2 of my current foster babies are true abinos, I'm pretty worried........

[eb24]

I'm so glad to see how much advice and support you are getting! It seems none of us have very scientific answers but just "know" that they will figure it out- same as you do!

As for how I conduct my rescue groups fostering/adoptions, I take them in, cats, newborns, kittens, moms with litters, injured, sick, abandoned, malnourished, whatever the case be.  The fosters will be given any who are fine, stable and well, and foster them through until they are adopted. This is normally through our adoptions we have each weekend at our local Petco store.

All who are NOT ready to leave my home stay and I get them well, or healed, or fattened up, healthy, old/big enough and weaned, and ready for spay/neuters then sent to fosters until they are adopted.

However, often times kittens here never make it to Petco, I am contacted via my postings from people interested, I send them applications, and review and pre-approve them for the right fit cat/kitten for their homes.

I'm pretty particular, I don't get paid for this nor do we make money, it's all about being a voice for cats who have no voice or choices. I want what is best for them, so I'm extremely thorough. I need to feel good about an adoption. I make no bones about nicely saying, "your 2 year old is not fit for a kitten so young, he will be hurt or treated incorrectly and it's not fair for the kitten, what about an older adult cat who has lots of exposure to kids and will be able to escape if needed" type things. lol~

It sounds like you conduct your work very similarly to the shelter that I work for and everything you mentioned are excellent parameters to have in place. I very much agree about not adopting to families that have young children and that it all has to "feel" right. Sounds like a great system that you have set up! 

 
We also made the decision that these 2 kids must NOT be separated, they need each other tremendously and I won't allow them to be adopted alone without the other.

Alright, this is the only point you have made that I am going to play Devil's Advocate on. In general I am a firm believer that some kittens should not be separated because they are such a bonded pair. But, in this case, I wonder if staying together is truly in their best interest. I agree with a later post that pointed out that having a feline companion could be hugely beneficial in teaching them to navigate the world on their level, but that's gong to be hard to find when there are two of them, and this isn't something that they will be able to provide for each other. 

In terms of placing them in a home with another adult cat- I agree it can be tricky but I think it goes much smoother when the new addition is a kitten. It allows the resident cat to still have the "dominant" role and the kitten doesn't pose much of a threat to them or their turf. As the kitten grows so does their bond so that by the time they are full grown most of the things that can be issues are no longer relevant.

To illustrate my point a little further, I had always wanted to add a second cat so that my resident, Ella, would have a companion. But, I worried how she would respond to it. I had fostered a lot of litters by the time Diego was born and I knew he was the one I wanted to keep. I had it all planned out to keep their initial introductions slow but they adjusted pretty well to each other and didn't end up needing all the steps I had planned on. They never really touched each other but were fine being in the same room with each other. 

As Diego got older it became evident that he had some neurological problems and would start having "fits" where he would harm himself. Given they weren't physically affectionate imagine my surprise when Diego had one of these meltdowns and Ella went running to his side! She ran over to him and started grooming him in an effort to calm him, and then went and laid with him. As time has gone on I can see how much she helps him. Anytime he yowls she will come running and is always right by his side. There have even been times that I have seen them walking together where it seems like he's leaning his weight against her and letting her do the guiding. 

If you had asked me prior to adding Diego if Ella would ever act like this my answer would have been a firm no. She has always been somewhat aloof and standoffish. But, she's just different with him. And, I don't wonder if that's what can happen with each of these kittens. If they end up in a home with a companion cat who can help guide and navigate them I think they can accomplish a lot more. But, that's just not something that they will be able to do for each other. 

I agree separating them will make the transition harder and more stressful, but I think it could be worth it in the long run. I don't know which way is the right way, I just think it's something worth thinking about, so keep it in the back of your mind as you watch and evaluate them in determining what is best. 

 
What about Paloma (Dove in Spanish) and Pinot (Pinot Grigio)

Paloma and Pinot?

 
For names using names that have definite sounds at the start which have different vibragtions might be useful and they will be able to differentiate sound they can pick up more easily if partial hearing is there, and use the vibration using other senses.

