No, Coco hasn't had her babies yet.
But here's a photo of her I took on Sunday,
with her round belly and her milk starting
to come in.
And below, some past photos of the kittening tent, and then, at about 4 weeks when they are starting to use the litterbox, they make the transition into my master bathroom, bigger and easy to clean up--baby kittens are messy! The step in their food as they are learning to eat, the have lapses in finding the litterboxes til they learn, and yes, they get underfoot!
During this time, from 3 days of age to 21 days of age, I take them out of the tent at least three times a day, I bring the kitten bed up onto my bed and kiss and nuzzle each one. At first, they sometimes hiss at me, til they become familiar with my "scent". Sometimes, they will even hiss if I have just brushed my teeth...that's how important sense of smell is to a cat, it tries to protect them from intruders in their territory.
During those days 3-21, I also do what is called Early Neurological Stimulation, which has been shown to help them in learning situations or when introduced to strangers, to be more active and more exploratory than kittens not stimulated like this and much more willing to greet and play with strangers.
Here is a link to more info on this technique:
Early Neurological Stimulation
Sunday, April 12, 2009
MommaCat Monday
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Very interesting! I bet its hard work caring for all of those little ones. Taking care of Ares probably doesn't compare to the amount of work that goes into those kittens.
ReplyDeleteI was just dropping by to check on Coco. Thank you for showing us all of the preparations and explaining what you do the first few weeks. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting. Coco looks very happy!!
ReplyDeleteFun times ahead!
I'm so excited for Coco! The Early Neurological Stimulation sounds really interesting. I'll bet your kittens end up being very happy and well-adjusted.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! We can't wait for the big event!
ReplyDeleteWow, you and Coco both have your work cut out for you! I'm sure it's all worth it to get to hold and kiss each adorable little kitten!!
ReplyDeleteWow, that was really cool. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWe wanted to thank you for your kind words after Jill's passing. They were very much appreciated.
Roxy, Lucky, Mom, Dad & PlusOne
Fanks fur da noorologikal stuffomz... Mawmee bin doin sum ov dat stuff n didnt knoh hao goods dat waz!! Fank u soh much!
ReplyDeleteWe iz lookin furrward ta seein da noo babeez! Safe journee Mawmee!
Hello Coco...no kittens yet? Two more days dear...
ReplyDeleteTell your mommy thank you so much for stopping by to encourage me on my surgery in the morning. They are also removing a tumor from my tummy just under the skin. It has been growing for a few years very slow and the Vet wants it off now. I will be brave when they take my teeth out too...so much happening all at once. I will ask for some real good meds to take home like you said...thank you so much for caring about me.
Love from Miss Peach
Sometimes we wish we didn't spay tesla, and would've let her have one litter. Hansel dotes on her so- and the two combined i would've LOVED to have seen the colors they would've made. One day, i will try the kitten thing- and i'll be asking you to step me through it!
ReplyDeleteThat was interesting information about caring for tiny kittens.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting for Coco to have a new litter. Are they here yet?
i love kittenssss!!!! they're darn cute!!
ReplyDeletebtw, i have an award for u.. come and visit us soon ya.. c ya!!
Very interesting. Sounds like you really give it your all. Lucky kittens.
ReplyDeleteMs. P and Cinza