Black&Tan Siamese kitten diary spring 2005

~ This diary reads from the bottom up ~

Maeve's Kitten Diary Spring 2005

The music used on this page is Let Them Be Little by Billy Dean

The kittens in this diary are the progeny of Maeve and Balor.

Look for follow up photo's of the kitten's in this litter as they grow up on our Where Are They Now? page.

The kittens in this diary have gone to their loving forever homes. Today we close this diary with a smile and a fond look back. We will never forget the the warmth and freshness they each brought into our lives. We thank them for bringing new friends into our lives and look forward to updates and birthday photos from their new owners. We enjoy seeing our babies as full grown adults. :)

Closing Stats

#1 Blue – is now Jude St. Legend and lives with her sister Jaya (#3 Purple)

#2 Pinky – is now Jeetah and lives with her thrilled and devoted owner Michelle.

#3 Purple – is now Jaya Lakshmi and lives with her brother Jude (#1 Blue)

July 20, 2005 - seventeen weeks

With Pinky's infection cleared up and her incision nicely healed she is enjoying getting all of Momma's attention. She started playing fetch with a shaky mouse last night. That is her Momma's favorite toy to fetch. Every time I tossed the mouse and it rattled Maeve would come running and Pinky would dive in front of her to get the mouse first. LOL, Maeve was a very good sport.

Pinky told me today.... I wish my family would come.

Her wish came true tonight. Michelle came to visit and Pinky went home with her. Pinky is a fun sporty cat and she now lives with a fun sporty family. Her new name is Jeetah. Yankees fans may recognize the feline, female twist in this name.

July 9,2005 -

Linda and her son came to pick up Blue and Purple today. The kittens were so good. Maeve walked in and checked out the carrier they brought, she approved. When it was time to go Blue walked in on his own and Purple joined him. I could not asked for a nicer transition.

Linda sent me some nice follow up emails. She told me she has never had an introduction go so well. Her adult cat and the kittens are respecting each other. She also said her Vet is a Siamese owner and he commented on how well socialized and good with people they seemed. He said we really knew what we were doing. Thank you for passing this along to us Linda.

July 8, 2005 -

Pinky's re-check went well. Dr. Ask was happy she has gained weight (4 lbs) and the infection is getting better. He wants us to watch her closely. An infection can cause the dissolvable sutures in the abdominal wall to fail too soon, allowing her organs to bulge forward (herniate). She still has a little puss draining from the hole and he wants to allow it to heal naturally as long as it doesn't get worse. She will continue on the antibiotics and we will watch her very closely. Poor Lil Pinky has had a rough beginning. Her indomitable spirit is carrying her through this well. She never shows an indication she is anything but her happy, social, sprightly self. She jumped up on the stool next to me while I was having lunch and began talking to me. I couldn't resist sharing some chicken with her, lol. She was in heaven. She has such a personality she will be one of those kittens that is never forgotten, Siamese thru and thru. Even at the Vet while Dr. Ask was making notes in her chart she walked up to him and wanted to know what he was doing. I can't help but smile at her.

July 5, 2005 -fifteen weeks

We went in and saw, Siamese enthusiast, Dr. Ask today. He confirmed Pinky (3.4 lbs) has an infection and started her on an antibiotic. She will be medicated every 12 hours for the next two weeks. She has a small hole in the sutures where the infection is draining. Dr. Ask wants to see her again on Friday to be sure we have the infection under control and the hole does not become larger. If it continues to open he will suture it closed again.

July 4, 2005 - Happy Independence Day!

Independent Lil' Pinky is still seeping and her incision looks to be swelling a little. She does not have a temperature and continues to display her sprightly nature. I will call the Vet first thing in the morning.

July 3, 2005 -

The healing process has been going well. The kittens activity level is increasing. Blue is allowed the run of the house again. I am keeping a close eye on the girls to be sure they are not stressing their stitches. I noted today that Pinky's incision is seeping a little. I check her hourly. She show no behavior changes she is active and appears happy.

