Five New Arrivals!

OldNotWIse

Two of our little babies have gone / Wow it's so hard! I mean, I'm glad they've gone to good homes etc but it is so hard to actually say goodbye to them one last time

On Saturday morning, our neighbour (the one who is even crazier about animlas than me and is an absolute saint) called in to say someone had phoned her looking for a kitten, as she's placed an ad in the vet's. She had been promised a kitten from someone else and was let down. What I liked about her was that she came straight away - they were so excited She brought her husband and their two little girls (about 8 and 5 I'd say). They were very sweet with the kittens and gentle with them, which was great as when I heard there were kids I thought the little one might end up in a home where it is tugged and pulled around. Anyway they were besotted and fell in love with the black one with the ginger mohawk. They live somewhere near Belssington and have a house with a lot of land, and had a cat before who sadly died from cancer when he was six My last image of the little one was up in the mother's arms, almost falling asleep already, so I am pretty sure he/she was comfortable with his new mom. She called later that evening to say they were in love with the kitten and it had settled in well. Nice of her to call.

The other? Our above mentioned neighbour took her! Yay!!!!!!! I was praying she would take one and I think when she heard someone was coming to see the babies she figured she'd better act. So, one little baby living next door!

Another yay - Dad said I can keep high five! I am so in love with her and don't think I could bear to give her away. The OH wants to keep the little ginger lad, but I'm not sure if we'll get away with this!

A friend of my Dad is thinking about taking the other one. I'd be happy enough with this - he lives alone and had a cat for twenty years that died last year. He's a very quiet, fussy man who would no doubt spoil a cat rotten so I'd be happy with him taking the remaining one as he is very shy and probably wouldn't like a home with kids or other pets.

Small problem: my little number five is still refusing to eat solids and I am getting conerned about her. They will be 8 weeks on Wednesday. She will take some RC baby milk for me, but only a little at a time. She is able to eat as she took a slice of ham and some shredded chicken last week, so we know she can eat, but she just has no interest in it now. I wonder if she is still nursing with mum? She is lively and has plenty of energy, doesn't seem to have lost weight. Her gums are pink and the skin on the back of her neck loose so not dehydrated, she just will not eat! She is still very tiny but in a compact kind of way - she seems perfectly proportioned. The others are all munching away now on whiskas, and I worry she is being left behind. Neighbour left in some dried kitten food last night and she showed a bit of interest and tried to eat it but then gave up. I did notice one strange thing, when she is drinking she laps about 5 times and then does this thing that it like a little hiccup/tick, then lap a few more times then do it again. It's as if she has problems swallowing the milk or something. Mom is gone in this morning for spaying so there will be no more milk - she has to learn to eat!


Sorry for the long post!

Nody

OldNotWIse wrote: »

Small problem: my little number five is still refusing to eat solids

Have you tried taking RC pate and gently opening her mouth and feeding her small pieces at the time? This is how we ended up getting our final one to start eating solids a week after his two sisters. He liked solids but had problems with eating from a bowl/plate, by hand feeding him a few times from the plate to mouth he got to grips with it to be able to eat faster.

OldNotWIse

Nody wrote: »

Have you tried taking RC pate and gently opening her mouth and feeding her small pieces at the time? This is how we ended up getting our final one to start eating solids a week after his two sisters. He liked solids but had problems with eating from a bowl/plate, by hand feeding him a few times from the plate to mouth he got to grips with it to be able to eat faster.

Ok I will try that this evening, thanks.

boomerang

You're rehoming seven weeks old kittens, some of them singly? I applaud everything you've done, but seven weeks is way, way, way, way too young for them to have left mum and siblings. They will lose out on an important period of socialisation up to 12 weeks and it will impact negatively on their future behaviour towards other cats. Not to mention they are barely weaned, and two weeks away from their first vaccination.

I'm sorry, but I am really disappointed.

