or drink some water. I'll hold another bowl of food under her nose later for her to eat, that's not a problem.
I loved telling the children. Daughter was picked up first and so was the first to get the news. She simply couldn't believe it at first. Her face was a picture. Youngest son literally leapt up and down with joy. Oldest son was interested but less demonstrative, but has emailed his friends already to tell them the news. Daughter is also pleased because there's a boy in her class who's been boasting that he has the youngest kitten of all the cat owners (he has a 7-week old one) so she's looking forward to telling him that she has 4 new-borns! I'm pleased with the children because although excited they've understood that they can't go too close to Muffins or the kittens or try to touch them. They've had a quiet peep with me and accept that that's it for the moment.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 40
Posted by Alsdouble (U524298) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
For what its worth. All th'mother cats I've seen.
They soon find the kittens. She'll leg it to a litter box and come back. Same goes for eating. After a few days, even go out.
They come back though. Marvelous mothers cats are.
I'd stick the lot, mother too in a big box now, then you know where they are. High walls, with a ramp for when they go walkabout. The you've had it kittens, droppings everywhere. What fun eh.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 41
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:56 GMT, in reply to alsdouble in message 40
I'm very tempted to do that als. It would at least give me peace of mind. But then, maybe I'm worrying for nothing. I have got the big box ready. I'm just worried that it could cause her to reject the kittens, as Cat says. The rescue woman I phoned earlier (who'd fostered Muffins for a while) also advised me not to touch them for the first few days as some mothers don't like it.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 42
Posted by Alsdouble (U524298) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Think you could move them.
I always did.
How many kittes have I handled?
Phew, in England 9.
In Croatia.......OMG 20- 25, lost count.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 43
Posted by posh_scouse_pinnedwithpride (U2514024) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
oooo, the fun bit is when the front legs do 'cat' and the back ones do wobble..
Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 44
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:40 GMT, in reply to alsdouble in message 42
Hmm, I don't know. They're all still happily snuggled up together at the moment. I've talked to a friend who's had kittens (well, you know what I mean) and she's given me the opposite advice. Says I must trust the mother. She touched/moved her cat's kittens and then the mother felt threatened and took them all and hid them somewhere far worse.
Well, it's okay for the moment as I'm checking on them regularly but I don't know about this night.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 45
Posted by Rusters (U11225963) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
I think you should consider moving them into the box too, Rachel. The box would presumably be put in the walk-in cupboard space, so she would still be where Muffins obviously feels "safe". Would you be moving the other stuff out so she won't be tempted to move them back to the piles of clothes, bags etc?
I was just wondering whether part of the reason she decided on that spot was not just for the general privacy but because she felt she could dig into the piles and get extra privacy that way.
If there isn't a divider over the cupboard space, any way of rigging up a temporary curtain thing over most of the "doorway", so she feels even more private?
Among the reasons I would risk popping them in the box are (a) You are obviously concerned for the kittens; (b) Muffins is a young, inexperienced mum and might not be as vigilant as experienced ones in keeping a sharp eye on all the kits; (c) she has almost definitely completed her family, cleaned everything up and is probably not "dripping" much herself now; and (d) she seems to trust you and not mind your presence/stroking, even though you must be v. near her kittens.
[One v. young mum, Clem, wouldn't have cared if I'd taken her newborns away and eaten them myself!]
Before picking up the kittens I'd give Muffins a good stroke, especially around her cheeks (pheremones there) so they they smell of her when you pick them up.
Dunno about camera flashlights. Wouldn't risk it until you've checked with someone who knows (vet?).
I'd love to have seen your children's faces when you told them about the kittens. Must be frustrating for them to have to hold back for now, but in three (?) weeks time they can interact with them properly - in fact it is good for growing kittens to experience lots of different things - children, noisy teenagers, music, vacuum cleaner, being picked up........ dogs (the right dogs) too.
Rusty
P.S. I don't know whether Muffins has been allowed outdoors, but if she gets out she could get pregnant again quite soon after giving birth.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 46
Posted by catwomyn (U1485618) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
another thought
if they're all on the same blanket/garment/similar, could you not wait til Muffins is asleep and scoop them up together and slide them into the box? that way you wouldn't be touching the kittens.
when all felines safely in box, and Muffins is settled, perhaps tidy up a bit so no placcy bags for kits to get stuck in, etc. Maybe cover the lot with a large throw and tuck it all in?
Cat xLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 47
Posted by Small boy in third row (U2247664) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:48 GMT, in reply to catwomyn in message 46
Right, well two votes for moving them so I've done it. Moved the kittens first and then Muffins, who didn't seem bothered in the slightest or in a particular hurry to rejoin them. Then I moved the box into exactly the position they'd been before, so still very private and partly hidden by the clothes hanging down. Then I held up a bowl of food for Muffins which he ate up, lots of stroking and purring, she nosed around the box a bit but has now settled down. Fingers crossed that she stays there.
That's a good idea Cat, about covering the whole area with throws. I have some blankets that will do the job nicely, off to do it now.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 48
Posted by chicken_hot_pot (U8480346) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
We had to pick up Mini-cat's kittens at less than a day old. Mini-cat didn't mind, but we were at the vets where she didn't want to be. :O)
When we got the new family home (we'd arranged a box for her and the babies under the kitchen table), she was having none of it. She was too weak to pick them up herself, but made an effort.
Frightened that she'd drop one (onto stone floors), we picked each one up individually and moved them at Mini-cat's request into the bedroom next to our bed.
Muffins may well tell you where she wants them if you're as lucky as we were with Mini-cat. It sounds as though for the moment she wants to stay in the cupboard. Could you put a large cover over the plastic bags (without disturbing the family too much) to stop them from falling down between the bags?
Well done Muffins. T-cat sends loads of purrs.Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 49
Posted by chicken_hot_pot (U8480346) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Oh that's better mum and babies safely in a box. I can stop fretting now. Was worried about them overnighting in the cupboard loose.
Link to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
-
Message 50
Posted by AelM (U3803556) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2009
Awww, kittenses indeed! You're not alone in having a "male" cat have kittens, although in my case it was the semi-feral farm cats (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!!).
I have moved kittens before now - once when I had to when they were accidentally put into the calf barn with a load of straw - but try not to for a few days but I don't know if that's right or not. Certainly if you're concerned I would make sure they are in a safe area at least. One cat I adopted sat on one of her kittens (she was far too attentive), killed it then ate half of it - quite horrible
But I don't think anything I'd have done would have stopped that - she was a farm cat so a law unto herself anyway.
And four kittens - wow! From a young, small cat - a pretty good litter Bet you're very excited, I know I would be. Hope she's still being a good mother - I have to say that every female cat I've known to have kittens has been a brilliant mum and most of them will take on communal kittens if there are several mothers and kittens about. I think we had a pile of 12 kittens at one point (Farm ones again).
Gentle hugs for Muffins and her kittens, hope they all thrive. xxLink to this forum: Cat club : emergency help and support needed
About this Board
Welcome to the Archers Messageboard.
or  to take part in a discussion.
The message board is currently closed for posting.
This messageboard is now closed.
This messageboard is .
Find out more about this board's
Search this Board
Ö÷²¥´óÐã iD
Ö÷²¥´óÐã navigation
Ö÷²¥´óÐã links
Ö÷²¥´óÐã © 2014 The Ö÷²¥´óÐã is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.