Organized newborn rearing

[StefanZ]

Ps. as these weights are 12-14 hours apart, we may expect the real numbers are even better.
Still, its wise to monitor these with least gain every 12 hours, so you can step in quickly if needed.

 

[Chiltonsdad]

I just check on them. With a little adjusting I can get them all latched on to a different nipple at the same time and they’ll stay that way for a while

 

[Sarthur2]

If all 8 latching together is working with your help and supervision, I say continue on and let’s watch the weight gains. I agree with StefanZ that you can hold off on supplementing for now.

They did great overnight; let’s see how they do over the next 24 hours.

 

[Chiltonsdad]

Thanks all

 

[Chiltonsdad]

Hey, Mom is laying like a foot away from the sleeping pile of kittens. Is that okay? Sorry if this comes off as neurotic

 

[Chiltonsdad]

7PM update
A:119 (+5)
B: 111 (+3)
C: 121 (0)
D:121 (+1)
E: 134 (+2)
F: 118 (+2)
G: 119 (+3)
H: 120 (+4)

everyone’s starting to poop. I’m not sure if everyone has gone yet, but mom and I have been rubbing bottoms.

 

[Sarthur2]

It’s fine if mom lies nearby.

But, the gains are low, and you need to start rotating in 2 groups now. I see that Kitten C gained nothing, and the others not really enough.

I suggest you start rotating tonight if possible; otherwise, you’ll need to begin supplementing.

The kittens need to gain 6-10 grams each per day. At the moment, their weights are okay for being a day old, but not gaining means they are getting enough to maintain but not gain. This will soon turn into a problem.

C Chiltonsdad

 

[Chiltonsdad]

Got it. I’ll do two rotations before bed tonight. Thanks!

 

[StefanZ]

I suppose the weight gains are again after 12 hours? And includes pooping? If so, its not that alarming.... But yeah, its a sign you must take next step - begin with rotating.

 

[Sarthur2]

How are things going? What are the weights?

C Chiltonsdad

 

[Chiltonsdad]

Hi! Sorry busy day. However they’ve been rotating every two hours and weights are still logged every 12 hrs. Here are the 24hr weight changes as of tonight.

A:137 (+18)
B:129 (+18)
C:148 (+17)
D:.136 (+15)
E: 156 (+17)
F:136 (+16)
G:138 (+15)
H: 138 (+15)

everyone’s pooping And moms Licking the bottoms

 

[StefanZ]

Hi! Sorry busy day. However they’ve been rotating every two hours and weights are still logged every 12 hrs. Here are the 24hr weight changes as of tonight.

A:137 (+18)
B:129 (+18)
C:148 (+17)
D:.136 (+15)
E: 156 (+17)
F:136 (+16)
G:138 (+15)
H: 138 (+15)

everyone’s pooping And moms Licking the bottoms

Now, this is excellent numbers! Im beaming!

So now we know we are on the right trace! rotating them does the trick.

 

[Chiltonsdad]

Yep, thank you for the guidance. When I do leave them together for a few hours overnight, they slap and fight a little over the nipples. Also mom was spotting a couple drops of blood earlier. Is that alright?

 

[StefanZ]

Some spotting is normal the days after delivery... I expect its mostly red colored fluid, its not living blood.

 

[Chiltonsdad]

I believe it was mucous. Should I be alarmed if I see actual blood spotting?

 

[StefanZ]

I believe it was mucous. Should I be alarmed if I see actual blood spotting?

actual blood spotting is always worrying... But as said, a few days after delivery its pretty normal... Do observe closely, but if there are no other worrying signs, you can wait and see...

 

[Sarthur2]

No worries about mom — mother cats will spot discharge, including blood — for 7-10 days after giving birth while the uterus heals. It’s perfectly normal. Only if you see a large amount of red blood, as in a hemorrhage, is it a problem.

And WOW — look at the 8 little piggies at the rotating milk bar! What magnificent gains! I’m impressed. Continue on!

This will be tiresome for you, but is essential for the kittens.

Is mom eating and drinking well?

Good to hear everyone is pooping and getting cleaned.

C Chiltonsdad

 

[Chiltonsdad]

Yep. Mom is eating a lot but this is still taking a lot out of her. I have KMR with (kitten wet food available along with dry food and water for her.
Until my nutrical shows up, what are some high calorie snacks I could give to mom?

 

[Sarthur2]

Boiled chicken with no spices except salt. Cats love chicken. Scrambled eggs; cheese; plain full fat yogurt. Also try Gerber turkey or chicken meat baby food. Cats usually love this too. High in protein!

 

[Chiltonsdad]

Great! I have a senior cat who’s never enjoyed anything other than crunchies and the occasional tuna.