Two nice ones I can think of like this are Zawadi which means gift or present, and Hazina which means treasure in  Swahili.   You could just as easily use any names starting in a similar way - like Xander (zzander) and Hannah.

The low vibrating ZZZ and harder, sharper Ha  sounds could work like this, and the words have lovely and appropriate meaning.  

I actually really like the names you picked out (Paloma and Pinot) but think there is a lot of merit to MServant's suggestion. Having the vibrations in the name might be really helpful for them. I agree I may look around online and see what else you can come up with that fits into this category! 

Overall you have gotten some great advice and I'm so thrilled to see so many getting involved in the situation. Now you have no choice but to keep us updated on how they do! I can't wait to see these two grow and adapt-  even though it's no doubt hard I think it's going to be an amazing experience! 

 

[catwoman707]

Surrogate kids 027.JPG

• catwoman707
• Apr 15, 2014

I've shown you the lower tabby before that shows more of his body (head stuck through the cage door pic)

That is the first time I got a good pic of the grey sib though. Still doesn't show his body but see his face? His eyes are close together which gives him 'that look' !!

Here's one more not so clear one. He's like a stuffed toy basically. And they both have short tails, thick too like a long triangle. Okay enough.

Surrogate kids 031.JPG

• catwoman707
• Apr 15, 2014

Surrogate kids 029.JPG

• catwoman707
• Apr 15, 2014

 

[catwoman707]

Alright, this is the only point you have made that I am going to play Devil's Advocate on. In general I am a firm believer that some kittens should not be separated because they are such a bonded pair. But, in this case, I wonder if staying together is truly in their best interest. I agree with a later post that pointed out that having a feline companion could be hugely beneficial in teaching them to navigate the world on their level, but that's gong to be hard to find when there are two of them, and this isn't something that they will be able to provide for each other. 

In terms of placing them in a home with another adult cat- I agree it can be tricky but I think it goes much smoother when the new addition is a kitten. It allows the resident cat to still have the "dominant" role and the kitten doesn't pose much of a threat to them or their turf. As the kitten grows so does their bond so that by the time they are full grown most of the things that can be issues are no longer relevant.

To illustrate my point a little further, I had always wanted to add a second cat so that my resident, Ella, would have a companion. But, I worried how she would respond to it. I had fostered a lot of litters by the time Diego was born and I knew he was the one I wanted to keep. I had it all planned out to keep their initial introductions slow but they adjusted pretty well to each other and didn't end up needing all the steps I had planned on. They never really touched each other but were fine being in the same room with each other. 

As Diego got older it became evident that he had some neurological problems and would start having "fits" where he would harm himself. Given they weren't physically affectionate imagine my surprise when Diego had one of these meltdowns and Ella went running to his side! She ran over to him and started grooming him in an effort to calm him, and then went and laid with him. As time has gone on I can see how much she helps him. Anytime he yowls she will come running and is always right by his side. There have even been times that I have seen them walking together where it seems like he's leaning his weight against her and letting her do the guiding. 

If you had asked me prior to adding Diego if Ella would ever act like this my answer would have been a firm no. She has always been somewhat aloof and standoffish. But, she's just different with him. And, I don't wonder if that's what can happen with each of these kittens. If they end up in a home with a companion cat who can help guide and navigate them I think they can accomplish a lot more. But, that's just not something that they will be able to do for each other. 

I agree separating them will make the transition harder and more stressful, but I think it could be worth it in the long run. I don't know which way is the right way, I just think it's something worth thinking about, so keep it in the back of your mind as you watch and evaluate them in determining what is best. 

Honestly, I do realize that it happens, even in older cats (especially females) when the owner truly believes there's no way she is going to go for a new kid in HER house, then surprise! It ends up to be a perfect match, and wonderful companions.

You are one of the lucky ones! That doesn't happen that often, really, you lucked out, as well as the 2 cats. More times then not it doesn't go smoothly this way. 

I agree, kittens seem to be tolerated better than teenagers or adults, by far.

