Bonnie (foster) had her babies

[jenluckenbach]

Bonnie had her babies! She had 5 but 2 were dead. They appear to be 2 tabby's like herself and one blue with possible tabby markings.
Since she has not learned to trust me completely yet, any advice as to when to touch them would be appreciated.
I will do my best when it comes to pictures but I do not have a digital and I don't want to be "In her face" too much.

[PayItForward]

Congratulations Bonnie on your new kittens.

RIP little kittens that didn't make it, you can wait for your mum and littermates on RB.

PS. Jen, You need a digital camera with all those beautiful cats. That way we'll end up with more photos.

[HayleyRosie]

Congratulations on the arrival of your new kittens.

So sorry to hear about the two little ones that were taken to the Rainbow Bridge.

I think that we both need to get a digital camera Jen. I would love to see more pictures of your furbabies.

[moosmom]

Jen,

Congratulations! The best thing to do is give them about a week. Then start handling them as much as possible to expose them to humans. Always make sure you praise and pet mama. This will gain her trust.

Pictures please!!

[IttyBittyKitty]

Yay! Bonnie had her little babies - I didn't think she was so close, considering she had a littler of seven. Milo had a littler of seven once, and towards the end she looked like a football on legs. It is sad about the two stillborn babies, but they will have gone straight to RB

I agree with Moosmum - leave it about a week or so - long enough for you to establish more trust with mama kitty, and not so long that baby kitties find it difficult to trust humans. Hopefully, unless Mama has any issues, touching them won't be necessary until then anyway. I do know what an amazing feeling it is to touch the tiny babies! Milo had a difficult delivery once and I had to help her deliver with the vet's instructions - handling a kitten that has just been born is totally unforgettable and not something you normally are able to do.

[kimlovescats]

Congratulations on the new babies..... so sorry that 2 of them didn't make it!

Jen, I started touching the babies immediately!!! I didn't pick them up alot and carry them off, but I gently touched them and rearranged them to be sure they were nursing well!!! It is an opportune time to earn mom's trust .... as she is pretty much in a "helpless" situation. Just speak softly and try to pet her gently each time you approach her and babies!

Yes, we WILL be needing pics soon!!!

[Pam]

Congratulations to Pet Talk's newest foster mommy - Jen! I wish I could see these little sweethearts in person but I know you will somehow get pictures to us. What a sad thing that all of the little siblings didn't make it, but I know that the remaining 3 will thrive with you looking after them and teaching 'mom' how to care for them. What a thrilling thing to be a part of and so rewarding. Congratulations Bonnie - you and your babies are in the best hands and don't pay any attention to your new human who I am sure is going to be hanging around any chance she gets.

[Barbara]

Congratulations to Bonnie and her babies -and I am sorry for the 2 who didn't make it....

Of course we would like pictures but at the moment it is more important that the proud mommy feels herself as undisturbed as can be

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

Congrats on the new arrivals. Sorry about the two who didnt make it - but they are in a wonderful, safe place now.

I have never seen new-born or very young kittens - it must be an amazing experience. Thanks for allowing us to share this with you - looking forward to pics as soon as you are able to get some!

Ally send gentle little Kitty Kisses to the babas!

[bluekat]

COngratulations on the new babies! and sorry to hear about the ones that went to the Rainbow Bridge
I'm sorry I don't have any advice for you on making the mother trust you, I haven't had this experience before. You could try talking softly to the mother, and try to touch her a little. But have lots of patience, when she finally trusts you to pet her, try touching her babies then. Good luck with them!
Please post pics ASAP!!!Can't wait to see them

[Cataholic]

I see the pm I sent you was too late!!! Congrats on the kittens. I would make sure you washed your hands very very well before and after handling any newborns, and I don't think I would do much with them until they have settled into a routine. I would make sure each one seems to be getting enough food, and would seriously consider boosting the food with a baby formula. You have to be careful not to overfeed them, though.

If Bonnie isn't taking to mothering, and that is one reason I would leave them alone for awhile, make sure you are stimulating them for poop/pee purposes. If you touch/interfere too much, I am afraid Bonnie MIGHT abandon them. So, use caution. If you see they are all getting along ok, I would leave them be. I don't think I would photograph her/them...might be too much for her, survival instincts and all might make her choose....

We will just have to wait and see. I would make sure she is doing her thing, and you are just 'at the ready' should she need input. She will need extra food/water, nourishment! Good luck.

[ramanth]

Congrats to Bonnie and her new babies!

And I'm so sorry to hear that two are now at the RB.

RIP sweet babies.


I hope all fairs well for you and the rest of the litter.

[K & L]

How exciting!!!! I can't wait to see them!

[marysmerrycats]

congratulations on the babies! so sad though that 2 were dead, I wonder , does this happen alot in litters? I also wonder , how does the mother react to something like that? I mean, does she sniff/lick them, or act nervous?

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Yipee!! More new kittens!! I have no experience at all with newborn kittens, so I wouldn't even think of offering advice. But I think you've got a lot of good suggestions already.

Can't wait for pics. I know you'll do your best to get them to us without scaring momma.

Congratulations!!!