Update in video. Be sure to watch to the end!!
Kittens, Kittens, Everywhere:
Jun 29, 2010
Jun 25, 2010
Noteworthy changes
The kittens continue to have their home base in our kids' bathroom, but we've been bringing t hem out for longer and longer chunks of time. Today, for about an hour, we had 4 kittens, 3 humans, 2 adult cats and 1 dog -- all in one room, happily hanging out together. (Actually only one of our cats was 100% happy -- but that's another story.)
We've been feeding the kittens as much as they want -- and they are getting heavier; their bellies are getting bigger. Marvel, the smallest of the group, gets "first dibs" on food at each mealtime. Actually, we put him on the bathroom counter with his own bowl of catfood so he can eat, uninterrupted, as long as he needs / wants. Another noteworthy change in Marvel is that he's initiated play with his siblings a couple of times. Previously, he'd play when approached, but hadn't initiated.
Other noteworthy changes -- the kittens' greetings when we enter "their" room. The first few days, they meowed like crazy -- equally for food and attention. Of course, they were always "starving" and would start devouring food as soon as the bowls were set down. But, even before the food was gone, they'd start trying to crawl up our legs to be held and given attention.
Then, after we started letting them out into the hall to explore -- or into the other room -- they'd crowd around the door and try to push their way through the tiniest of openings in order to be able to explore some more.
Well, today since they've had plenty to eat and plenty of play / exploring time, when I went into "their" room in the evening, they looked at me but didn't move or react. --Oh, guess they are turning into grownup, "disinterested" cats!
Another noteworthy change (for which we are grateful!) is that they are no longer stinky! Hallelujah! Maybe they really did need the antibiotics and probiotics that we've been giving them.
Fingers crossed they all continue to do well. We'll have them at least another week, though Max has likely reached his 2lb goal by now...
We've been feeding the kittens as much as they want -- and they are getting heavier; their bellies are getting bigger. Marvel, the smallest of the group, gets "first dibs" on food at each mealtime. Actually, we put him on the bathroom counter with his own bowl of catfood so he can eat, uninterrupted, as long as he needs / wants. Another noteworthy change in Marvel is that he's initiated play with his siblings a couple of times. Previously, he'd play when approached, but hadn't initiated.
Other noteworthy changes -- the kittens' greetings when we enter "their" room. The first few days, they meowed like crazy -- equally for food and attention. Of course, they were always "starving" and would start devouring food as soon as the bowls were set down. But, even before the food was gone, they'd start trying to crawl up our legs to be held and given attention.
Then, after we started letting them out into the hall to explore -- or into the other room -- they'd crowd around the door and try to push their way through the tiniest of openings in order to be able to explore some more.
Well, today since they've had plenty to eat and plenty of play / exploring time, when I went into "their" room in the evening, they looked at me but didn't move or react. --Oh, guess they are turning into grownup, "disinterested" cats!
Another noteworthy change (for which we are grateful!) is that they are no longer stinky! Hallelujah! Maybe they really did need the antibiotics and probiotics that we've been giving them.
Fingers crossed they all continue to do well. We'll have them at least another week, though Max has likely reached his 2lb goal by now...
Jun 24, 2010
Days 11-15 - Now It's Two Weeks
On Tuesday we took the foster kittens to the vet. Marvel was 1lb 1oz, Max was 1lb 14oz, and the other two (Smudge and Emmy) were in-between. We were given antibiotics to administer twice a day for possible head-cold/infection.
They continue to have daily play time outside of their room. They've been curious about house plants and electrical cords, so we've had to keep a close eye on them.
They also are still getting along with our own pets, but we never leave them together unsupervised. One of our cats (Bindi) was playing with Max earlier today and we couldn't really tell if she was cleaning or biting him, but Max kept purring! Even though Max is a lot bigger then his siblings, they all still play together. Even Marvell has started playing "rough" with the rest of them.
Occasionally the kittens still get "poopy paws", but that has been happening less often. Nevertheless, kitten care involves a LOT of cleaning. For example, we clean the litter box at least 4-5 times per day and we have to sweep/clean the floor multiple times per day.
It will be sad to see them go once they're big enough to go back to the shelter, but it will also be a bit of a relief from all the pet care involved.
They continue to have daily play time outside of their room. They've been curious about house plants and electrical cords, so we've had to keep a close eye on them.
They also are still getting along with our own pets, but we never leave them together unsupervised. One of our cats (Bindi) was playing with Max earlier today and we couldn't really tell if she was cleaning or biting him, but Max kept purring! Even though Max is a lot bigger then his siblings, they all still play together. Even Marvell has started playing "rough" with the rest of them.
Occasionally the kittens still get "poopy paws", but that has been happening less often. Nevertheless, kitten care involves a LOT of cleaning. For example, we clean the litter box at least 4-5 times per day and we have to sweep/clean the floor multiple times per day.
It will be sad to see them go once they're big enough to go back to the shelter, but it will also be a bit of a relief from all the pet care involved.
Jun 19, 2010
Days 8-10 - Life with Kittens
We have gotten into a routine with the kittens, and have been busy, so daily posts might not always happen. But we'll keep this updated!
The kittens continue to grow. Maxwell is twic
e the size of his siblings. He will be a BIG cat. Emmy and Marvel love to be held and are the two shyer cats, while Maxwell and Smudge are outgoing and playful. They are both very interested in out cats and dog. Marvel - despite his early, terrifying dog experience - is not afraid of our dog.
Emmy has a fascination with our stairs. She really isn't big enough to walk down the stairs, so she jumps. And loves it.
Our own cats are beginning to forgive us for the kitten invasion and are starting to warm up to the baby foster cats. Maybe in a few days they'll even play. (Pictures will definitely be up if that happens)
The kittens still stay in the bathroom for the majority of their daily time, but now - after they've already explored our house a little bit - come running out of their room every time we open our door.
They go through quite a lot of cat food. Since we got them, they've eaten about 29 cans of kitten food.
The kittens continue to grow. Maxwell is twic
e the size of his siblings. He will be a BIG cat. Emmy and Marvel love to be held and are the two shyer cats, while Maxwell and Smudge are outgoing and playful. They are both very interested in out cats and dog. Marvel - despite his early, terrifying dog experience - is not afraid of our dog.
Emmy has a fascination with our stairs. She really isn't big enough to walk down the stairs, so she jumps. And loves it.Our own cats are beginning to forgive us for the kitten invasion and are starting to warm up to the baby foster cats. Maybe in a few days they'll even play. (Pictures will definitely be up if that happens)
The kittens still stay in the bathroom for the majority of their daily time, but now - after they've already explored our house a little bit - come running out of their room every time we open our door.
They go through quite a lot of cat food. Since we got them, they've eaten about 29 cans of kitten food.
Jun 16, 2010
Day 7 - A Week!?
Day 7 in Timelapse with the Kittens playing at the end:
Tomorrow will have a timelapse, but we'll also post a bit of news about the kittens as the timelapses are pretty much the same day after day.
Tomorrow will have a timelapse, but we'll also post a bit of news about the kittens as the timelapses are pretty much the same day after day.
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