update on the kittens

I have been looking after this litter for a good while. In the past week or two, I gained the confidence of the mother Nerona, who now lets me touch and pet her. The kittens are ALL calicos. (I have been trying to make sure if there's the sought after male calico). I never heard of an all female litter.

One of the kittens is a tad coward with me, because she's scaredy, and she has a blue eye and a green eye.

There's a strange calico, for the fact that its black and gray striped, but with scattered orange spots, and white legs. She's grown domestic.

There's one that is VERY domesticated with me. She will actually pursue me.

I will be going on holiday to the Dominican Republic for a week starting on Tuesday, so my cousin Victoria will be looking after them all.

Good news Victor. I'm glad they're coming around, especially Nerona.

Victor...forgive me if you have answered this already..but do you have any plans to get the mom spayed? I'm glad to read about the progress.

Katie

Originally Posted by TNR1

Victor...forgive me if you have answered this already..but do you have any plans to get the mom spayed? I'm glad to read about the progress.

Katie

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Yeah... the last thing I want is four more. However, I have been weary of spaying her until they are completely weaned, afraid that she will stop producing milk.

Originally Posted by yoviher

Yeah... the last thing I want is four more. However, I have been weary of spaying her until they are completely weaned, afraid that she will stop producing milk.

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Actually, the mom will still be able to produce milk after she is spayed so you can go ahead and take her in. The problem with waiting is she could already be pregnant again.

Katie

Originally Posted by TNR1

Actually, the mom will still be able to produce milk after she is spayed so you can go ahead and take her in. The problem with waiting is she could already be pregnant again.

Katie

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If thats the case... then I ought to spay her as soon as I get back from the trip. Her getting prego again has been one of my great worries, as where I live its kitten season ALL YEAR ROUND!

EDIT: Could she be pregnant already as we speak? All of the sudden I am wondering if her fat belly is because of milk, or because of pregancy. (She never got fully lean after she gave birth)

Originally Posted by yoviher

If thats the case... then I ought to spay her as soon as I get back from the trip. Her getting prego again has been one of my great worries, as where I live its kitten season ALL YEAR ROUND!

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That would probably be a good idea (but I would also verify this plan with Hissy and Kumbulu)....just make sure you let the vet know she is an outdoor cat and is currently nursing kittens. They need to use dissolving stitches and glue since she willl need to be returned to her kittens the same day. You also will want to have some KMR on hand in case the kittens need to be fed while mom is in surgery.

Katie

Originally Posted by TNR1

That would probably be a good idea (but I would also verify this plan with Hissy and Kumbulu)....just make sure you let the vet know she is an outdoor cat and is currently nursing kittens. They need to use dissolving stitches and glue since she willl need to be returned to her kittens the same day. You also will want to have some KMR on hand in case the kittens need to be fed while mom is in surgery.

Katie

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Hmm... thats a problem... because I am yet to find a Puerto Rican vet who uses dissolving stitches. One actually denied flat out their existence to me. The kittens are already eating solid food and I am using Whiskas for Kittens with them. The problem is that they are also still feeding from milk.

Originally Posted by yoviher

Hmm... thats a problem... because I am yet to find a Puerto Rican vet who uses dissolving stitches. One actually denied flat out their existence to me. The kittens are already eating solid food and I am using Whiskas for Kittens with them. The problem is that they are also still feeding from milk.

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So basically, you have to take mom to be spayed..and then bring her back to have the stitches removed??? If the kittens are on solids..but occationally going to the "well" for a snack...I still think it should be ok. But Hissy is the best person for those types of questions. I just know that at the clinic I volunteer at..we have several "lactatiing" moms that are spayed. The caretakers and vets have assured me that mom can still produce milk after being spayed.

Katie

Originally Posted by TNR1

So basically, you have to take mom to be spayed..and then bring her back to have the stitches removed??? If the kittens are on solids..but occationally going to the "well" for a snack...I still think it should be ok. But Hissy is the best person for those types of questions. I just know that at the clinic I volunteer at..we have several "lactatiing" moms that are spayed. The caretakers and vets have assured me that mom can still produce milk after being spayed.

Katie

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Yeah... that is what makes me often think it twice before bringing a cat to spay. I need to check, if theres someone using the dissolving stitches around here. I need to go get Mary Anne.

Victor, how old are the kittens now? Because Nerona will let you touch and pet her, scoop her up after your holiday and take her to be spayed. As soon as she is OK to leave the vet, put her back with the kittens. She will be dark on you for a few days but you should have regained her trust by the time the stitches are due to come out. You can then scoop her up and take her to the vet for the removal of the stitches.

While she is getting spayed, give the kittens lots of Whiskas kitten and you can even make up some kitten glop for them to have. http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46295

Oh, that is such great news, Victor! Is the litter in your house, now? That would make it easier to know that you can get her back to the vet for her second check-up to have the stitches removed. What a challenge, not to use disolving stitches. Maybe they aren't available by you, or maybe the vet wants to charge another office visit!