Marigold, our lovely Tortoiseshell, had her kittens sometime early this morning.

Yes, this was an intentional litter:

1.When we lost Sassafras to predators, and then Moop disappeared before we could get him to his scheduled neuter surgery, we were a farm without cats. Not good. (As well as being sad and worried.) We then had trouble finding kittens to adopt.

2. They were barn cats and a bit older when we got them. She took a while to even allow petting, but then decided I am her human. Kermit is allowed to pet her, but she does not seek him out for affection, just food .

3. Both Marigold and Katmandu are excellent hunters. But because they were then raised here, they know the domesticated birds are off limits - not that they are ever allowed near chicks, of course.

There are at least three kittens, probably four, she is in a kiddie pool under a table, nursing them nicely, and it's kinda dark there. So far what we know it there is an orange tabby, one definite tortie, maybe two. I don't want to disturb her for a definite count right now, though she dud accept so head rubs and accolades.

And yes, we have homes lined up for any we decide to share, and Kathmandu's neuter is being booked.