The Kittening!

Of course it had to happen overnight.  She was her usual vocal self, from what I heard while trying to sleep last night, so I didn't suspect anything.  Though as I mentioned in my last post, her vocal habits were increasing, so it was probably a sign that The Kittening would happen soon.

When I went in to see her this morning, the first thing I noticed was a bit of fluid on the floor.  I looked under the futon and she was lying in the bed.  I couldn't see anything and didn't hear anything right away, but within a few minutes there were kitten squeals!  I suppose she moved a bit and they were complaining, lol.  I pulled the bed closer to me and shone my flashlight app (yay smartphone apps!) in to see what was going on.  There were 2 babies:)  Upon closer inspection, I noticed legs of a third.  It was under her.  I pulled it out gently but it wasn't moving at all.  A baby black one, it was probably the first and she didn't know what she was doing.  Either that or it was a stillborn.  Very sad:( 

Very shortly after that I noticed she was pushing every now and then, so I assumed another would arrive shortly.  After about 30-45 mins of pushing, it became obvious that she wasn't getting it out properly.  I made sure the other 2 kittens were safe and warm, and I bottle-fed them a little bit as well (I wasn't sure how long they'd been in the world, or how much they'd eaten yet).  Then I tried to get ahold of Fluffy to help her.  She kept dodging me, but after about 15 minutes I caught her.  It then became obvious that the kitten was coming out backwards!  I gently tried to help but it was very stuck...so immediately called the vet and put her in the carrier.  I put the 2 babies in with her, called a cab and we were on our way.

On a side note, I specifically asked for a cab that took debit.  Is that what I got?...no.  But didn't find out until we got to the clinic.  So I had to bring Fluffy in to get her immediately looked at, then run back out to find a bank machine to pay the stupid cab. Anyways, that's my cab rant...Beck taxi, I don't like you today.

By the time I got back into the clinic and exam room, they had gotten the kitten out but it was too late:(  It was a little black n' white one.  But Fluffy was okay now, and not in pain.  They then x-rayed her to check for more kittens, and clean her up a bit.  She's all inflamed back there due to the straining, so that will take a few days to heal.  She didn't have any more kittens inside, so there are two healthy babies:)

The vet was worried about whether she would eat or not, and advised I keep a close eye on her.  He also said if she's not eating I would have to bring her back tomorrow. 

Once I got her and the babies home, I set up the nice comfy bed just slightly under the futon so I can keep a close eye on things.  Then I put her and the kittens on the bed and sat with her to make sure the kittens would suckle and she would settle with them.  Which they did and she did:)  I fed her some A/D and she ate it so yay!

I just went in to check on her again, and finally got a nice picture (cellphone again:p) of them.  The babies are bigger than the newborns I've seen in the past...probably why she had such a hard time with them!  They're quite mobile and I'm glad they are eating well:)

I'll probably be able to tell what sex they are in a week or so:)  As you can see, one is black and white, and the other is black.  The black and white one has extra toes (polydactyl)!!!! 

Anyways, it was an emotional day.  Sad about the 2 kittens that didn't make it:(  But happy that mom and kittens are doing well!

The Waiting game

I know it's been a few days since I've written an update, but we're still playing the game.  No kittens yet! 

She is definitely more comfortable with her environment.  Most of the time she is out and about when I come into the room.  She quickly returns to the sanctuary of "under the futon", but she also ventures out and sits in various places while I'm hanging out with her.  She'll even come up and sniff my hand every now and then:)

Her nocturnal vocal habits haven't ceased, however.  I have been sleeping rather sporadically this past week, and feel lucky that I can take afternoon naps when I need to!  When I do take a nap, I sleep in here with her to help strengthen our growing bond:)  Ohh, she's almost all switched over to the new dry food, and Stitches also likes it, so we have a winner!  I've noticed she is more of a kibble lover, as she doesn't always eat all of the wet food I give her, so I'm happy that she likes the new brand.

Since she's been here, I haven't had much of a social life, choosing instead to commit myself to being here for her.  On Friday we had some plans so I arranged for a good friend to stop by and check on her so I wouldn't worry.  Nothing happened while we were out, but I felt better about things knowing he was here.  Then last night we went out for a few hours, but didn't have anyone stop by.  She was always in the back of my mind, and I hoped that she didn't have them while I was gone.  She didn't, and everything was fine.  I'm just kinda paranoid, I suppose...and impatient!  Where's the kittens, already???