June 30, 2005 - fourteen weeks

The kittens went in this morning for their Spay/Neuter surgery. We picked them at at 4:30. The surgery went well and all patients are happy to be home. Blue having had a less involved procedure is much more active. He is separated from the girls and spends the next day upstairs with our Sons. Their rooms are connected thru a bathroom, this makes a large and comfortable isolation area. I allow the girls to stay together in our bedroom, as they both have the same activity level.

June 16, 2005 - twelve weeks

All three kittens get there second dose of Strongid-T.

June 8, 2005 - eleven weeks

Pinky and Blue are showing signs that they are becoming mature enough to leave their momma. Purple still needs to snuggle with momma occasionally.

Pinky is a hoot, she is independent and comes everyday around 4 pm and calls out one of us (humans) to play. She doesn't stop meowing until she gets someone to follow her into the family room to play with her. At bedtime she likes to play fetch with a feather toy. She will climb up on the bed with her fuzzy feather and wait for me to throw it across the room. She dives for it at high speed and returns with her catch. Only to do it all over again.

Blue is taking after his father in size and demeanor. He is so laid back and will allow you to do whatever you want with him. He enjoys talking. He has a nice soft voice. He is a complete lover, he loves kisses and likes to snuggle. He is getting big. I took a photo of him with his mother so you can see that he is almost as big as she is. Maeve is a petite Siamese at 7 pounds.

Purple was last born but shows every indication of being a middle child. She follows her brother as his right hand. Shares her toys well and is never a problem. She has a mild personality very much like her brother.

June 2, 2005 - Ten weeks

The kittens went for their first set of core vaccinations, FVR-CP and Strongid-T, Dr.Duckett said they were all healthy with nice strong hearts. Their fecal test was clear. With one look at Blue Dr. Duckett said he is going to be a big cat. He is bigger then most cats at 10 weeks of age. Pinky and Purple took their shots like troopers, not even a peep, Blue was not so tough and cried out. The rest of the day they were quiet. They all got special attention and lounged around like royalty.

May 25, 2005 - nine weeks

They like to hide under the bed and wait for an unsuspecting victim to walk by, then they pounce.

May 18, 2005 - eight weeks

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 1138 grams (2 lbs. 8 ounces) up 85 grams

Pinky is 939.5 grams (2 lbs. 1 ounces) up 85 grams

Purple is 968 grams (2 lbs. 2 ounces) up 85 grams

Now that all the kittens have reached two pounds we will no longer weigh them.

May 15, 2005 -

Morning weigh in......

Blue is1053 grams (2 lb. 5 ounces) up 56.9 grams

Pinky is 854 grams (1 lb. 14 ounces) up 42.7 grams

Purple is 882 grams (1 lb. 15 ou nces) up 57 grams

The kittens are enjoying running thru the house and playing under the bed.

May 11, 2005 - seven weeks

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 996 grams (2 lb. 3 ounces) up 71 grams

Pinky is grams (1 lb.12.5 ounces) up 42.7 grams

Purple is 825 grams (1 lb.13 ounces) up 57 grams

We have been working on not climbing the floor length drapes. They learned quickly and this never become an issue for any of them.

May 8, 2005 -

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 925 grams (2 lb. .5 ounces) up 99.6 grams

Pinky is 769 grams (1 lb. 11 ounces) up 85 grams

Purple is 769 grams (1 lb.11 ounces) up 67 grams

May 4, 2005 - six weeks

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 825 grams (1 lb. 13 ounces) up 85 grams

Pinky is 683 grams (1 lb. 8 ounces) up 106.7 grams

Purple is 701 grams (1 lb. 8.6 ounces) up 124 grams

Maeve decided today was the day to let her babies explore the whole house. We woke up to find kittens running about. Maeve pulled the gate open so they could all slip out. The run has been put away. The office doors are closed only at night and meal times.

Purple Six Weeks of age

Pinky Six Weeks of age

May 1, 2005 -

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 740 grams (1 lb. 10 oz. ounces) up 113 grams

Pinky is 576 grams (1 lb. 4.25 ounces) up 92 grams

Purple is 576 grams (1 lb. 4.2 ounces) up 103 grams

All the kittens are eating and drinking out of the big bowls. They have mastered the training litter pan and we are introducing the big litter box.

