The Foster Files: Episode 2

Rachel the Stray Calico Becomes a Mommy

Rachel’s week-old kittens were thriving. An adorable mix of 3 orange tabbies (males), 1 grey tabby and 2 torties (females). All are reaping the benefits of Christa’s large kitten nursery kennel and plenty of high-quality food formulated just for nursing momma cats.  

“There’s no easier foster situation than a nursing litter,” Foster Christa says, “I feed Momma and she does all the work.” Nursing mother cats are devoted. Their job is to make sure each kitten survives, and they take it seriously. Still, kitten mortality rates are high – 15% to 35%. Even with an experienced, dedicated momma, kittens can die for unknown reasons, which experts call “Fading Kitten Syndrome.”

After three weeks, Rachel’s kittens' development is right on track. Now old enough to walk around and have a bit of independence from their mother, the kittens are dying to get out of the kennel and explore. The problem is, Rachel is revealing herself to be a feral (antisocial with humans) and will have to be returned to where she was trapped after the kittens are weaned. Much as Christa would like to let them all out to roam, if momma is not contained, she could potentially attack Christa. Cat bites and scratches can be quite serious causing nasty infections and even requiring surgery. Still Christa knows that it is important to handle the babies so they get accustomed to human contact. All things considered, it’s best to leave everyone in the kennel and bring out the babies as momma will tolerate each day. In about a week, they will begin weaning and get ready for the next stage of their journey to becoming house pets.

Stay tuned for Part 3!