She still REALLY wants to go outside, but I keep telling her it's so much better for her in here.  I know she is used to having the whole world to roam around in, so being confined to one room must be difficult.  As I type this, she's been out walking around the room, talking, and occasionally up at the window and pawing the windowpane.  I feel bad that she's stressed about it, though her increasing restlessness may be a sign of pre-labour. 

On another note, yesterday I went up to the barn with a friend of mine who is an awesome horseback rider, to practice my photography and meet the new horses.  I used to ride with her a couple years ago, and miss it SO much!  Anyways, I also met a couple of the barn cats, and one of them was almost as pregnant as Fluffy,  Anybody want to foster her?  You can see how much fun I'm having!  This barn cat is very friendly, though will most likely have the same issues about wanting outside all the time. 

Also, considering it my first attempt at photographing horse jumping, I got some pretty decent shots, so I'm happy about that:)

You can see some of them here:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Johnstone-Photography/148730818528594

I'll be posting more as I finish editing:)


Well that's all for now.  Lets all hope The Kittening will take place soon!

Out of the futon and into the...

Open! 

The last day or so have been pretty good, a little progress, still no kittens yet...

Based on her recent behaviour and movement, I've revisited the bed placement design.  I took the one that was beside the chair, folded down a couple of the sides, and placed it under the futon.  I left the high cardboard sides out where they were, and put a pee pad and towel there just in case.  I also put a pee pad (thanks to my friend Sarah for giving me her old supply from puppy training!!) and blanket under the chair, where I saw her spend a bit of time recently.  The chair has material down all the sides, so it's a good hiding spot...possibly an ideal location for "The Kittening" as I've been calling it.  I'm still leaving treats out on all the beds so that she gets used to where they are, and she always eats them all!

She is coming out to see me a lot more now:)  She still won't let me pet her, but I can get really close without her running away.  Right now she's not even under the futon!  She's resting in the corner by the bookcase.  I was in here last night for a little while, and today I was here this afternoon (had lunch and then a nap:p) and tonight I've spent a couple of hours watching shows on the laptop.  During the time I've been here tonight, she's spent most of it hanging out, either up in the window or stretched out on the floor in different locations.  I'm so glad she's getting more comfortable in this space:)  I know she still really wants to go outside, which is evident when she is at the window, but I'm crossing my fingers that she settles down soon. 

I bought some more food for her today.  Slowly switching her to a kitten/cat dry food that's grain-free.  I've been wanting to switch Stitches to a different dry food for a while, so bought a small bag of the new one to try with both of them:)  Yay for a money-back guarantee if they don't like it!  It's Evo brand.  Fluffy is already eating Evo wet food, and various treats.  I don't think she's as fussy as our spoiled Stitches.  He's on a grain-free brand now, but it's not as good as Evo so I hope he likes it:)  Plus Global pet foods has a "frequent buyer" card for that brand, lol

I took a couple more cellphone pics to share:)  Eventually I'll get my real camera in here, though probably not until after the kittens are born and Fluffy settles down a bit more.

You can see the high cardboard pieces I've left in this corner, with a towel (pee pad underneath).  She had just finished eating a few treats I'd left there, and decided to hang out for a bit.  

 This is near the door, as you can see a bit of the gate.  Which she can open by the way.  We have a new plan in place for when the kittens are up and moving around.  She's actually sleeping in this spot right now as I type this.  I'm going to hate to disturb her, but it's getting late and I DO need to get to sleep soon.  Tomorrow I actually have to be up at a decent hour!

G'night world:)

Meow!

She is definitely getting brave, and much more vocal...which is a good thing (though not when trying to sleep!).  I'm really glad she is feeling more comfortable around me, and I'm finding out she is quite the talker.  I think part of it is that she wants outside, and I keep telling her that's simply not going to happen!

