Then #7 was born, healthy but I didn't see the placenta. So we waited and watched and she pooped, vomited up the placentas and re-ate them. Then she pushed out #8. That surprised me, I was still waiting on the #7 placenta. But #8 was born but didn't breathe, then it's placenta came out. . I haven't seen that #7 placenta though....maybe I missed it??
I will tell my daughter. Maybe we should name them all cow breeds....Swiss, jersey, guernsey, Holstein, etc.
Thank you for sticking with me. I hope all is well and mama regains her strength. Oh, and she threw up in the litter box so only half of the mess was edible on the second go around.
I just checked on Mama and her babies. All is well. A couple of the babies are in an endless search trying to find the bottom row of nipples. They keep trying to push off the ones attached to the top nipples. They all seem healthy, I hope Mama rests a lot. She's got her hands/paws full!
I hope the babies have settled in some today. They should each be able to find a nipple of their own, and usually claim it for their own. Mama will need lots of nutrition to nurse all six efficiently. If you pick up a can of powdered kitten replacement milk and mix some, she will probably enjoy drinking it. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, this will translate to the kittens. And it won't go to waste, as the kittens can lap it once they begin weaning in a few weeks. Moo!
I will pick up some Kitten Milk powder today. Mama Cat worked hard and cleaned all the kittens and herself up really well! When I got up this morning I expected to still have some washing with warm water to do but everybody looks clean and tidy. If Mama Cat hops out of her nest to get some food, is it okay to pick up and hold the kittens? I don't want to over-handle them or risk her thinking they smell "too human" but of course I want to hold them.
I always recommend picking them up as little as possible the first couple of weeks, until their eyes and ears open. They're just so fragile. Mama kitties are usually not too keen on it in the early days either. If you must, I would do it in front of her so she sees you.