April 27, 2005 - Five weeks

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 626 grams (1 lb. 6 ounces) up 39 grams

Pinky is 484 grams (1 lb. 1 ounces) up 39 grams

Purple is 473 grams (1 lb. .6 ounces) up 21 grams

We add a cat condo tree for climbing.

April 24, 2005 -

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 587 grams (1 lb. 4.6 ounces) up 39 grams

Pinky is 451 grams (15.8 ounces) up 42.7 grams

Purple is 444 grams (15.6 ounces) up 17.7 grams

All three kittens are eating and drinking from the kitten bowls. Blue now eats from Momma's big bowl. They are One Month old. The room door is now open. Magi and Emma visit and hang out.

April 20, 2005 - Four week milestone

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 548 grams (1 lb. 3.25 ounces) up 32 grams

Pinky is 409 grams (14.3 ounces) up 7.1 grams

Purple is 427 grams (15 ounces) up 14.2 grams

Blue is eating dry food, drinking water, and using the litter box. The kittens are all playing with toys, climbing, and fighting. Starting today we will now weigh twice a week. The room will now be lowered to the normal room temperature of 70 degrees. I removed the heating element from the nest today when I washed the cover.

April 19, 2005 - DAY 28

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 516 grams (1 lb. 2.1 ounces) up 35.5 grams

Pinky is 413 grams (14.5 ounces) up 24.9 grams

Purple is 402 grams (14.1 ounces) up 14.2 grams

Blue decided today is the day he will eat kitten chow. He wants no part of the milk mixed food. He is big enough to eat his kibble dry. Pinky uses the litter box first! She has leadership written all over her

April 18, 2005 - DAY 27

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 480 grams ( 1 lb. .875 ounces) up 14.2 grams

Pinky is 387 grams (13.6 ounces) up 10.7 grams

Purple is 388 grams (13.6 ounces) up 0 grams

Purple continues to be active. Blue found his way to the litter box and decided it made a nice snack. I tried showing him some food but he liked the litter better. We set up the kitten run to protect the kittens and to control how far Purple wanders. Pinky and Blue are also leaving the nest and crawling about. They like to crawl into the corners of the box just over the edge of the nest to hide and sleep.

April 17, 2005 - DAY 26

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 466 grams (1 lb. .38ounces) up 10.6 grams

Pinky is 387.9 grams (13.6 ounces) up 10.6 grams

Purple is 388 grams (13.6 ounces) up 0 grams

Purple was very active, at least she didn't lose any weight today.

April 16, 2005 - DAY 25

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 455 grams ( 1 pound) up 21 grams

Pinky is 359 grams (12.6 ounces) up 14 grams

Purple is 388 grams (13.6 ounces) down 10 grams

Purple's loss may be due to all the exercise she got yesterday. I will be keeping a close eye on her for a few days.

April 15, 2005 - DAY 24

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 434 grams (15.25 ounces) up 17.8 grams

Pinky is 345 grams (12.1 ounces) up 3.5 grams

Purple is 399 grams (14 ounces) up 39.1 grams

Pinky is 12.1 oz. ( 345 grams) up 3.5 grams.

Purple ventured out of the nesting box and across the room. I found her asleep in the pyramid bed.

April 14, 2005 - DAY 23

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 416grams ( 14.6ounces) up 14.2grams

Pinky is 342 grams (12 ounces) up 10.7grams

Purple is 359 grams (12.6 ounces) up 7.1 grams.

April 13, 2005 - Three week milestone

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 402 grams (14.1 ounces) up 10.7 grams

Pinky is 331 grams (11.6 ounces) up 10.7 grams

Purple is 353 grams (12.4 ounces) up 7.1 grams

I begin slowly lowering the room temperature to 75 degrees. The heated nest will remain on.

April 12, 2005 - DAY 21

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 384 grams (13.5 ounces) up 10.7 grams

Pinky is 320 grams (11.25 ounces) up 10.7 grams

Purple is 345 grams (12.1 ounces) up 0 grams

The kittens are beginning to play fight with each other.

