Kittens, Kittens, Kittens

There is a very significant part of my life that I don’t think I’ve mentioned yet.

I LOVE cats.

That sentiment really isn’t at all unusual. Go on the internet and pick a site, any site. I feel pretty certain that on every single website you could find some kind of information or media regarding cats. We as people have not changed in this love of the creatures for thousands of years. In ancient times we worshipped the animal in temples, and in modernity we’ve developed online temples to continue our devotion.

I have six cats myself. As of two weeks ago my infestation only numbered 5, but I’l get back to that later. The cat owners who know, know. The rest of you out there are likely wringing their hands in shock. Six cats?! How in the world could you end up with six cats?!

Look, in my defense when I got my first cat in my adulthood I didn’t think I’d get here either. Bearing that in mind, you may be surprised to know that of the houses/branches of my family I’ve still managed to acquire one of the smaller clutters of cats!

Raising cats is so incredibly rewarding. All of my cats were either found on the street, adopted from someone looking to rehome the animal, or adopted through a rescue group. The street cats are a given, but I’ve found that even animals from loving and caring shelters undergo a noticeable transformation after they’ve settled into your home. The joy in helping a shy timid cat grow into their true vivid personality is indescribable (sometimes cats stay shy and timid, and just become loving on their own terms. That’s okay too!).

I’d like to talk about the most recent soul in my care, working title, Soup.

My friends and I have developed a habit of frequenting a specific fast casual restaurant known for their soups and sandwiches. Towards the end of our meal, we noticed a gorgeous teeny kitten playing in the outdoor dining area. When I tell you she was small, I mean it. She was TINY. She was accompanied by a temporary owner looking to rehome her, so being the bleeding hearts we are she came straight home with us.

Her size was particularly relevant. Cats do tend to become independent quickly, but it can be misleading. A hard and fast rule to keep in mind when working with puppies or kittens is that they must remain with their mother for a minimum of eight weeks. Now, why is this relevant? Two days later at the vet we determined Soup was no more than five weeks old.

I’ve raised kittens this young, or younger before. The youngest was a Persian boy only two weeks old when we found him. It is one of the most beautiful experiences of my life that I’ve had the misfortune to have, and I pray that I never have to do it again. I would, of course, if I had to. Unfortunately while it is possible to bottle feed and hand raise a newborn it is detrimental to the kitten and taxing on the human. Barring unusual circumstances the best course of action is simply to keep baby with mom for the eight week minimum.

Kittens that young need regular bottle feedings. They must be burped after a meal just like a human baby. I would advise all carers to hit the thrift shop for some unimportant clothes, because it is not a question of if you will get pissed and shit on, but when.

I write this as in theory it sounds wonderful to be a surrogate mommy to a newborn kitten, but it really is best to leave there to the professionals if possible (momma cats are incredible!).

Soup is growing to love her new home. Despite only being with us for a few short weeks her growth has already been exponential. We have another kitten older than her (cats are considered kittens until they are a year old) that has already taken to playing and grooming her so she already has a big brother looking out for her.

I leave you this week with a simple request. Spay and neuter your pets. Donate to your local TNR groups and volunteer at your nearby shelter. It is hard work, but for these furry friends it is so so worth it.