I posted this on facebook, too, but wanted to post here, too.
I am fostering a litter of kittens for the humane society. A momma, River, and her three now week old babies. Another foster mom with two orphaned 2.5 week old babies needed help, so as no one else was willing to bottle feed, I offered to see how they did with River and babies. So far things are great, I think, I just have some questions!
With the addition of the two new cuckoos, the nursing game has changed a little bit. The Cuckoos are a week and a half older, so are much larger and stronger, although they are also inexperienced. I just sat in the room while everybody nursed and there was a lot of screaming and flailing around. Momma has plenty of nipples, but there are definitely "preferred" spots. I'm also not sure if all of her nipples are "active"? Is that possible? If they were never nursed from, do they stop producing milk? Is it normal for wee babies to squabble and fight over the "preferred" milk spot even when other teets are available? If all kittens but one are nursing will the one not nursing eventually battle its way in or should I be worried?
I've never had to pay this much attention before. Sorry if these are stupid questions. I really want the Cuckoos to work out, because I think they'll really benefit from momma and littermates.
Also, I'm feeding River kitten food and making sure she has plenty of fresh water. She's currently getting a Lysine supplement and FortiFlora as she's having a bit if herpes flare up. Is there anything else I need to do for her?
Thanks in advance!
I am fostering a litter of kittens for the humane society. A momma, River, and her three now week old babies. Another foster mom with two orphaned 2.5 week old babies needed help, so as no one else was willing to bottle feed, I offered to see how they did with River and babies. So far things are great, I think, I just have some questions!
With the addition of the two new cuckoos, the nursing game has changed a little bit. The Cuckoos are a week and a half older, so are much larger and stronger, although they are also inexperienced. I just sat in the room while everybody nursed and there was a lot of screaming and flailing around. Momma has plenty of nipples, but there are definitely "preferred" spots. I'm also not sure if all of her nipples are "active"? Is that possible? If they were never nursed from, do they stop producing milk? Is it normal for wee babies to squabble and fight over the "preferred" milk spot even when other teets are available? If all kittens but one are nursing will the one not nursing eventually battle its way in or should I be worried?
I've never had to pay this much attention before. Sorry if these are stupid questions. I really want the Cuckoos to work out, because I think they'll really benefit from momma and littermates.
Also, I'm feeding River kitten food and making sure she has plenty of fresh water. She's currently getting a Lysine supplement and FortiFlora as she's having a bit if herpes flare up. Is there anything else I need to do for her?
Thanks in advance!