Yesterday moved past in a continuous blur of feeding every few hours in between all the usual daily chores. I am feeding them in the same manner as the lambs, no set routine, just tiny sips often. Now that they are hydrated the kittens are starting to look about three weeks old. One even played a little at nappy time. Both the bigger ones are now actually sucking on the bottle, I still have to start them off but we are making big strides in the right direction.
The marmalade-cat kitten is the biggest and the loudest. Boo watches it with barely disguised adoration. I close to the door to the cloak room when I am not in there and he lies outside the door with his nose pressed to the crack listening.
The littlest one almost died twice. I came into the room the first time to find him quite still with his head thrown back and his mouth wide open, eyes glazing over, barely breathing. Shallow. So like a mother cat I roughed him up, massaging his belly, stroking and getting him moving. It took a while, but both times he seems to rouse. I fed him only water until he began to pee properly.
I checked with a local cat breeder and she said that RAW cows milk is so much better than pasteurised boxed goats milk. And of course raw goats milk would be better than raw cows milk. But I don’t have a milking goat. So raw cows milk it is. The raw is the important word. Cats, like many people, often develop lactose intolerance to ultra-pasteurised milk.(When the enzymes necessary for digestion have been killed off plus most of the nutrients). And cats, like people, have a much easier time digesting raw milk. So I am feeding them diluted raw cows milk with no problems at all. All systems are go.
By 2.30 this morning the little fella had begun to purr when he was brought to my knee for his feed. He is on warm diluted milk now. Though it is still more of a force feed and only drops at a time. But I feel he is improving.
Boo would spend all day in there, if I let him. Once when I popped out to get a rag, I found that he had jumped over their barricades and was in with them because the marmalade kitten was getting itself in behind a dresser and it worried him, he was making darting movements towards its disappearing tail, not sure what to do. But he is too big for that and was told to jump back out and stay out while I rescued the little worm of a cat.
TonTon busied himself with the real chores while we coaxed the little scraps to eat.
He is not a cat-dog. He much prefers to be outside with his big animals.
In the night as I was up already, feeding the wee kitties, I thought I would take some shots of the sky. This being the challenge for this month and all.
Just to prove that there are lots of stars here.
Today I will do some study on taking shots of the moon. The moon is my objective after all and it is a different set of equations to the stars I think. Plus it is a big light in my night sky, like a search light. I had another trouble with the star shots last night because LuLu the little cat was following me around the yard, rubbing herself on my legs and the tripod legs. Sigh.
Good morning. The coyotes have been close by since the early hours of this morning. Yipping and barking and running along the creek. After one kitten feeding time I went out with the torch to the boundary and the dogs and I shouted at them. As I write Ton is barking himself hoarse making sure they know not to come too close. It is still dark. Predawn.
With their playgrounds (the fields) being harvested, they are on the move again. Their territory lines are being busted up. Plus the big machines dislocate all kinds of other tiny mammals and birds, the field mice and the ground squirrels, the pheasants and quail. The coyotes are having a literal field day. I don’t want them getting emboldened and drifting into my fields. Today, I will very slowly walk the chickens in their ark back closer to the barn. It is easier for the dogs to guard them when they are closer. Our corn is still up. Lots of cover for predators.
Have a lovely day, it is going to be another busy one here, but just maybe I can take some time off and get down to pick those apples. Thank you so much for all your kind and informative comments yesterday. Your combined knowledge has helped save these wee kittens. I think I should rename that post “How to hand rear kittens – please see the comments of the Fellowship”.
My arms and hands are tired. You know, that tiredness that gets into your little bones. And now it is time to get dressed and begin the chores.
your friend on the farm, celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
59 responses to “Stars and Stars. Kittens and Coyotes.”
I love that Boo’s new job is herding cats!
They look like actual kittens now that they’ve got some good food in their tummies and their eyes are clear!
Like me the kitties are being brought up.on raw milk. love it but it doesn’t love me. oh well those kitties are in capable and loving hands x
Gripping episode. Hope the kittens continue to improve, and keep those wily coyotes at bay:)
That sky shot is so lovely. And yes you must take care of yourself, though how you can possibly do that plus be up and down all night feeding the kittens is beyond me.