April 11, 2005 - DAY 20

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 374 grams (13.1 ounces) up 14.2 grams

Pinky is 309 grams (10.9 ounces) up 17.8 grams

Purple is 345 grams (12.1 ounces) up 24.9 grams

April 10, 2005 - DAY 19

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 359 grams (12.6 ounces) up 17.8 grams

Pinky is 292 grams (10.25 ounces) up 10.6 grams

Purple is 320 grams (11.25 ounces) up 14.2 grams

April 9, 2005 - DAY 18

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 342 grams (12 ounces) up 14.2 grams

Pinky is 281 grams (9.9 ounces) up 21.3 grams

Purple is 306 grams (10.75 ounces) up 14.2 grams

April 8, 2005 - DAY 17

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 327 grams (11.5 ounces) up 14.2 grams

Pinky is 260 grams (9.1 ounces) up 14.2 grams

Purple is 292 grams (10.25 ounces) up 14.2 grams

April 7, 2005 - DAY 16

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 313 grams (11 ounces) up 14.2 grams

Pinky is 246 grams (8.63 ounces) up 14.2 grams

Purple is 278 grams (9.75 ounces) up 10.7 grams

April 6, 2005 - Two week milestone

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 299 grams (10.5 ounces) up 24.9 grams

Pinky is 231 grams (8.13 ounces) up 14.2 grams

Purple is 267 grams (9.38 ounces) up 17.8 grams

I begin lowering the room temperature to 80 degrees. The heated nest will remain on. I washed the cover to freshen it up.

April 5, 2005 - DAY 14

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 274 grams (9.63 ounces) up 10.7 grams

Pinky is 217 grams (7.6 ounces) up 10.7 grams

Purple is 249 grams (8.75 ounces) up 10.7 grams

Purple sheds her cord.

April 4, 2005 - DAY 13

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 263 grams (9.25 ounces) up 17.8 grams

Pinky is 206.4 grams (7.25 ounces) up 3.5 grams

Purple is 238.5 grams (8.38 ounces) up 10.7 grams

April 3, 2005 - DAY 12

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 245.7 grams (8.63 ounces) up 17.9 grams

Pinky is 203 grams (7.13 ounces) up 10.8 grams

Purple is 227.8 grams (8 ounces) up 21.4 grams

April 2, 2005 - DAY 11

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 227.8 grams (8 ounces) up 10.6 grams

Pinky is 192.2 grams (6.75 ounces) up 7.1 grams

Purple is 206.4 grams (7.25 ounces) up 3.4 grams

Their coats are filling in more and their eyes are now open.

April 1, 2005 - DAY 10

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 217.2 grams (7.63 ounces) up 18 grams

Pinky is 185.1 grams (6.5 ounces) up 21.4 grams

Purple is 203 grams (7.13 ounces) up 21.4 grams

March 31, 2005 - DAY 9

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 199.2 grams (7 ounces) up 17.6 grams

Pinky is 163.7 grams (5.75 ounces) up 14.2 grams

Purple is 181.6 grams (6.38 ounces) up 10.8 grams

More eating, crawling, and sleeping. They are working at strengthening their necks and legs.

March 30, 2005 - one week

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 181.5 grams (6.38 ounces) up 17.8 grams

Pinky is 149.5 grams (5.25 ounces) up 10.7 grams

Purple is 170.8 grams (6 ounces) up 17.8 grams

Maeve is taking more breaks away from the kittens so we are maintaining a warm 80-85 degree room. I plug the nest in whenever she leaves. Blue shed his cord today. All the kittens eyes are opening more. Their eyes reflect red and will grow more blue as they mature. I allowed the resident cats in the room today to look around. Maeve was concerned but allowed them to peruse. With curiosity satisfied they left to go play with each other. I will allow them in each day for a minute or two. Maeve seems to be missing them.

March 29, 2005 - DAY 7

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 163.7 grams (5.75 ounces) up 21.4 grams

Pinky is 138.8 grams (4.88 ounces) up 21.5 grams

Purple is 153 grams (5.38 ounces) up 10.7 grams

Alright Pinky, You go girl! They are becoming more active and enjoy crawling to the edge of the nest and hooking their chins on the edge and rolling onto their backs.

