Bad News and Good News

[Reachoutrescue]

Tracy - my heart breaks for you, what a distressing thing to find when you got home after buying more supplies to battle on in helping him live. I've been wondering if the mother cat sensed that some of her kittens were sickly and so stopped nursing them all, and now that she has two healthy kittens she is back to being a decent mom.

We have all felt that we are failures, it happens to me almost constantly. Recently, I found out that Dude's gums were very inflamed and his mouth, of course, extremely sore. I knew that he has a history of this, being FIV+, and I had the steroid shots to give him, but I thought he was doing so much better in my home than a shelter that I didn't check him frequently enough. By the time I noticed, he needed to be on antibiotics as well. I wanted to beat my head against the wall for my carelessness and arrogance. In fact, I was negligent and you most certainly were not. That little kitten was actually lucky to be with someone who cared for him and loved him, it was Mother Nature who decided he had to go and she's one mean mother.

I thought the same thing about Dottie not caring for the kits...but the vet check two of them...the two that died...he dewormed them and started them on baby food, stage 2 gerber. Wouldn't he of noticed? I am so mad that I didn't see a problem sooner...maybe I could of saved them. I just hope the other two and Itty Bitty make it. This is the part I hate about rescuing. And if when I take the four Olney kittens (the one's who have the appointment) to be tested and they come back positive....then I need to worry about all the rescues. I just want them all to be okay and find loving homes..but I know that does not always happen.

I am sorry to hear about Dude. Hopefully He will recover quickly for you. Don't be so hard on yourself...you are a great moomma to those kitties. Because of you, they can live happy lives even though they are FIV +.
Thanks for listening. I hope I can repay you one day for all your kindness.

And, yes....mother nature is very mean at times....but she still is a goddess!!

[catfamily]

Thank You for rescuing these precious furbabies.We really need more people like you in the world.There just aren't enough kind people like you.I know your hurting because the orangie and blackie died but they got love and a good person to try at least to save their weary week bodies before they left and that's what all cats/kittens need.LOVE!! And someone to care enough to try to save them!Thank You and I'm saying Thank You from the babies that died because they are unable to.I'm crying with you

[Reachoutrescue]

Thank You for rescuing these precious furbabies.We really need more people like you in the world.There just aren't enough kind people like you.I know your hurting because the orangie and blackie died but they got love and a good person to try at least to save their weary week bodies before they left and that's what all cats/kittens need.LOVE!! And someone to care enough to try to save them!Thank You and I'm saying Thank You from the babies that died because they are unable to.I'm crying with you

Thank you Catfamily. I know they were loved and cared for, it is still hard. There is one more baby I fear for. If he pulls through...I will feel better. I am so doubtful about him though. I know that sounds grim....but it is the sad truth. I sure hope Jersey is strong enough. His sister, Sunshine, seems to be doing a little better. I haven't seen either kitten nurse of Dottie. Not sure what that is about. Dottie makes me upset sometimes. Sunshine will try to nurse, Dottie will lick her, then get up and walk away. It is really bothering me.

[catfamily]

Are you bottle feeding them too?I'm not sure what is best.You know better than me.

[Catty1]

If Dottie is still stressed - as you mentioned earlier - might some Feliway help her, along with pats and reassurance (as you are doing, I know)?

If she is still in a kennel or cage - is it covered with a large towel or blanket? She might feel 'safer' that way.

HUGS

[Reachoutrescue]

Are you bottle feeding them too?I'm not sure what is best.You know better than me.

I was only bottle feeding Itty Bitty. The others were syringe fed kitten weaning formula and baby food (lamb and turkey).

If Dottie is still stressed - as you mentioned earlier - might some Feliway help her, along with pats and reassurance (as you are doing, I know)?

If she is still in a kennel or cage - is it covered with a large towel or blanket? She might feel 'safer' that way.

HUGS

Dottie and her babies along with Itty Bitty were kept in our 1/2 bathroom. It is rarely used, so we figured we would just not use it at all. She was in a kennel, covered with a large blanket, but she tore the blanket up trying to get out of the kennel. We figured she was not happy in there. It didn't matter where she was, she didn't feed the babies in either spot. I am so baffled on this situation. (sighs...)