SO! My news update is....the male baby who seemed may be deaf DOES have some amt of hearing. Today as my husband came and brought him to me while typing away at the computer, he said watch this. He put baby on the bed, def. blind, pretty certain they both are, and he started making sounds, no reaction, no reaction, on and on but he got louder, and suf=ddenly I could clearly see a reaction from him. He can hear! Impossible to tell anything further but imo, this is big

 

[eb24]

 
Honestly, I do realize that it happens, even in older cats (especially females) when the owner truly believes there's no way she is going to go for a new kid in HER house, then surprise! It ends up to be a perfect match, and wonderful companions.

You are one of the lucky ones! That doesn't happen that often, really, you lucked out, as well as the 2 cats. More times then not it doesn't go smoothly this way. 

I agree, kittens seem to be tolerated better than teenagers or adults, by far.

You are absolutely right that I am one of the very lucky ones for how my situation worked out, and I know and agree that not all are so fortunate. I also do believe that, because cats are so energy sensitive, that they can pick up on another felines issues and may be more loving/tolerant than they may otherwise be. I guess all I am saying is that it can and does happen and because of that  I think it's an option worth keeping on the table. You may decide against it (and that's fine) but I wouldn't rule it out entirely yet. Keep your mind and your heart open and the right situation will present itself! 

SO! My news update is....the male baby who seemed may be deaf DOES have some amt of hearing. Today as my husband came and brought him to me while typing away at the computer, he said watch this. He put baby on the bed, def. blind, pretty certain they both are, and he started making sounds, no reaction, no reaction, on and on but he got louder, and suf=ddenly I could clearly see a reaction from him. He can hear! Impossible to tell anything further but imo, this is big

WOW. This isn't just big news, this is HUGE news!!!!! 

 The fact that he has at least some ability to hear is going to make a tremendous difference!!!! Hopefully the little girl will demonstrate this same ability but, even if she doesn't, the fact that he can hear to some degree is going to be a huge benefit to both of them as he will be able to use this to help her out as well! 

This just totally made my day and I think it's awesome enough to warrant a banana dance!!!!! 

 

 

 

[catwoman707]

 
You are absolutely right that I am one of the very lucky ones for how my situation worked out, and I know and agree that not all are so fortunate. I also do believe that, because cats are so energy sensitive, that they can pick up on another felines issues and may be more loving/tolerant than they may otherwise be. I guess all I am saying is that it can and does happen and because of that  I think it's an option worth keeping on the table. You may decide against it (and that's fine) but I wouldn't rule it out entirely yet. Keep your mind and your heart open and the right situation will present itself! 

Of course my mind is open to whatever, it will be based on my head, heart and pure instinct, I will know when it feels right and won't rule out anything, well except for kids!

Thanks!

WOW. This isn't just big news, this is HUGE news!!!!! 

 The fact that he has at least some ability to hear is going to make a tremendous difference!!!! Hopefully the little girl will demonstrate this same ability but, even if she doesn't, the fact that he can hear to some degree is going to be a huge benefit to both of them as he will be able to use this to help her out as well! 

This just totally made my day and I think it's awesome enough to warrant a banana dance!!!!! 

 

 

Teehee, the banana dance, how cute is that?!  Yeah we're pretty jazzed about it too, it will make a world of difference, not just for the one but for both, as I'm sure as you said his hearing will be able to help her just the same.

We are very, very relieved!

 

[mycatwasthebest]

if I understand your post correctly I'm sorry but it is possible the kitten could just feel the VIBRATIONS of your husband's voice, not hear him

also, I think it is VERY impt that the kittens names DO NOT HAVE the same amount of syllables...animals differentiate words that way, that's why it is suggested to give them at least 2 syllable names so they don't confuse "spot" with "down"

is there a reason the mother cat can't go with them?  that would seem ideal. if not, I think a person with a dog that likes cats might be better than an established cat

I'm sure things will work out short-term, but how u will find someone that wants to devote 15 years to these two seems pretty optimistic to me. not saying it can't happen, but it IS a longshot.

 

[eb24]

is there a reason the mother cat can't go with them?  that would seem ideal.

