OT: Kitten update (and photos)

Vivienne is doing so well.  I was really worried about her getting enough to eat, but she seems to be doing fine on what she is taking in.  She does NOT like the bottle so I have to drip drops of goat's milk from a syringe for her to lap up.  She will take 1 tsp. very quickly but then doesn't want anymore past that.  She even sleeps for 6-8 hours at night.  If I can just get her through the next 2 weeks, hopefully she'll be able to start eating some on her own.  I'm going to be a worry-wart until then!  She is sooo cute when she plays with her paws and grooms herself.  I've tried to play with her with string but she still doesn't have the eyesight and coordination yet.  We can't wait until she is running all over the place playing with toys like a maniac kitty! 


Viv in her basket with E's stuffed kitties to keep her company.


Viv playing on mommy's bed next to her laptop.

OMG! She's soooo cute!

You know, the fact that she won't suckle from a bottle or syringe, just might save her life even though it makes it hard. When they suckle from a bottle or syringe, they often get too much too fast and end up aspirating which can cause them to quickly develop pnuemonia and die ... this I know from many years of breeding Havanese which are about the same size as a cat. Sooo, while it's more time consuming in the beginning, she's probably going to do very well and I imagine you'll have little Viv around for a good 15 to 20 years of wonderful snuggles.

Thanks so much for sharing this little bit of fluff and light.

Barb

That has been one of my concerns, Barb, to make sure I do everything I can to keep her from aspirating while she drinks.  I always put her on her tummy on a towel, not on her back.  It's funny how it is second nature for a human to flip a baby on their back to feed!  She actually latched on the the end of the syringe earlier today and starting sucking fast.  Though it would have been easier, I broke her suction and had her start lapping at the end again. 

Couldn't help but to share my story about Viv with all of you!  I'm looking forward to seeing photos of your Havanese clan one of these days!

OMG Shauna, she is MUCH too cute!!!  I am so glad she is doing well.  And Barb is right on target with the blessing in disguise on the nursing from a bottle.  I bred basset hounds for over 30 years and have lots of experiencing bottle feeding and it's not always the best situation.  You are really going to see her blossom soon!

Please read my reply to Barb above regarding the bottle/syringe, Suzanne.  I am really glad Viv taught me through trial and error how to feed her this way.  The kids would just crack up at her mean face when I'd try to get her to take that bottle nipple!  hehe 

My oldest daughter brought her Chihuahua over here a bit ago so I could see her all dolled up in her new sweater, collar, etc. and the kitten actually played with her for a little while, pawing and nipping at one another!

Awwwww... She's adorable!  I just love kittys!!!  Look at those eyes, she's going to be a character for sure!  Watch out!  Try not to worry too much I'm sure you're doing everything you can to nurse her  to health!  Sooo darn cute!

Sheryl

I have always been partial to kitties but have had the hardest time feeling I could ever bond with another one after Guin passed.  Viv has helped to heal that in perfect time.  I agree with you about her eyes!  There's something so lively about them.  Like she's this little brilliant being, about to be unleashed on this big old world! 

Shauna,
What a doll Viv is!!!!
I am glad you are helping this beutiful little girl.
Keep the pics and and her progress posted.
                             Annie

Yes, she is a living doll, Annie!  I look at her all curled up sleeping in her beautiful basket on her soft blankie with the heating pad underneath and it breaks my heart that all little kitties don't have wonderful, safe, loving homes.  I'm just so thankful little Viv found her way to us.  I will definitely keep the pictures and progress coming!  The kids keep teasing that Viv is turning into an "internet star!"

AAAHHHHH...............I miss having a kitty around. With 3 big/lap dogs in the house cats don't do so well. So I'll have to enjoy yours. Keep the pics coming. She really is adorable.

- Iris