Oh dear. what do i do? - Page 3

Hold her in place until she finds it. Continue holding until she's firmly latched on! She needs to suckle soon as it will help not only her, but also mom cat because suckling releases the endorphins that makes further deliveries easier!

I'm actually reading a book while refreshing pages on the puter... I'll be around for a while yet, don't worry!

The fact that she sought out a birthing place that smelled like you, and wants you nearby, says a lot about both her and you.

Do you have any kind of non-toxic marker on you? If you think you're going to get confused between the kittens, use the marker (when the kittens are dry of course) and color in one nail of the front or back paw, say the left one. Then color the same nail on the right paw. That way you can determine #1,2 you get my drift!

I can't wait to see these grow into little balls of mischeivous fluff!

I have a feeling this little girl might stay with you all?

What a great thing to come and read during a busy work morning! I hope everything is still going well? It sounds like you are doing a great job!!!

I can't wait to see momma and her new babies.

Interesting how she burrowed back into the covers.

Now...can you imagine this happening under a woodpile, in someone's shed, under a house, etc.?

Or under a bush in April where my Jack came from

Ooooooh look at those babies!!!

Any sign of #3 yet?

OMG, is that not sweet or what!! Awwww

Yay babies!! Congrats! Cant wait to see more, sounds like you and mom are doing great

Beautiful pictures by the way

Hey fastnoc? I can see kitten colours changing already...you may not need a marker!

Sorry to be stepping into this so late ... Rosiemac PM'ed me but I was having computer issues this morning ...

Looks like everyone else has had a chance to help youout and that everything is going along well now ... congrats on a healthy litter so far!

As for the placentas, let her eat as many as she will. They contain nutrients which will stimulate the milk production and hasten the contractions if there are more kittens in there. Yes, she may have some really smelly poop after eating them, but the benefits to her from having them are far better and the long term effects mostly outweigh the short term smell.

Don't be too alarmed if the kittens don't latch on to nurse immediately. They will be fine while Momma is delivering their siblings. The time to worry is when everyone is out and dry - if they aren't nursing by then, that means something's wrong. Kittens choose a nipple ... one particular nipple ... and then always go back to that specific one to nurse. When we see them nursing, they will knead the gland with their little paws, not only to stimulate the milk production but also to mark it with the scent glands they have in their little feet. That is how they know it is their's and not someone else's - and they will always seek that particular one out from then on.

Momma might like a cool sip of water or a little mushy canned food during breaks in the action ... some do, some don't. But offer water at the least, and if you have any, Goat's milk, gently warmed will be appreciated.

When she begins to contract again, try placing the palm of your hand under her back feet so that she can push off of you ... it will help aid in her in the delivery and they appreciate the help so much, especially if they do want you nearby like your girl seems to want.

I'll be around this morning too ... but it sounds like you've got everything under control now.

Ack, don't worry about them. A good hot wash will soon have them like new again

You're doing great hon! Mom's a brown tabby so it maybe that 3 & 4 will be brown tabbies, who knows???


ETA:
Ok It's midnight here and Gaye's online so I'm passing the baton (and SO not fumbling) to her - she's a more senior breeder anyhow I'm not signing off for the night really but will be checking in before I 100% log off!

Good luck with the rest of the kitties, fear not, you've done and are doing great! Meanwhile, try taking a nap, it will do you wonders!