OldNotWIse

boomerang wrote: »

You're rehoming seven weeks old kittens, some of them singly? I applaud everything you've done, but seven weeks is way, way, way, way too young for them to have left mum and siblings. They will lose out on an important period of socialisation up to 12 weeks and it will impact negatively on their future behaviour towards other cats. Not to mention they are barely weaned, and two weeks away from their first vaccination.

I'm sorry, but I am really disappointed.

Sorry you're disappointed. Nothing I can do about that. 8-12 weeks is the standard accepted time. I have 13 other cats and a dog to think about also*. Maybe you could direct your disappointment towards the thousands of people who wouldnt have even bothered taking in mum? How many kittens and cats have you at home?

*who came to us under similar circumstances.

edit: plus you have no idea the pressure I am being put under by my parents who think they should have been gone sooner - it's not like I am living in my own house and can call all the shots either

OldNotWIse

I feel sad, guilty and worried now Can I call them and ask for him back? they'll think I'm a bell-end.

Parents called, mom is over op and is resting in my room with heater on. Had some chicken.

Getting babycat mousse on the way for number 5. Vet said if she is taken off mum for a few hours the hunger might stimulate her to eat. Can I mash with formula??

Nody

OldNotWIse wrote: »

I feel sad, guilty and worried now Can I call them and ask for him back? they'll think I'm a bell-end.

Simply suggest to let them grow up with the rest of their siblings to help their character develop and reduce the chance of them becoming bity. If they agree, they agree, if they don't they don't. At the end of the day you're doing the best you can in your situation and getting them a good forever home is the most important part of that.

Getting babycat mousse on the way for number 5. Vet said if she is taken off mum for a few hours the hunger might stimulate her to eat. Can I mash with formula??

I did a mix at the start to squeese in but it only got really messy, I'd put some on a plate, put some on your finger and gently push it to her mouth and around it (two or three hours after feeding that is!) and see if you can't get her to lick it. Rinse repeat a few times and hopefully she'll start eating on her own.

OldNotWIse

Nody wrote: »

Simply suggest to let them grow up with the rest of their siblings to help their character develop and reduce the chance of them becoming bity. If they agree, they agree, if they don't they don't. At the end of the day you're doing the best you can in your situation and getting them a good forever home is the most important part of that.

I did a mix at the start to squeese in but it only got really messy, I'd put some on a plate, put some on your finger and gently push it to her mouth and around it (two or three hours after feeding that is!) and see if you can't get her to lick it. Rinse repeat a few times and hopefully she'll start eating on her own.

I thought it was a good home, and I got a really good vibe off them - they seemd to tick all the boxes. I just regret letting them go now! I'll stick to my guns re the other three but still feel guilty about those two - especially our little mohawk

I'll try that this eve with number 5. I think I'll let them sleep in with us as Mom needs to be separate from them until tomorrow according to vet. They may not have enough heat on their own.

OldNotWIse

Finally got number five onto solids last night. Bought her some Select Gold kitten food (tinned) and mashed it with the Royal Canin babycat milk - she loved it! They all did, even mum So happy with her. Mum doing well after her op - small, clean wound, very lively, eating fine etc

janmaree

OldNotWise, you've done, and continue to do a brilliant job there, under less than easy circumstances. When we either jump or are pushed in at the deep end in trying to save animals, we do our very, very best both in seeking advice and giving care. I learned long ago that conflicting advice is difficult to cope with but it's still helpful in that all knowledge is useful, it can even be reassuring to know that the road you HAVE to take may not really be the wrong way. However, each one of is in a unique situation and all we can do is the utmost possible given our individual constraints. It's clear from many posts in this forum that even vets don't always agree! So, in a nutshell, you opened your heart to this poor little cat, you cared for her and then you jumped for joy when her kittens arrived. (I've been "jumping" with you ever since, btw!) You've gone through an awful lot for this little family and you've clearly done absolutely everything you could possibly do for them ever since. I honestly don't think anyone here would disagree with that. I think we can get a little stressed over what should happen in an ideal world and what does happen in the real world. We all get disappointed when the ideal world evades us and I really don't think you, or anyone else should stress too much about the best "real world" we can come up with. Congrats on getting the littly to start eating, I bet you won't be able to fill her just now! Sending you hugs. J.

