Monday, December 5, 2011
YOWL!
Annie has gone into heat and she has the household upside-down. I guess you would have to experience the yowling and crying to understand. Annie goes into the vet tomorrow to be checked over to see if she can be spayed soon. One problem is that she has been seen nursing Audrey still.
They don't like to spay before she is completely weaned but I don't have the room to separate them.
Plus they would hear each other cry if they are kept in two separate rooms. Big problem. Oh boy! I'm taking them both in to the vet tomorrow and I will have to follow instructions. They will most likely have to be separated by having one be cared for by another foster. The shelter suggested I bring one of them back. I'm so upset about this. If anyone has any suggestions I am all ears.
hugs, Deb
I don't understand why they need to be separated? Surely mama cats have been spayed and stay with their kittens before!
ReplyDeleteI thought so too but apparently they can't spay until she has stopped nursing altogether. If you don't separate the kittens from the mom they are more likely to just keep nursing for as long as they want. Annie has gone into full-fledged heat and will continue to unless she is spayed and they won't spay until she is 'dried up'. So, you see my dilemma. They suggest they be separated.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I'd do what your heart tells you to do.
ReplyDeleteDoes the kitten nurse because she has to, or because momma is still around and it's comfort (like a soother).
Do you know any other vets and what they suggest?
Sorry I'm not much help, but my heart breaks for them and you......
Speaking grace and God's wisdom for you....
Brenda - the kitten only nurses because mom is there.She certainly does not need to but I'm not always around to stop her. Annie is showing all the signs of being in heat so it is time to spay. I'm hoping there is a solution without separating them right now. They may have to eventually be placed in different homes, though. This is tough.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't you tell the vet that.. that the kitten only nurses because momma is around, so basically she is weaned because she's eating her other food?
ReplyDeleteYou know what... when my Miss Kitty was spayed (many years ago) they were giving us all sorts of info about how to keep her from licking herself and what not. We tried it all. In the end, she just did what kitties do... her own thing. So we let her... without any repercussions.... maybe we try to human 'heal' too much?
Oh, Deb! I'm sorry for your distress. I hope it won't be too traumatic for mommy and baby or you either! You're so wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for popping in to see me.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Oh, Deb. So sorry all of you are dealing with this and I sure wish I lived close ... I'd take Annie and Audrey. ... I'm sure Teddy and Cassie are glad we don't live close! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteOh no! I know this is so hard for you to deal with. Poor Annie and poor Audrey! I hate to think of them separated but hopefully something can be done. Sending you a hug. Linda
ReplyDeleteWhat a stressful situation! We hope the vet can help!
ReplyDeleteSorry with the issue you are dealing with. Either way, your kitties are just lovely. Hope mom and baby will be okay!
ReplyDeleteWell we neuter them while in heat, while nursing, etc. We figure better to get it done then risk complications. and Mom will stop the kit from nursing if it is a pain afterwards.
ReplyDeleteIf you need to stop the kit from nursing, ask for a bitter ointment. Atropine is an eye ointment that is pretty bitter and safe to use. Or they might suggest something else. It will feel mean, but it will work.
oh my, that photo of audrey on her mommy is beautiful...those little paw paws!
ReplyDeleteand in the photo on the upper right, audrey looks like some sort of wild cat cub! so sweet. What will happen with Annie when Audrey gets adopted?