The Miracle of Birth

I’m one of those crazy cat people.  Actually, I’m quite normal and I happen to like cats.  I have 6.  Didn’t set out to have 6–it just happened along the way.  Last week our numbers rose.  We have had a stray kitty populating the streets of our neighborhood with tuxedo kitties.  We’ve been feeding her and providing shelter (more on that later) for her entire life–2 years.  We even took in the 2 kittens from her first litter–spirited them in through the front door in January, right before a big snowstorm. 

Last week we were able to trap (have-a-heart) the 2 babies from her second litter.  They were born around April 15th.  They have settled in nicely to inside living.  They have an appointment next week to get fixed, then they will be up for adoption.

Sunday we hit paydirt when we were able to trap Mama Kitty.  And she was caught none too soon.  She was VERY pregnant.  Early Tuesday morning she gave birth to 5 babies.  I was prepared.  I put together a birthing box for her–and, damn, if she didn’t use it.  The babies are adorable.  And I cannot explain how amazing it was to witness the birth.  Of all of the cats I have had in my lifetime, not one ever had babies.  I always used to joke to my father, much to his chagrin, that I was the only fertile being in the house.

Anyway, I have photos to post but I don’t know how to post them without my entire snapfish being exposed to the world.  Nothing to hide, but I don’t feel the need to share everything with the world.  If anyone has any hints, I’ll try them.

Everyone, Mama Kitty, 5 new babies, and 2 four-month old babies, has taken up residence in my room.  And guess what—we ALL have fleas!!!  They have worms…pray I don’t get them too.

Off to peek at the new babies!!!

OH–the babies will stay till they are weaned (about 2 months), then they will be available for adoption.  As for Mama Kitty, I don’t know.  She’s feral.  I don’t think she would adapt well to indoor life.  We are going to spay her and perhaps she can go back to running the neighborhood.  As I said before, she has always eaten here.  During the winter months, I create a "flop house" on our deck.  We move the patio furniture under cover and I drape everything with blankets, bedspreads, and towels.  Cat beds are inside.  Great little hideaway–very reminiscent of the forts we built in the living room as kids. 

Ok, over and out.