Last night she was being a bit more vocal, so I came in to spend some time with her and make sure she was just talking, not stressed out or in labour.  I don't know her specific sounds well enough yet.  With Stitches, I know all of his meows (and he has plenty!)....annoyed, hungry, love me, how's it going...he can definitely carry on a conversation.  Well, last night she was just exploring, and as I was sitting somewhat still, she actually emerged out from under the futon twice!  Once to check me out, and the next time she even used the litter box with me in the room...which is a big deal for most cats.  Plus she ate some food while I was there, which she hadn't done before.  I was proud of her for being so brave, and soon after that went off to bed.  It was close to 1:00am and I was super tired, especially since I've been fighting off this cold the last few days. 

On that note, if you haven't ever tried it, get Allimax, it's a miracle pill.  Garlic extract, but it's better than regular garlic pills, as it's a specific compound in garlic that's been stabilized in this pill form.  If you're starting to feel sick, you can take a bunch (I usually take 3-4) at once and within hours you'll start to feel better.  A couple months ago I woke up with "razorblade" throat, took 5 pills and went back to sleep.  3 hours later I woke up and I was fine.  This time around it's taking a few days for my body to fight off the infection, but I'm sure it's just that there's a lot going on in life right now.  Yes, apparently I'm now a spokeswoman for Allimax.  But it works!! 

Okay, back to Fluffy.  Today, I spent some time in the afternoon with her.  She was a bit vocal but mostly calm, ate some food, and stayed in her safe spots.  Tonight, Dan had a friend over to talk "programmy" stuff, as I call it (computer things) so after dinner I hung out in here for a couple hours.  She started talking and eventually she came up on the table beside the window:)  Sitting on the table for a bit, she then climbed onto the window ledge and sat up there for a while.  Every now and then she would paw at the window...she really does want outside.  But I told her she's safer here with me!  Plus it's rain/snowing out...icky.  Anyways, while she was up there, I could see her kitten belly moving about.  That made me feel super happy:)  For a while I've wanted to see her and make sure her pregnancy is coming along normally, so seeing that eased my mind a lot.  Having worked for years in the veterinary field, I tend to err on the side of caution about these things, and often find both good and bad scenarios playing through in my head.  I did the same when my dog was sick a month ago.  I get "clinical brain", as I call it.  Also, she's not limping so I'm glad that the nail on her paw is healing nicely:) 

I took a few pictures!  Again, with my cellphone, so not the best quality, but they are clear and you can tell she's looking a lot more relaxed:)  You can really see her furry lion's mane in the first photo, and her big belly in the second one!

Well that's all for tonight...going to make sure her food is all topped up and then it's off to bed for me.  She's really pawing at the window now that I type this.  I hope she realizes soon that it really is much better inside.  I know that cats who have spent a long time outdoors often REALLY want to go back outside.  I'll do my best to make sure she's as comfortable indoors as a kitty can be:)

The Time Divide

I believe that Spice the dog and Stitches the cat are looking at me sideways, thinking "Why isn't she spending more time with me?".  You see, usually I spend the day with Spice and the evening with Stitches, or the opposite, since I'm home a lot these days.  Since Fluffy's arrival, it's been 1/2 day with Spice, 2/4 day with Fluffy, and 1/4 day with Stitches.  I've been torn between how much time to spend with Fluffy.  On one hand, I don't want to overwhelm her.  But, as I've said before, I also want her to trust me.  Or at the very least, get used to my presence.

So, to be fair, I thought I'd post a couple pictures of my other furry ones so they get some publicity too!

Here's Stitches, in his favourite positions of "love me" :

This is a little video I took yesterday of Spice running around the backyard.  It's amazing since she's almost 14yrs old, only has one eye, and had an episode of idiopathic vestibular disease (stroke-like symptoms) about a month ago.  She couldn't even walk for over a week!  She lost some weight during that time, but she's back to her old self, chasing squirrels and rolling around in the grass:)

Last night, I did end up spending most of the evening with Fluffy, watching episodes of Breaking Bad on my laptop.  My efforts are starting to pay off, as towards the end of the evening, she emerged out into the corner and started talking to me:)  I didn't try and pet her, but we had a few good moments of eye contact and conversation!  I noticed she was less vocal overnight...I think she only woke me up once.  She's eating like a trooper now, and being quite regular in the "litter box" department, which is great.

So my challenge continues to keep a fair schedule of attention and love to all the furry critters in our house.  Dan, my partner, is doing his best as well to make sure no one is neglected:)  Together, I think we'll manage.  Once the kittens arrive, though, I'm sure it will be hard to tear ourselves away from their cuteness! 