It seems logical that a mom and her babies would stay together long term, but my experience has been that it doesn't happen often. One of the reasons being that, after they reach sexual maturity a Mom won't recognize the kittens as her "babies" anymore. It's possible they may get along like any other bonded pair, but it's also possible that the dynamics may change. I will say the few times I have seen a bonded mom/child pair the bond has been exceptionally strong, but I haven't seen it often.

I'm sure things will work out short-term, but how u will find someone that wants to devote 15 years to these two seems pretty optimistic to me. not saying it can't happen, but it IS a longshot.

I also don't necessarily agree that these two will be hard to place. Granted, they aren't likely going to go to someone who is new to cat ownership, but I could see a lot of experienced cat owners wanting them. I mentioned in another post in this thread that I have seen the majority of cats who come in with a "defect" get adopted a lot quicker than an otherwise seemingly "normal" cat. And, I think part of this is because people see them and fear no one else ever would and just fall in love.

I also think that, while it's for sure going to be a little more challenging in the beginning, in the long run I think these two will function relatively normally, especially in a consistent household. So long as their surroundings don't change regularly and they are with relatively routine oriented people I don't think it's going to be a ton of extra work. And, I think to be surrounded by such optimistic feline energy everyday would make anything extra that they have to do well worth it! I have an image of the perfect family in my head but I'm not going to say it as it might influence decisions. So, I', going to write it down elsewhere and share after they all find each other!

 

[catwoman707]

 
if I understand your post correctly I'm sorry but it is possible the kitten could just feel the VIBRATIONS of your husband's voice, not hear him

also, I think it is VERY impt that the kittens names DO NOT HAVE the same amount of syllables...animals differentiate words that way, that's why it is suggested to give them at least 2 syllable names so they don't confuse "spot" with "down"

is there a reason the mother cat can't go with them?  that would seem ideal. if not, I think a person with a dog that likes cats might be better than an established cat

I'm sure things will work out short-term, but how u will find someone that wants to devote 15 years to these two seems pretty optimistic to me. not saying it can't happen, but it IS a longshot.

He wasn't yelling, he was making sounds. This wasn't a reaction to vibration, it was his ear as cats do when they hear something.

I am aware that their names should not be similar, but remember too, one doesn't have any hearing, the names are simply references, at least to the one baby.

It IS optimistic, but for good reason.

While these two are my first born blind kittens, I have had a variety of cats and kittens with some handicap or another, and the response is overwhelming, endless people want them. As they surely will these 2. As for why? I couldn't explain it, but it's true.

I've adopted out felv positive kittens, 3 legged kittens and cats, blind adults, deaf cats, eye removed cats and kittens, cerebellar hypoplasia kittens and adults, FIV AND FELV positive adults, incontinent cats, heart defect cats, deformities of various kinds, the list goes on and on.

These kittens are beautiful, healthy, and loving, they know no different then what they have now. They will play, love, and live normal lives in the right conditions, once acquainted with their surroundings by memory, they will live normal lives and be very well loved.

Maybe people are compassionate? Maybe it's the challenge? Maybe they are sad for them and think nobody else will want them? Who knows why someone would adopt a cat who must wear a diaper the rest of it's life. Well, Archie is so loved it's rediculous! His adopter still to this day sends me emails with pictures of him, stretched out on his back toying with a feather toy, happy as a clam, next to their dog.

They tell me how Archie has completed their family and how grateful they are to have him and that we allowed him the chance to live a good life, as many others would not have. 

So optimistic? You bet.

I have not a speck of doubt in me about this. None at all.

 

[loopycann]

I love that....."just kidding,not really "Thanks, keepup the selfless work you do.That goes for all the wonderful rescuers on this whole site.

 

[mservant]

WOW. This isn't just big news, this is HUGE news!!!!! 

 The fact that he has at least some ability to hear is going to make a tremendous difference!!!! Hopefully the little girl will demonstrate this same ability but, even if she doesn't, the fact that he can hear to some degree is going to be a huge benefit to both of them as he will be able to use this to help her out as well! 