March 28, 2005 - DAY 6

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 142.3 grams (5 ounces) up 14.2 grams

Pinky is 117.3 grams (4.1 ounces) up 14.1 grams

Purple is 142.3 grams (5 ounces) up 21.3 grams

At the morning weigh in little Pinky is still skin and bones compared to the fat tummies of her siblings. I tired a third time to supplement her. Maeve was not happy with her kitten crying and wanted to drink the formula as soon as she saw the bottle. I am going to let Maeve and Pinky handle the feeding their way as long as Pink continues to improve. More sleeping and eating is on today's agenda, plus a bit more squirming around the nest. We're seeing the slightest indication that they are beginning to open their eyes.

March 27, 2005 - DAY 5

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 128.1 grams (4.5 ounces) up 17.8 grams

Pinky is 103.2 grams (3.6 ounces) up 10.7 grams

Purple is 121 grams (4.25 ounces) up 21.4 grams

Today Pink was the first to shed her cord. I tried to supplement her feeding again but she still refused and fussed. She is developing a little personality. She is a laid back little kitty. Literally she is most often found stretched out on her back sleeping. Maeve is showing that she is taking great care of her kittens I am having to remark them every few days.

March 26, 2005 - DAY 4

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 110.3 grams (3.9 ounces) up 7.1 grams

Pinky is 92.5 grams (3.25 ounces) up 7.1 grams

Purple is 99.6 grams (3.5 ounces) up 3.5 grams

A quiet night brings us to the morning weigh in. Pink weighs in with a 7.1 gram increase, Woo Whoo an increase! It is a small increase and she is now showing how much thinner she is then her siblings. She is now latching on better but is not aggressive in the nest. I continue to favor her by helping her find a full nipple whenever possible. I tried to offer her formula but she would have no part of it, resisting at every attempt. Rather then toss it I let Maeve drink it from a saucer. Photos now show the darkening of ears and noses. Maeve is choosing to venture around the house and make sure everything is copasetic.

March 25, 2005 - DAY 3

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 103.2 grams (3.6 ounces) up 17.8 grams

Pinky is 85.4 grams (3 ounces) up 0 grams

Purple is 96.1 grams (3.4 ounces) up 10.7 grams

The night again passed quietly. The French doors to the office/kitten room remain closed to visiting feline house mates. I sense a bit of jealousy and pay extra attention whenever I am out of the kitten room. The tips of Blue's ears show they are beginning to darken. Purple also shows darkening at the tips of her ears and her nose pad is showing gray. Pinky's weight, she stayed at 3oz. (85.4grams) Her ears and nose pad also show signs of gray. Still no weight increase but she is holding her own and not losing. I am considering supplementing her with the kitten formula I have on hand but I really want her to get her moms colostrum. I again spend the day closely observing the kittens and helping pink to find her nipple. She sucks but seems to fall asleep right away. The weight gains are reflected in the kittens personalities. Blue is a go getter, and will nuzzle the other kittens off a nipple he wants. It seems he is drawn to them by the sucking noise they make. Purple resists the take over but does give in and finds a neighboring nipple. Pink is left to burrow under to find a low laying nipple. They still reject the full lower nipples in favor of the four nipples closest to Maeve's head. I think the fullness of the lower nipples flattens them and makes them difficult for the kittens to latch onto. Milk is now coming into the favored nipples. My husband decides on one more sleep over just to be certain the kittens are doing well with mom.

March 24, 2005 - DAY 2

Morning weigh in......

Blue is 85.4 grams (3 ounces) up 3.5 grams

Pinky is 85.4 grams (3 ounces) up 0 grams

Purple is 85.4 grams (3 ounces) up 3.5 grams

My husband spent the night with Maeve and the kittens. The night passed uneventfully. We will continue to maintain a warm 85 degree room for the first week. All three kittens weigh in this morning at 3oz. (85.4grams) That's an increase of 3.5 grams for Blue and Purple. No increase for Pinky worries me a little bit. I spend today observing Pink and helping the kittens find nipples. They reject the fullest and go for the ones that show no sign of milk. I know their sucking will bring the milk. The colostrum in feline milk is as important to kittens as human colostrum is for human babies. I give special attention to Pink in encouraging her to latch on. She is somewhat disinterested. My husband will again spend the night in the kitten room.