Oh wow – the little kitties are so adorable and you are doing a wonderful job with them. Mom/dad said they would take them if we were closer. Cute as a button they are! And of course, you know I love me some piggy pictures my friend. XOXO – Bacon
I didn’t get to read yesterday’s post about the kittens until last night, but oh! They have stolen my heart and Boo has run off with it! Those photos of Boo and the kittens may be the most endearing ever from the farmy. Of course you took the babies in, dropper feedings and all, in spite of all your other responsibilities. I’m pulling for the little scrap of a guy. Is that his name, Scrap, or do you already have one named that? I can’t keep track! I wish I could take one of them.
Cecilia! I am amazed how many stars you can see. I thought my dirt road was close to heaven. Yours is way closer. 🙂
Are you still working with a wonky tripod, or did you dish out for a new one? I envy your clear skies. Clouds and more clouds here. Misty and damp (and that’s inside the house; the plaster is slowly drying!) Good afternoon to you all. xx
I did indeed dish out for a new one and what a difference, It is stunning, now I just need to make sure to lock all the animals inside before i begin the night wanderings..
A watch out for wolves, c.
Celi are you eligible for a Woofer? Willing Workers on Organic Farms? I don’t know if you have to pay them other than room and board; or if you have to be certified organic… But an extra pair of hands every now and then would stop the fellowship from worrying about you. Perhaps there is a young person in your area who could be borrowed at various times. Great learning for them too…
What a marvel these little kittens are to see. The idea of the one little guy purring is just wonderful to hear. You have THE touch, my friend. And Boo is a wonderful guardian. I’m so touched by that instinct. Thanks for reminding me there are all those gorgeous stars up in the sky. I see a few of the bigger constellations and get all excited. Ha! I do forget how many billion I don’t see with all the ambient city light. I think I’d pay to just sit in your backyard and stare UP! LOL! Maybe after the coyotes, leave. ox
Over the years I have lost many cats to the coyotes and badgers here on the ranch. When they don’t come home in the morning I wondered for years what happened to them and called and called them. Now the cats are trained to come into the house for their evening feeding before dark. Nobody gets to stay out after dark. But mom, they meow. It is so nice to hunt after dark. Mom say NO WAY. Come inside and sleep with me and be safe. Nothing like going to sleep with the sound of purrs. Your kittens are so precious and so is Boo. I enjoy reading about your life every day
That’s what I do Emily! My kitties get a lite meal in the morning and in the evening when everyone is ready for the evening they get their homemade gourmet meal and they are always ready for me! Most of the time they hang out with me outdoors or on the landing in the garage where they can see me in the kitchen! LOL
Waiting for my phone call to go unload the trucks of beans! Kitties are very smart and don’t miss their evening meal! 😉 Celi needs to carry a rifle with her at night on her walk abouts! Oh gotta go! 😀
Re the sky-came across a phrase/sentence: “The moon was released on its own recognizance.) You’d probably like it; I gave it to my students in a list of prompts; hugs and admiration
I knew coyotes were wild things but I saw just last night on Turtle Man (don’t ask, I’m not always the one with the TV remote control…) a coyote going into an out-house to get to the cats. They are so primal and un-fearing.
I’m so happy to hear the kittens are peeing – that apparently gives them a good chance. You’ve really done wonders 🙂
The night sky pic is amazing, magical. Even in the city we pick out the stars we can see, it’s such ancient thing to do to feel your place in the world, but at our house in the country there are heaps more stars, even the Milky Way, and we get cricks in our necks from gazing upwards 😉
I love that Boo’s new job is herding cats! Hee!
With proper care, they actually look like kittens! Good job!
You’ll have to call that little kitty Rocky as he’s such a fighter – do so hope he makes it. What will happen to them, will they stay on the farmy or be adopted? You must be exhausted, but one look at your amazing night sky must be so motivating. Love that shot of the kitty “roaring”!
They can stay on the farm, Egoli could do with some company in the barn. But I need to set up some kind of night time arrangements, i cannot leave the basement door open all winter too! c