Oh boy babies! I love being surrogate mom to the little angels. I'm so pleased to hear they're negative! I don't have much to add to Kathy's informative reply. I do have a wonderful home made formula using goat's milk that I'll send you (or anyone else) off list, if you're interested. All my bottle-babies did just great on it and after the first couple of times it was a snap to prepare. I too indulged my angels and let them nurse long after they'd started eating solid food. I really think it helps their development and the bonding is as rewarding for me as it is for them. When they start to chew and teethe on the nipples, gently tug the bottle toward the front of their mouths and they'll start sucking again. Oh they're so cute, I'm jealous.
I found when starting them on the litter box, it helped give them the idea, if I stimulated them over the litter. Kathy's shallow litter boxes are a great idea. I used regular litter boxes and built them "ramps" with rolled towels along the sides. I also used a medium sized cat carrier with the door off in the nursery (aka the bathroom) and a bunch of toys, throw pillows and a night light completed the decor. I lined the bottom of the carrier with a couple of towels wrapped around a heating pad set on low, situated so that it covered 3/4s of the carrier. I also put a fluffy stuffed toy in the carrier to snuggle with for momma-comfort. I found that they loved being groomed with a wrung warm towel after meals, (just like mom would do!). I talked to a woman at a local rescue that told me about bottle babies that grew up not knowing how to properly groom themselves, what kind of momma was she!? Congratulations on the new additions! Please send pictures!
Nina
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Hey all- I've been reading but not writing lately, life has gone into hyperdrive around here...I just have a question regarding raising kittens. Does anyone know at what age you can introduce a dish with canned mixed with formula. They just got their teeth today (all of them within 12 hours!) So when they nurse their chewing and not really sucking. Also, when do I introduce a litter box? They're all walking pretty good, wandering actually, they've also started playing with each other, grooming, and chewing on me! You've probably assumed i don't have they're mom...they were left outside in a box behind my work 9 days ago. We estimated their age currently to be about 19 days old. All 3 are boys, 2 orange tigers and 1 brown & white brown tabby. They tested negative for leukemia!!!! There thriving and doing great but usually us techs don't have to raise them because we usually find a lactating mom to give them to. Any and all advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanx in advance.
Kristi