This just totally made my day and I think it's awesome enough to warrant a banana dance!!!!! 

 

 

Couldn't agree more. 

    

    

   

    

       With so much love and positivity these lucky little kittens have the best chance in the world.

And as for that pair of grey and tabby ragamuffins you have slipped in to the furfamily - two words:   chocolate box.  Talk about cute, and that fluffy grey ball is just ridiculous, he knows how gorgeous he is already, I swear he does!   

 

 

[catwoman707]

 
Couldn't agree more. 

    

    

   

    

       With so much love and positivity these lucky little kittens have the best chance in the world.

And as for that pair of grey and tabby ragamuffins you have slipped in to the furfamily - two words:   chocolate box.  Talk about cute, and that fluffy grey ball is just ridiculous, he knows how gorgeous he is already, I swear he does!   

 

Thanks so much for saying, and you know, looking at that pose of the grey baby, who btw is now a she-haha oops, excuuuse meee...looks like a professional pose for the camera. Too funny.

"We're so cute and we know it so we can do anything we want and just be kissed for it" attitude

 

[eb24]

 
So optimistic? You bet.

I have not a speck of doubt in me about this. None at all.

Well, for arguments sake, even if you didn't have all this great proof backing you up that cat's with "problems" still get adopted what other kind of attitude would you have? I suppose you can sit around and sulk about how unfair the world is and mourn for them that they aren't going to have a future but what on earth does that accomplish? Absolutely Nothing. Pity is about the worst thing you can feel for them. They need to be picking up off your positive energy as that's just going to push them harder. Remember, energy begets energy, so if you think positive you will attract positive things. The same goes if you are super negative about it. 

So maybe we are all crazy and have faith where we shouldn't have any. But, at least you aren't crazy alone! The majority of us believe this situation is going to have nothing but a positive ending and those are the vibes we will keep putting out into the universe! If you are crazy well, at least you are in good crazy company! 

 
Couldn't agree more. 

    

    

   

    

       With so much love and positivity these lucky little kittens have the best chance in the world.

And as for that pair of grey and tabby ragamuffins you have slipped in to the furfamily - two words:   chocolate box.  Talk about cute, and that fluffy grey ball is just ridiculous, he knows how gorgeous he is already, I swear he does!   

 

Hey sneaky girl- you STOLE my patented banana dance!!!

I've said from the beginning, that MServant is nothing but TROUBLE. And here you are- proving me right!

THIEF!!!!!!! 

Alright, obviously I'm kidding. You can totally use the banana dance if you want to. BUT- you have to save it for super special moments like this one, otherwise it's power will be decreased! 

Happy Banana Dancing! 

 

[catwoman707]

Okay you two are tooo fun!!  LOVE the banana dancers!     

  

   

 

We got a line dance goin on here!!

As @MServant  said, I couldn't agree with you more!!

Positive is what drives me, motivates me, I am obligated to ensure these 2, and all the others as well, a great, pampered, cushy life that they all deserve!

I am here for them,to use me as their stepping stone, to guide them to all that is good for their future, as they were meant to cross my path, and I will do everything for them, whatever it takes to give them the good life.  

This guy jivin' reminds me of movin and shakin!! haha

 

[mservant]

 
Well, for arguments sake, even if you didn't have all this great proof backing you up that cat's with "problems" still get adopted what other kind of attitude would you have? I suppose you can sit around and sulk about how unfair the world is and mourn for them that they aren't going to have a future but what on earth does that accomplish? Absolutely Nothing. Pity is about the worst thing you can feel for them. They need to be picking up off your positive energy as that's just going to push them harder. Remember, energy begets energy, so if you think positive you will attract positive things. The same goes if you are super negative about it. 

So maybe we are all crazy and have faith where we shouldn't have any. But, at least you aren't crazy alone! The majority of us believe this situation is going to have nothing but a positive ending and those are the vibes we will keep putting out into the universe! If you are crazy well, at least you are in good crazy company! 

Hey sneaky girl- you STOLE my patented banana dance!!!