boomerang

Janmaree I agree 100% but three different posters advised to wait until the kittens were *at least* nine weeks old before rehoming. I feel let down because the OP has done such a fine job in every other respect and the thought of seven week old kittens being separated from mum and siblings really upsets me - and it's what most people do. The best cat rescue groups and professional cat breeders never rehome a kitten until 12 weeks plus, for very good reason. They will also try to rehome in pairs.

OldNotWIse

janmaree wrote: »

OldNotWise, you've done, and continue to do a brilliant job there, under less than easy circumstances. When we either jump or are pushed in at the deep end in trying to save animals, we do our very, very best both in seeking advice and giving care. I learned long ago that conflicting advice is difficult to cope with but it's still helpful in that all knowledge is useful, it can even be reassuring to know that the road you HAVE to take may not really be the wrong way. However, each one of is in a unique situation and all we can do is the utmost possible given our individual constraints. It's clear from many posts in this forum that even vets don't always agree! So, in a nutshell, you opened your heart to this poor little cat, you cared for her and then you jumped for joy when her kittens arrived. (I've been "jumping" with you ever since, btw!) You've gone through an awful lot for this little family and you've clearly done absolutely everything you could possibly do for them ever since. I honestly don't think anyone here would disagree with that. I think we can get a little stressed over what should happen in an ideal world and what does happen in the real world. We all get disappointed when the ideal world evades us and I really don't think you, or anyone else should stress too much about the best "real world" we can come up with. Congrats on getting the littly to start eating, I bet you won't be able to fill her just now! Sending you hugs. J.

Thank you for your kind words. Yes it has been difficult, but I wouldn't change any of it, except the fact that I caved into the pressure coming from my parents and OH (who thought six weeks was ok for them to go). I feel pangs of guilt now when I see the remaining three playing and sleeping together - I know the others are missing out My Dad was already on the phone to me twice today asking me if I have homes for the remaining two

Re our numbers, my parents often point out that I would be able to give them a much better home if we had less but they've all just found their way here and I can't turn them away. I know people who have just one cat or a dog and a cat or whatever and they are able to pamper them and spoil them and spend all their time with them - there are many evenings after work I'd love to head out to the garden for an hour and play with the dog instead of cleaning out the cat's house or taking the neighbour's dog off the chain for twenty minutes etc but sometimes I just don't have the time. In any event she sleeps in my bed, rides shotgun in the car, gets her forest walks at the weekend and is never really alone so she's not doing too bad. I choose to help as many as I can and sometimes that's a stretch and yes sometimes it is a bit manic and I think they'd all be better off being re-homed individually and spoilt rotten but I believe they are all happy, they don't want for anything, they have warm beds and food, vet visits if they are sick and most importantly, they are loved. I know I flew off the handle yesterday, I was speaking from a place of regret and frustration!

OldNotWIse

boomerang wrote: »

Janmaree I agree 100% but three different posters advised to wait until the kittens were *at least* nine weeks old before rehoming. I feel let down because the OP has done such a fine job in every other respect and the thought of seven week old kittens being separated from mum and siblings really upsets me - and it's what most people do. The best cat rescue groups and professional cat breeders never rehome a kitten until 12 weeks plus, for very good reason. They will also try to rehome in pairs.

Do you not think I am upset? And what are you going to achieve by berating me about this now? They are gone. Plus did you miss the part where I pointed out the pressure I am under at home to rehome these guys? It must be nice for you to pass judgment from where you are - you're not so upset that you offered to help.