Small Update for Today

I'm pleased to update that she's getting a lot more comfortable with me in the room, though she still won't come out from under the futon while I'm there.  She relaxes within minutes of me hanging out with her now, which is a good sign:)

She's also got quite the set of lungs!  At night now she's more vocal, wandering about the room, exploring, finding all the treats I've put out for her.  She doesn't meow all night, or I'd be worried...just now and then.  Maybe she's talking to Stitches....he sometimes meows at night too.  I've been leaving a few treats near the two beds, and also in the bed I hope she'll use for giving birth, so that she gets used to them.  In the morning all the treats are gone so I know she is out and moving about. 

She's eating more regularly now, and I've started offering her KMR (I think I accidentally called it KBR before) kitten milk replacement.  You can give it to pregnant and lactating queens, to boost their nutrition.  She finished what I'd given her yesterday, so I gave her more this morning:)  I'm really glad she's eating better!  I know what happens to cats who won't eat, and being pregnant just makes it riskier for them.  So YAY!

Off now to meet with another TCR volunteer who is awesomely donating some blankets and some money towards food for Fluffy:) 

I'm hoping by the end of the weekend, she'll come out and see me.  I still kinda have a cold so it's a good excuse to stay in and spend lots of time with her:)  I really want her to trust me before she has the kittens...that's my goal.

 

Slightly more relaxed

Apologies for the massive flash eyes, but she was under the futon and it's dark, and I just used my crappy cell phone to take this picture.  But it's to give you all an idea of what she looks like.  Also, she's stretching out more often and relaxing, the more time I spend in here with her:)

Check out the big kitten belly! 

I think I may have a nap in here with her this afternoon.  I woke up with a sore throat and sinus headache...hoping it doesn't get worse. Sleep will help:)

Slowly...

Well I'm happy to report that she's eating better:)  Overnight she had eaten a bit of wet and dry food, and used the litter again.  Did I mention how awesome it is that she's using the litter box?  Always a concern with a stray, though kitty instincts are amazing.  I think that's the best thing in the difference between "house training" kittens vs. puppies.  Cats just "know", after you show them where to go once or twice...they get it.

This morning I fed her some warmed up canned Evo (kitten & cat formula) and some A/D I had left over from when my dog was sick.  A/D, for those who don't know, is a veterinary brand of wet food, high in fats and proteins, which is generally used for sick animals or malnutrition.  Basically, it's used for dogs or cats to help them through tough times.  Anyways, she ate all the A/D and most of the Evo, so I warmed up some more and just gave it to her.  I also removed the big mirror from the room, as I noticed she was pawing at it, and I don't want it to fall over.  It's pretty stable, but I'm slightly paranoid.  I want her to be as safe as possible:)

It's progress for sure that now she's willing to eat during the day when I'm up and about, instead of waiting for the quiet of night.  I'm sitting with her now:)  Well, she's under the futon, but we're hangin' out.

I'm going to spend as much time as I can with her over the next few days, not only because of being on kitten watch, but I want her to know and trust me.  She's starting to do that cute blinking thing that cats do, when I look at her:)  I really want to look at her front paw to make sure her nail is okay, but that will have to wait.  I'm comfortable with the fact that she's eating, as cats in pain or distress will not eat. 

I promise I'll post some pictures soon!  Scared kitty pics are just not acceptable, though, as I'm sure you all understand.  She's very adorable:)

The Arrival

Having waited all day, I finally got the call close to 5pm.  This was after I had already called the homeowner (sweet lady who has been feeding her) to see how things were going, and she was just about to set out the trap again.  She said she would call me back if successful.  A few minutes later, she did!  So I rushed around, feeding my own pets (5pm is "dinner time"...if I didn't they would be seriously offended) and hopped onto the TTC.

When I got to the vet clinic, the homeowner had already left so I didn't get to meet her, and the kitty was still in the trap in an exam room. Once the vet and I were in the room, we let her out.  She was super scared and trying to escape, but after a few minutes of running about and trying to jump up and away, we caught her and wrapped her up gently.  She had torn one of her nails out, but she was super brave when we cauterized it and she let me hold her and pet her.  The vet checked her out, and she even let us clip some matts off:)  He estimated she is due in the next week or so.  I felt bad having to put her back into a carrier, but surprisingly she walked right into the one I brought!  I think she decided it was better than staying on the exam table. 

