A cat surrendered to my local shelter started showing snuffles symptoms over the weekend (we've had a major outbreak recently) and was immediately put on antibiotics.
Sometime between Monday evening and early Tuesday morning, she gave birth to a single, tiny kitten. He was 66g when I got him on a scale last night (Tuesday night).
At first mom had no idea what to do with baby and was leaving him alone, letting him get cold. So I brought her home with me. She hasn't stepped foot out of the carrier since and stays curled up with baby.
He's now staying warm, suckling and sleeping. He's up to 69g (it's been less than 24 hours so I'm not too worried yet). Mom hasn't been cleaning him, but she's very congested, so I've been helping with that.
With him being premature, and mom being ill, I know his chances aren't great, so I'm trying to do what I can while staying realistic.
It's also possible mom still has more kittens baking in the oven. I just found a bit of blood spotted on her bedding and she's licked herself a down below a few times today. Not sure if that's post-birth discharge, or a sign that more are coming.
I've only fostered orphaned kittens before, never a mom/pregnant cat so this is very new for me. Would love to hear from anyone who's experienced anything similar.
Any tips/stories/encouragement are most welcome.
Sometime between Monday evening and early Tuesday morning, she gave birth to a single, tiny kitten. He was 66g when I got him on a scale last night (Tuesday night).
At first mom had no idea what to do with baby and was leaving him alone, letting him get cold. So I brought her home with me. She hasn't stepped foot out of the carrier since and stays curled up with baby.
He's now staying warm, suckling and sleeping. He's up to 69g (it's been less than 24 hours so I'm not too worried yet). Mom hasn't been cleaning him, but she's very congested, so I've been helping with that.
With him being premature, and mom being ill, I know his chances aren't great, so I'm trying to do what I can while staying realistic.
It's also possible mom still has more kittens baking in the oven. I just found a bit of blood spotted on her bedding and she's licked herself a down below a few times today. Not sure if that's post-birth discharge, or a sign that more are coming.
I've only fostered orphaned kittens before, never a mom/pregnant cat so this is very new for me. Would love to hear from anyone who's experienced anything similar.
Any tips/stories/encouragement are most welcome.