March 23, 2005 - BIRTH DAY - This morning around 7:30am Maeve our queen left a small spot of discharge on some fabric. I called her into my office / kitten birthing room. She is now nestled into her birthing box. We have the gas fireplace on to warm the room up to 85 degrees. I have a warming nest plugged in and warm. Maeve is unsettled and alternates from changing positions to nesting (rearranging the towels). Two hours have passed rather quietly and now labor has begun. Maeve is presenting with two bubbles. One looks like part of the placenta and the other is a tail with no feet. I am watching closely for signs of trouble and I am prepared to help if necessary. After several contractions with no progress I gently placed a finger on either side of the presenting kitten. With Maeve's next contraction I gently apply pressure inward. With the following contraction the kitten is born at 10:00am. Maeve quickly goes to work removing the sack, biting through the cord, and eating the placenta. She quickly cleans the kitten and contractions begin again. Quiet squeaks tell me the kitten is breathing fine. Now that Maeve is busy with contractions I remove the kitten and weigh it, 81.851grams (2.875oz.). I have a scale with a basket on the hearth where it is nice and warm. I also take this time to mark the kitten with a blue non toxic mark. Siamese Kittens are born all white and looking very much the same. This allows me to identify each kitten for weighing and monitoring their progress. I think this is a boy, time will tell. Blue is placed back with mum.

The next kitten is presenting and born head first at 10:15am. Maeve is more concerned with eating the placenta then removing the sack so I position the kitten so she will lick the kittens face. Once the kitten squeaks its protests I allow Maeve to go back to chewing thru the cord and taking care of the placenta.

Once this kitten is cleaned up a bit I borrow it for weighing, 3oz. (85.4grams). I also mark it with a pink mark, I think she is a girl, and place her back with her mum. The new kittens snuggle with Maeve. Forty five minuets have passed and I am starting to be concerned. I know there is another kitten to come, I can feel it. At 11:15 Maeve has a contraction and we are back in action. With her third contraction the entire kitten is expelled in the blink of an eye. This was really fast compared with the two previous kittens. Maeve goes right for the cord and I gently wipe the kitten's face to be sure it is breathing and I allow Maeve to take care of her kitten. Once cleaned I borrow this kitten for its weigh in, 2.9oz. (81.9grams). I believe this one is also a girl so she gets to be marked purple and then is returned to mum. I offer Maeve a drink and she is very thirsty. She leaves the box to get a quick drink. I take the opportunity to place the kittens in the warming nest and I remove the soiled linens and freshen up the box. Everyone settles into the clean linens, Maeve continues to clean and mother her babes until they are fluffy white and squirming. They begin searching through her belly fur for a nipple and try to latch on. The rest of the day passes quietly in rest. To prepare for the night we add a larger warming nest to the kitten box. The larger oval size works best for mom nursing kittens. The nest is only plugged in during the night when the fireplace is not on. This is to assure that the kittens do not get to cold. Many newborn kitten deaths are due to the kitten getting to cold.

The Stats at birth

#1 10:05am purple –Blue – 81.851 grams (2.875 ounces)

#2 11:15am pink – Pinky – 85.4 grams (3 ounces)

#3 11:05am red – Purple – 81.9 grams (2.9 ounces)

Names used represent the color each kitten is marked with for identification. Owners will choose real names.

_______________________________________________

March 15, 2005 - We can now feel little kicks and bumps in Maeve. She has at least two kittens, one on each side, my daughter says there are three. Maeve is not real big so it will be a small litter.

January 15-18, 2005 - Maeve is in estrus. Maeve is placed in the queens temporary accommodations along side Balor's apartment. This will allow them some time to smell and talk to each other. We assist and observe planned mating twice each day.

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