Kittens!
After what felt like weeks of rain, the sun came out in all its glory for Christmas! And I got an extra special gift this year … A foster family of kittens! These are just some of the pictures… no room for all.
I picked the family up from SPCA Dunedin on the Friday before Christmas. I’m not sure the whole story, but I was told they were surrendered. They were very healthy, a boy called Sage and three girl kittens Cinnamon, Paprika, and Anise about 6 weeks old and their young mummy called Pepper about one year old (I don’t really call them by there names. Sage I can tell apart as the boy but the name doesn’t really suit. Pepper doesn’t really either. I don’t know what name belongs to which girl, only by microchip which I can’t read).
All 5 settled down quite quickly. Mum wasted no time coming out of the crate. The male was the adventurous one at first. They all have their own personalities which I have come to know a bit. Their routine is just like a baby, sleep for a few hours, eat from mum (although we are in the process of weening), play hard for a half hour or so, eat some more, and crash for another few hours. And repeat.
They are growing quite fast. Each day they gain 20-30 grams, and at 1kg they will get spayed or neutered. Seems like some time around the 8-10 week mark. After recovery they will come home with me for a bit and then find their forever homes!
Some amazing advice and things I have learned along the way…
My mom suggested getting the plastic table clothes with the felt backing to cover the floors. A lifesaver!!!! Not only for the water and food that spills from the dishes but for the wee that doesn’t end up in the litter box.
An empty box is always a great toy, upside down too!
Protect your linens. Each paw has razors attached.
Pick them up as much as you can to get them them used to it.
Remember it isn’t their fault. They just don’t know yet.
A kitchen scale will do to weight them
Sleeping kittens are adorable. And and a proud mummy is too!
Just love them! Even when they get on your last nerve.
