phoenix's health. help/advice please?

[Medusa]

You've gotten plenty of good advice so that's covered. I just wanted to say that both are beauties. Calicos are my favorite. I just love them. You might try goat's milk as moosmom suggested but always have fresh water out for them. I have two cat fountains for my Fur Posse. Btw, not all cats are lactose intolerant. I drink skim milk and when I'm done w/my cereal, I put the bowl down on the floor and they dive right in. None of them have had any problems ever from drinking milk. However, no sense in tempting fate, right? They don't need the milk; it's just a treat for my cats. Good luck!

[Phoenix]

I will always care about Phoenix.

Phoenix's mum (Princess) has never ever drank from any type of bowl or dish. My sister don't put her out water anymore as she would prefur to die from thirst than drink from a bowl/dish. Princess has always jumped in the bath and drank water straight from the taps. Anything less simply isn't good enough for her.

I often wonder if Phoenix will inherit this trait but then I do know animals can adopt strange habits. Like cats only drinking from Glasses sometimes in a certain setting. I also remember growing up having a dog and a cat and neither of them ate the right food. The dog would eat cat food and the cat would eat dog food. My mum tried everything and it never worked so she just let them be. But then they did use to sleep together and instead of chasing their own tail they would chase each others.

I love animals behaviour!

And I'm not sure if I would give Phoenix any milk as the though of it turns my stomach. My body simply can't tolerate it and the thought/look/sound and smell of it makes me feel sick. I may give it a go as I'm not the one drinking it but then as you'll already said they don't need it.

Ill buy some kitty treats instead

[kittycats_delight]

You can get lactose free milk drops or yogurt drops. My cats go nuts for the yogurt drops. I believe it is either gimpet or vitakraft that makes them but I will check it out to be sure.

[Catty1]

Whiskas makes something called Catmilk. It is safe for cats, 98& lactose reduced, has some protein and calcium.

Again, Phoenix shouldn't need it once she is grown, but it might be nice for a treat now and then.

[Phoenix]

Thank you all. I will buy some whiskas milk. They do a 6 pack so that should be okay.

Phoenix is 2 weeks old Today, I haven't seen her yet but can't wait to see her tomorrow.

Am I correct in thinking that she should start to be handled in 2 weeks? At 4 weeks old (1month)?

She doesn't get touched at all at the moment as we worry mum will reject her. I must admit though I have stroked her head the last time I saw her and she didn't hiss but I made sure I had princesses sent on me first.

[Karen]

You can touch her now, just do so when her momma cat is there, so she knows you are not a threat, and so Phoenix gets used to being touched. Try petting momma, too, if that helps, because that will help mom relax, too, hopefully.

[kittycats_delight]

Don't worry. It is not likely mum would reject them from being touched by a person (scent) she knows.

I delivered the last kittens I have here. Their mum was tossed out very young as she gave birth at around 8 months old. She didn't have a clue. When the first kitten started to 'exit' the body she went nuts, growling, trying to tear it out with her teeth, trying to run from it. I had to force her down onto a blanket and I was literally like a midwife with her. When the kitten was pushed out she didn't know what to do. I had to break the sac & cut the cord then place the baby with mum so she could clean him & he could feed. I did this 3 more times so all her kittens were handled from the second they were born and she never ever rejected any of them.

It is really only within the first days or even week mum is so inclined to be extra protective. Start handling now. What Karen said is good advice. Stroke Phoenix while mum is there and even include her in the petting session. Frequent petting sessions are great. If you are nervous still carry out your petting sessions while she is still snug with mum or on her blankie. You can start in a week or so, once you see mum & Phoenix & of course you are more comfortable, to pick her up for cuddles.