I find your reference to "the best cat rescues" laughable - I chose NOT to dump them in a rescue, deciding it was better and safer for them to be born and nurtured in a home environment away from the risk of infection etc. Perhaps you would be less judgmental if I had dumped a pregnant cat in a shelter...at least you could sleep easy knowing they would stay there for 12 weeks*...

And another thing - in your ideal world of rehoming in pairs, have you considered that some people might not want to commit to two cats, and trying to persuade them to take a second is not the most responsible thing to do - they might end up regretting having a second one foisted on them.


*or even longer, if nobody wanted to rehome

boomerang

I'm not berating you, I was pointing out to the previous poster that you didn't get conflicting advice on the age to rehome. I can't understand how if you knew this and your parents have been so supportive and involved all along, that a further two weeks before rehoming would not be tolerated - especially if you explained the benefits. Can't see how your enthusiastic new homes would see it as a deal breaker either. I think you're back-pedalling, to be honest.

All our kittens are reared by foster families and rehomed from 12 weeks and in pairs. We explain all the benefits of adopting a bonded pair and if someone is unwilling or unable to commit to adopting two, then we politely turn down the offer of adoption. Older kittens (4-5 months plus) can be rehomed singly on a case-by-case basis.

OldNotWIse

boomerang wrote: »

I'm not berating you, I was pointing out to the previous poster that you didn't get conflicting advice on the age to rehome. I can't understand how if you knew this and your parents have been so supportive and involved all along, that a further two weeks before rehoming would not be tolerated - especially if you explained the benefits. Can't see how your enthusiastic new homes would see it as a deal breaker either. I think you're back-pedalling, to be honest.

All our kittens are reared by foster families and rehomed from 12 weeks and in pairs. We explain all the benefits of adopting a bonded pair and if someone is unwilling or unable to commit to adopting two, then we politely turn down the offer of adoption. Older kittens (4-5 months plus) can be rehomed singly on a case-by-case basis.

Back pedalling? That's remarkably unfair and I think you know that.

If you have nothing to add except criticise me and accuse me of lying (sorry "back peddling") then why are you even here? To make yourself feel better? Yes you're perfect, you keep all your kittens until they are 12 weeks. Tell me this - how many pets do you have? Do you live with your parents? Do you work full time? Or do you just rescue? All your kittens are reared by foster families? Easy for you to judge me then when you have other people doing your work for you. You dont actually keep them for 12 weeks - you get other people to do it... gives you more time to come on here and criticise people who are not as perfect as you are, and accuse them of lying.

You're disappointed I "only" kept the kittens until they were past seven weeks - can't imagine how devastated you must be thinking about all those less than perfect people who dump pregnant cats or turn them away because "someone else will take care of it"...

You are bang out of order. Take your judgemental claptrap elsewhere and be grateful there are people in the world who actually care about animals because there are plenty who dont.

DBB

Okay folks, give it a rest.
I'm closing this thread pending review when I've time later.

DBB

Okay, having had a chance to read through the posts here, I am keeping the thread closed.
From an impartial angle here... Boomerang expressed concern about the age the kittens have been rehomed at, rightly or wrongly. I honestly think that if some non-regular came onto this forum and posted that they had just rehomed kittens under the same circumstances, they would have got the same advice and the same opinion, and from more posters than just Boomerang.
OldNotWise, I understand that you do not want to hear what Boomerang said. But instead of arguing it reasonably, the vitriol towards Boomerang in your latter couple of posts is horrible. I understand completely that you're feeling rubbish about the kittens going, but that is not an excuse to talk to another poster like that, and warrants action against you because that sort of posting always would, were it anyone else. However, on this occasion I'll back off doing so because I hope your outburst was out of character due to your upset at the kittens going. The worst thing is that you did not report the post, instead taking matters into your own hands, back-seat moderating and giving me no option but to keep this thread closed. What a pity.
Thanks,
DBB