Worth the Weight!

Happy Jubilee Friday! 

After 3 full days of feeding her babies without any kind of supplemental support assistance from me each time I’ve checked upon the kittens (frequently) they have had very full tummies.  I’ve just taken their latest weights & am thrilled that every single kitten is now over the 200g mark: 

Black Female: 208g   Blue F 201g

Blue M’s   218g   &   208g 

They are stronger by the day & exercising their bodies as they begin to explore more. I’ve noticed Prune is more inclined to have a little “me time” though she is never far away and returns swiftly with a soft reassuring new to let them know she is there. However, each time she settles with them the kittens want to latch on & I think she is needing a little break, perhaps feeling some discomfort from the almost constant assault on her tears since there are always favoured positions. 

I watched a fabulous short video on Instagram this week where a back a Sphynx mother was laying flat on her back, legs akimbo with kittens latched on from both sides at once . I thought this a super solution and wondered why this is not a position that is used more often. Maybe because m the usual side laying crescent shape into which kittens gather is residual instinct since in the wild this poison shields & protects mum snd her exposed abdomen… maybe too this position is a way to attempt to shield a couple of the teats hiding them more beneath this giving them a welcome break! Only joking, when you see how they insistently butt and burrow in order to seek out the teats you’ll appreciate that unless she lays like the Egyptian Sphinx tummy to the floor (which she will do in the weeks to come after they have weaned to meat), her underside is getting no such rest! 

This video taken today (June 3rd 2022) does actually demonstrate a bit that head butting and digging as well as the many needle like claws that rhythmically knead pricking at her soft underbelly skin. Note to self that I may need to perform another miniature manicure again!

Chirruping

Whether I’m watching TV, knitting (another baby dress for my granddaughter) or anything else all the while I’m more & more aware these last couple of days of Prune’s almost constant communication with her offspring. It’s such a beautiful chatter of chirruping and warbles. They are in short bursts, like a murder & are reasonably high in pitch.  I wish I knew what she was saying but I think they are reassurances or encouragement since historically she makes this same wittering warbling chit chat sound a bit later when she wants her kittens to begin leaving the nest to explore & start gaining muscle strength & building stamina. 

When she leaves the den, and if the kittens then begin to squeak (where’s the milk? Where’s the milk ? They cry!) as she approaches she warbles the same voice to (I’m here children, don’t fret!) . It’s just so so lovely hearing it all. 

I’ve included here one of 2 delicious snaps I took of Noodle at about 4am today while she was in a very deep sleep. I wanted to honour her because when Pru took some time out yesterday evening to partake of a child-free & peaceful snooze on the heat mat on my bed under a blanket, Noodle who is usually there too had quietly vanished…bless her heart she had taken over childminding, keeping the kittens warm & in company (though there was no chatting!) . I love my ladies so so much & am frequently in awe of their communal kindness (they can squabble too btw!) .

Must do a new weigh in tomorrow as Prune is handling all feeding herself since Tuesday evening so 48 hours. Tummies are very well filled each time I check & there is no crying for food. As you see in the photo of them all there’s no problem with being plugged in. I so love the hands up pose there and the almost human looking fingers, Happy Jubilee Bank Holiday everyone! 

 

Day 10 update

 What better way to describe how well these kittens are doing than to show you? 

Do excuse some of the filming as I was looking at the kittens and mum with my eyes rather than through the camera. However, regardless of questionable shots it’s clear to see the wonderful way these kittens are growing and developing, their limbs are now getting stronger and it won’t be too long before they start to become more mobile! That is a stage that is a game changer as they gain courage and confidence so quickly, fearlessly climbing and then - yikes - jumping or scrabbling down before scampering off in a new direction. to get up to the next bit of mischief! I love them and hope they bring you joy too.