Kittens, Umbellical Cords, And Stillborn. Advice Please

[Mittysmommy]

It is the only one that has any orange. It is black white and has some spots of orange the rest are the gray/black/white striped one's and 2 are black and white only.

 

[Kieka]

Interesting. If it’s a boy that is extremely rare. I went back and looked at the old picture and compared the two. If it wasn’t for the coloration, I would say boy. Giving the coloration which sounds and looks like a tortoiseshell or calico, that is usually a girl only coloration. It has to do with the link between coloration and gender in cats. It’s a 1 in 3000 chance that it could be a boy with that coloring.

Can you share a photo of the kittens body?

4 was the one with the biggest weight hurdles too.

 

[Mittysmommy]

 

[Kieka]

You got something very special in four there. I checked with @1CatOverTheLine and four is very likely a chimera. Two different DNA strands that fused together as embryos to form one kitten. Most likely a orange tabby and black cat combination. Which would mean it could be a boy and wouldn't be considered a calico or tortoiseshell but a unique blend of two unique colorations. This one might be one where the vet is going to have to make the final call on gender. I asked people I know IRL and it was split about 50-50 on boy or girl.

 

[Mittysmommy]

I believe dad is a yellow/orange cat. Very cool. That's the one i secretly want to keep. Fiance says absolutely not! Lol we shall see!!

 

[Mittysmommy]

So i put canned food in with mom tonight and all the little guys came "running" at the dish of food. I took it and watered it down quite a bit. Are they ready if they are eating It and showing interest? I know they still need mom regardless but just want to make sure it is okay. Typically mom eats in the other room so they haven't even had a chance to see her eating.

 

[Sarthur2]

They are clearly ready! Don’t water it down too much - like a thick gruel is good.

 

[Mittysmommy]

Great! Thank you Sarthur2
They were going crazy! I just wanted to make sure that was okay. How often should i make it available for them? Mom gorges and will eat all food in her reach so ive tried to stop keeping her dish full at all times.

 

[StefanZ]

Yeah. But observe, as they are now beginning to eat real food, their poo will change, and momma will not be willing in the same way to take care of the end products. Ie, prepare a shallow litter with non clumping cat sand in it, and begin to train them to manage on their own. Mittysmommy

 

[Sarthur2]

Offer food to the kittens 4-6 times a day.

Let mom eat her fill while she’s still nursing. She needs it.

 

[Mittysmommy]

Little update. Kittens are eating food and still getting milk from mom.

All still look like boys but i swear #4 is a girl.

We have 2 little ones but They are still suckling and eating food as well. (They are actually my best eaters the past few days!)

I got them a large box because they were escaping my make shift pen. However Mittens doesn't like the box and let's the babies out to explore and play. They are confined to one room for the most part and I've baby proofed it best as possible.

Mom is being more stubborn and not letting them feed on her as much. (Is this normal?)

Ive put 2 small litter trays (I used old tupperware lids?) So far they haven't

used them. I believe mom is still cleaning up after them for the most part.

Everyone Seems to be doing okay and they are starting to play with eachother a bit. One of them really likes to attack Moms head. Although Mom isn't all to excited to have someone chewing on her ear

 

[Kieka]

Look at them!!!

Totally normal for Mom to be less inclined to nurse as they start eating on their own. It’s her weaning then and forcing them to eat solid food. That’s she’s doing it this early is probably due to the litter size. The two small ones are probably the best eaters because they had more trouble with the nursing.

 

[Mittysmommy]

That is kind of what i figured. The little one that is stripped is antisocial. Typically separates itself from the other kittens when they pile together. But is very energetic and loves to follow me around. He is also the first to perk up and come running when he hears my voice. I'm pretty sure has just not a cat person lol

 

[Kieka]

That is kind of what i figured. The little one that is stripped is antisocial. Typically separates itself from the other kittens when they pile together. But is very energetic and loves to follow me around. He is also the first to perk up and come running when he hears my voice. I'm pretty sure has just not a cat person lol

Some cats just aren’t big on other cats. Sounds like that one would love to be an only cat or at least in a house me where people are home all the time. My Moms cat is very human centric. He could care less about having our other two if my Mom is around.

 

[Mittysmommy]

All 8 babies

 

[Kieka]

Kitties!!!! Oh my oh my!!!



Four is so cute. Love that coloring on that nose!

 

[Mittysmommy]

Am I crazy or is 4 a Girl? Where the others seem to have 3 "dots" (bum, testicles, penis) this one only has 2.

 

[Sarthur2]

I think you may be right!

 

[Kieka]

Just to mention, since s/he is a chimeria there is the chance of maybe being a late bloomer. I’d ask the vet to do a real good check when s/he gets a little older to confirm.... but that is looking more female.

Single baby girl. Have you decided to keep her? (No pressure intended you just mentioned you were considering it earlier).

 

[Mittysmommy]

I'm considering! I've named it Albert sooo that might have to change. Fiance doesn't really want more animals right now but i may be able to change his mind lol.
Ive babies this one and the other little one so much it's going to be harder to let these 2 go. Especially the other small one (i call him Georgie) because he comes running eveeytine he hears me and also sneaks up over the carpeted step to come find me in the living room.