Also, I should mention that her name is Fluffy, named by the homeowner and her family who are awesome people and have been caring for her for a few months now.  They were unable to take her in due to allergies, so I'm glad I could step in and help little Fluffy:)   She is black and long-haired, and looks SO MUCH like a kitty I used to have!  Meant to be.  I'll post a picture soon, when she's out and about a bit more.

When I got her home, I placed the carrier near the middle of the room so she could see what is around her, that there was food and litter and comfy bed.  It took her about a half-hour to come out of the carrier and find a safe hiding spot.  Later, I discovered a flaw in my plan, as she had managed to get herself under the plastic that was covering the futon!  I got her out of there and put her in one of the beds while I removed all the plastic.  She was okay with me picking her up, so that's a good sign.  Lesson learned about the plastic though.  I'll probably just put some puppy pads under the blanket. 

I woke up, not surprisingly, at about 5am, so I went to check on her.  She had definitely been exploring her new space, as I found a couple things knocked over and litter paw prints all around.  She used the litter box, which I was very happy about!

So far she hasn't eaten very much though, due to nerves I'm sure.  I got her to eat some treats and dried chicken bits.  I hope that by tonight she ventures out a bit more and gets her appetite back:)  I don't think she's been in a safe place for a long time, perhaps never...

The Preparation

The decision to foster an animal in need was easy for me, took a small amount of convincing for my live-in boyfriend, and involved some preparation to put into action. I've wanted to do this for awhile, especially since I started volunteering again with a rescue group, but until recently we didn't have the space.  Now we're in a two bedroom house, so I suggested and hinted (a few times!) that the extra room could someday hold another little furry being.  I felt, I'm sure, the same way as most women do who want new little lives around....though the only ones I'm interested in are four-legged and fuzzy!

The next issue was to consider the needs of our current pets, a dog and a cat who already have to live on separate floors because they don't get along.  Also, we truly aren't sure how our cat will react to having another kitty in the house.  The spare room is on the main floor, same as our bedroom, and also the floor belonging to the dog, Spice.  She's pretty old and has one eye, but she has a history of not liking other animals as well.  She's also mostly deaf which will help as she's not likely to notice if the foster is a bit vocal.  Stitches the cat, on the other hand, will be able to hear this and we're hoping he reacts well.

Especially since it looks like I'll be fostering a pregnant stray kitty and seeing them through to the weaning and adoption process :D  I kinda put it out there to Toronto Cat Rescue (the group with whom I also volunteer) that I'm open to a having a foster, and that I have experience with pregnancies and kittens.  Also, I really just want to be surrounded by kittens.  Is that wrong?  I didn't think so either...

In fact, truth is we're hoping Stitches the cat would like a little kitten too!  But we won't push it if he doesn't react well...I'll make sure they (mom included) all get fabulous homes either way:)

Now for the room preparation.  It just so happened that the owners of the house we are renting left an old baby gate here, and it's perfect so that I can open the door without worrying that momma or babies will be directly on the other side. Once babies are walking around, I'll have to reinforce the gate since they'll be able to squeeze through the bars.

I blocked from the end of the futon to the bookcase on the other wall, so there is enough space to open the door completely if need be.  The cardboard is taped up to the edge of the futon to prevent jumping over the gate on that end, and the edge of the gate is securely taped to the futon frame.

Like so:

 In the room, I've made a birthing/nursing bed close to the heater, arranged extra blanketing and also provided a secondary bed on the other side of the room.  You never know where they will end up having kittens!  Both beds are lined with puppy pee pads, a couple of layers.  Considering that, I also lined the futon mattress with plastic sheeting before putting the blanket over top.  Better safe than messy futon!

Here's a couple more pictures of the bed and the futon:

 I've prepared by ensuring I have kitten formula (KBR brand) and a bottle kit on hand, just in case momma has problems.  I've also looked over my veterinary medicine books to refresh myself on the kitty birthing process, since it's been a couple of years!

Anyways, now I'm impatiently awaiting her arrival.  She needs to be trapped and taken to the vet in the next couple of days, and then I can go pick her up:)
Can you tell I'm excited??  If, for some reason, they are unable to trap her, my new room won't be empty for long...it IS kitten season, after all!