I've said from the beginning, that MServant is nothing but TROUBLE. And here you are- proving me right!

THIEF!!!!!!! 

Alright, obviously I'm kidding. You can totally use the banana dance if you want to. BUT- you have to save it for super special moments like this one, otherwise it's power will be decreased! 

Happy Banana Dancing! 

@EB24   you will be happy to know I do indeed only use the banana dance for extra special occasions.   That at least one of these tiny kittens has a little hearing means she will have greater ability to learn about risks around her and how to stay safe, and to lead her sister in to more trouble. 

In a former working life I spent much of my time working with people who were either very unwell or had significant levels of disability and whose life expectancy was often short.  Although I worked in this area for many years I only recently came upon a 'theory' that expressed how I wanted to approach my work and described the outlook of so many of the people I had provided a service for : The Affirmative Model of Disability.  It is with the same viewpoint I  look at the lives of other living creatures such as out kittens and cats who have special needs.  EB24's energy begets energy and positive thoughts attracts positive things fits very much in to this 'model' for explaining how we approach things.  It looks to support difference and optimum potential by being flexible in how we communicate and structure our environment.  Every living creature has a positive contribution to make in this world and it is for others to appreciate and value this, not to feel sadness or pity, or regret.   Not for everyone, but for me it expressed how I had always felt.

 

[catwoman707]

Well said.

It seems to come naturally to some, not so much/not at all for others, but having a deep, genuine compassion for all life and the desire to help those who need help as we obviously have gives me the hope and positive outlook it takes, even more-so in the live's who really need it the most!

I am definitely feeling some weight lifted here with these 2 little ones, knowing at least one can hear. 

I won't know all the details until they are a bit bigger and go to their first visit to the vet and be tested for just how much hearing is there, but very optimistic

 

[mycatwasthebest]

i wish you and them luck

 

[feralvr]

I am definitely feeling some weight lifted here with these 2 little ones, knowing at least one can hear. 


but very optimistic

OK - so I need to dance at this news too. What totally amazing little kittens they are and I AM GOING TO OPTIMISTIC that the other one can hear too !!!! With all of this love surrounding them, all of the TLC, and positive energy, these two little ones surely will feel it and become stronger for it. I just know it. Being born this way will only make them even more special, more precious, more aware and their other senses will kick into high gear. These two couldn't have it any better right now and love will see them through. What a wonderful rescue story - my heart is overflowing with affection for them. (and you :heart3

p.s. Names?? Paloma and Pinot? I scanned through and don't see if you officially named them or I missed it. These names just popped into my mind.... :lol3: Easter and Lily.

 

[catwoman707]

 
i wish you and them luck

Thanks so much!!

 

[cass]

Going to a forever home together sounds great! They are all super cute!!!!! how do you tell albino from just a white cat? :/
Names.. I like Zara, Tia, Miko, Prince, Luna..
I have an all white girl and named her Bella (I thought it was fitting because she is beautiful) [emoji]9829[/emoji]

 

[catwoman707]

I'm almost afraid to post this possible news, I don't want to jinx this kitten, but it's possible that the male who seems to have some amt of hearing, just might be able to see something, and may not be completely blind afterall. 

Definitely saw something today after dh said he thought it looked like certain things he seems to react to, who knows, it's rediculously hard to tell, and we are surely not experts on hearing or vision, plus they're still young, BUT after testing him with many things and watching him closely, it just may be!

Not alot is really definite in information you can find on albino kits besides the standard articles/links, but maybe as he grows his eyes are developing more vision? I did read that most, if not totally blind have extreme near-sightedness or extreme far-sightedness. 

I don't know, probably just prematurely posting this update but gosh, I can hardly help myself here!

They play so darn cute and really quite well, it's nice to see the play mode happens in blind/deaf/normal kittens! Wish I could have taken a video clip today to show how silly they act at this age

Super adorable, tail whipping, etc. My all time fave is when a tiny kitten thinks he's tough and goes arching his back and hopping sideways, fur all puffed up Nothing's cuter.

I just have to stay patient here, I will know soon enough.