Monday, April 17, 2006
Four weeks old and counting.
Stephanie, our young volunteer who had previously written about her new litter of foster kittens, just sent an update:"The kittens we're fostering are about four weeks old and are playing with each other a lot. Donna Lee, the momma cat, doesn't keep as close a watch on them. Instead, she spends more time begging to be petted or grooming herself.
Her coat is now shiny and soft, and after getting enough to eat for the three weeks we've had her, she has a very thin layer of fat covering her bones. She has become a very affectionate cat and is a great mother at the same time.
"One of the largest kittens is drinking water and chasing toys. He loves to bat toys across the floor with his little paws. His gray fur is fluffy and he is the most toy-oriented one of the litter. He usually is the one who pushes everyone aside to nurse and play wrestles with the others. The other kittens are teaching him what is okay to do, and that he can't get too rough when playing.
"The second biggest kitten is cream and white. The kitten tail is up high like she's very important and noble. She bunny hops across the floor and plays with the gray one a lot. Her beautiful fur is one of the softest and she’s so cute when looking straight at you.
"There are two black and white kittens. One is fluffier then the other one, but it took me awhile to notice that. The fluffier one cries a lot. At first Donna Lee would go over and bring the kitten back to the bed when it cried. Later, she would only check on the kitten, but now Donna Lee just turns her head and goes on with whatever she was doing.
"The smallest but sweetest is cream and white. This one loves to sit on laps, but also plays with the green mouse toy.
"My mom and I cut some of their nails to get them used to it and so they wouldn't be as long and sharp. The front nails are pretty easy and the back ones would be too if I could see and cut at the same time. Usually the kitten's head is blocking the way.
"It's tons of fun to take photos of them while they explore the world around them. Photography is one of the great pluses of fostering and it is cool to notice how they've changed from the first day to the last."
Thanks for the update, Stephanie! We can't wait to see them all go to wonderful homes when they are ready.
