First time here. Cat has just had SIX kits.

twinkle · Apr 3, 2006

So, understandably i can a wee bit concerned.

She had her first litter last summer but she miscarried all three. I think she was too young at only 5/6 months old. We had two arrive last night before i went to bed and when my husband came down this morning, we had another four. They are all black (as is mummy and and the *donor*) so how we will tell them apart, i don't know.

Anyway, my main worry is that my other cat had a litter of five (she has now been *done*) and 2 died due to malnutrition (i guess). The others where too strong and kept them from feeding.

I really don't what to have to go through kitten deaths again - its not nice. Has anyone had experience of all kittens in a large litter surviving?

Sarah.

missymotus · Apr 3, 2006

6 kittens shouldn't be a problem, 5 seems to be the most common. She has 8 nipples so there's enough to go around.

Make sure you get a scale to weigh them daily, that way you'll know if they are getting enough to eat and can supplement it needed.

Leave kitten food out for the new momma to eat all the time, she needs all the strength she can get.

Congrats on the new babies!

poohandwendy · Apr 3, 2006

My cat had 8 kittens last august and all 8 not only survived but are doing fabulous! I did exactly what missymotus suggested. I got a gram/ounce scale and weighed them every day. Then I supplemented the ones with the least weight gain. (Kitten Milk Replacement in a bottle)

I only really gave them one extra feeding per day, but I think it helped give the smallest ones an extra boost.

Honestly, the best way to tell if kittens are thriving is to keep a close eye on their weight. They should always be gaining, not staying the same and definitely not losing weight. A weight gain of 10-20 grams per day is normal.

tnr1 · Apr 3, 2006

Originally Posted by twinkle

So, understandably i can a wee bit concerned.

She had her first litter last summer but she miscarried all three. I think she was too young at only 5/6 months old. We had two arrive last night before i went to bed and when my husband came down this morning, we had another four. They are all black (as is mummy and and the *donor*) so how we will tell them apart, i don't know.

Anyway, my main worry is that my other cat had a litter of five (she has now been *done*) and 2 died due to malnutrition (i guess). The others where too strong and kept them from feeding.

I really don't what to have to go through kitten deaths again - its not nice. Has anyone had experience of all kittens in a large litter surviving?

Sarah.

Sarah....unfortunately there are times when kittens simply fade....where no amount of human intervention would help. Sometimes it is due to the age of the mom or the amount of milk she has....however oftentimes it is simply genetic.

Best thing to do is keep the entire family indoors only and get a scale to weigh the kittens daily so you can see if they are gaining weight.

The only other advice that I have is to keep mom and kittens indoors only until the kittens can be weaned and mom can safely be spayed. If your other cat (who is now done) has not been spayed, now would be a great time to set her up with a spay appt.

Katie

momof3rugratz · Apr 3, 2006

You can take different colors of ribbion and put it around the neck like a collar. I saw it on animale planet in order to tell who came first and then next. I think they make somethng special for it. Ask the pet store.

aries · Apr 3, 2006

I am caring for a cat and six new kittens, too! Momma and babies are doing good. I can hardly believe how fast those kittens are growing! Just a little over a week old and my bunch is already crawling.

I read in a book that kittens are supposed to gain 1/2 - 1 oz per day. I am sure that there is some variation based on individuality, but that might be an idea what to look for.

Prayers for the health and well being of your babies.

momof3rugratz · Apr 3, 2006

It is funny how we watch them grow like we do are human babies. Please let us know update. And congradulations on all the new babies here.

tnr1 · Apr 3, 2006

Originally Posted by momof3rugratz

You can take different colors of ribbion and put it around the neck like a collar. I saw it on animale planet in order to tell who came first and then next. I think they make somethng special for it. Ask the pet store.

I wouldn't use ribbon as I'd be concerned about it getting caught on something.

Katie

momof3rugratz · Apr 3, 2006

Am sure it isnt ribbon but can not recall what it was they used. It was neat. I might add very colorful.

First time here. Cat has just had SIX kits.

twinkle

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missymotus

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aries

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