By Norma MiltonSpecial to the Aroostook Republican
Last week, we talked about Shelter Code Animal #1398 who I had renamed Barbara Straisand. She came to CPR with 5 babies from Washburn about the same time, a litter of 6 orphan kittens came from New Sweden. Barbara included the 6 orphans with her 5 kittens. I became Barbara’s sole support system for 10 newborns (one died).
CPR is proud of Nolan, a 4-month-old un-neutered male who has been with us since three weeks of age, and is a self-acknowledged caregiver. Nolan is one of those special kittens from a feral background whose domesticated personality shines so brightly, you can’t help but wish you could say – “what is one more.” At first, Nolan was worried about the crying babies. He jumped on my knee to see why I was hurting them when I stimulated their bowels. After, I squirted a couple of CCs of formula in his mouth, he quickly figured out the rest of the situation. For some unknown reason, both mother cats have accepted Nolan in their room. When a mother takes a walk or a rest, Nolan is the chosen kitten sitter. He climbs into the cage and is soon covered by a mountain of kittens. Nolan is available for adoption as soon as he is neutered. Call CPR at 498-3800 for more information.
Within a few days, I knew Barbara and I were in over our heads. Poor Barbara, thin and haggard from a life of starvation and neglect, had lots of love to give, but no strength to feed and clean the babies. I supplemented their diet and stimulated them 4 times a day. I was quickly wearing out right along with Barbara. The babies quickly figured out that I was a food source and would scream when I entered the room. Barbara would get out of her cage and eat a meal of plain yogurt mixed in cat food while watching me care for the babies.
I called Pauline Woods who was fostering the new mother named Sage. Sage and her 5 babies were sent up to help with supplemental feedings. The first few days the ladies appeared to spit and hiss at each other, but Sage and Barbara were actually discussing a workable plan of care for 15 newborn babies. Sage was quiet but determined on how she wanted her cat unit set up and why. Until I could figure out what Sage wanted, I kept watching her pick up a baby and move it to a spot she felt was the safest for her babies. Finally, after I had rearranged the entire room, Sage settled down to nurse. I had found her solution.
Sage let me know that she would welcome as many of the babies as I wanted to give her, but she would not go into Barbara’s territory to claim and feed them. Barbara offered peace by lying down and exposing her belly noting that she would be happy go along with anything Sage wanted.
We embarked on a workable chain of command. Barbara and Sage nursed their own litter with my giving more help to Barbara’s crew because of her state of health. The 6 orphan kittens were divided with 4 orphans going to Sage as she was healthy and had more milk and 2 orphans were added to Barbara’s litter.
This worked well with me alternating supplements to both mothers. Now all three of us are exhausted but all 15 kittens are healthy, strong and demanding. Those tiny mouths are constantly open crying for the food faucet whether real or plastic.
Recently I noted Nolan entering the room, he appeared very concerned with this new aspect of our routine. Nolan, a 4 month old un-neutered male who has been with us since 3 weeks of age, is a self-acknowledged caregiver. His purr machine is on constant automatic pilot. He follows me from one end of the garage to the other. Looking for any excuse to jump on my shoulder and become my most dedicated cheerleader. Nolan is one of those special kittens from a feral background whose domesticated personality shines so brightly, you can’t help but wish you could say – “what is one more.”
At first, Nolan was worried about the crying babies. He jumped on my knee to see why I was hurting them when I stimulated their bowels. After, I squirted a couple of CCs of formula in his mouth, he quickly figured out the rest of the situation. For some unknown reason, both Barbara and Sage have accepted Nolan in their room. The other 12 cats in the garage are not allowed in, but Nolan has become a member of the support team. When a mother takes a walk or a rest, Nolan is the chosen kitten sitter. He climbs into the cage and is soon covered by a mountain of kittens.
Week by week as the needs of the young kittens change, someone or something always seems to come forward. Although I did grumble to Sage and Barbara the other day, “The good thing about this is that they grow up and leave home.”
I greatly appreciated the used mattress cover left at Paradis S & S that was cut up and sewn into squares just the right size for the kittens bed 15”x24.” They love it and it is so nice to put a double layer in and then just roll up the soiled one for washing. The Ladies of the Woodland Day Extension recently made a nice donation to CPR. We greatly appreciate this help.
Tent Sale: We have new items in our tent sale. If the shelter is closed, shop anyway and drop your donation in the mail to CPR, PO Box 488, Caribou, ME. 04736. We trust you.
Returnable bottles: continue to spay/neuter many precious animals. The 88 Bennett Drive Redemption continues to pass on your donation as well as your wonderful comments. Thanks so much for your support.
Call 498-3800 for information or check out our pets at www.cariboupetrescue.petfinder.com Caribou Pet Rescue, 6 Richards Rd., PO Box 488, Caribou, ME 04736 Neuter and Spay – It’s the ONLY Way.
