Baby kitten Radish has passed away. I’m sorry to have to share some sad news with you. She was the one who was cold when I found her, and her fragile body simply could not recover from that trauma. She seemed fine the first day, but by the second day it was obvious something was wrong. She was taken to the vet several times, but she just wasn’t able to make it. She lived for three days. .
.
There are ups and downs in fostering. Fortunately the happy days *far* outnumber the sad days. It’s hard to lose an angel, but it’s a fact of life that not all kittens are going to make it. I take solace in knowing that due to fostering at least Regal and her remaining kittens have been saved from what most likely have been death for all of them.
.
.
This is why every cat should be spayed or neutered. Whenever you encounter someone who hasn’t spayed or neutered their cat, please speak up to educate and suggest resources (such as low-cost clinics etc).
.
.
I’m going to do a separate post answering 1) why Regal rejected her kittens, 2) why I didn’t put the kittens back with Regal, and 3) if I’m going to let the kittens nurse from Giselle. I won’t be answering those questions here; please check out my next post for answers. Thanks. @farmersmarketkittens said.
#farmersmarketkittens
The baby at the top is Raspberry. I’m very sorry to tell you that she passed away late this afternoon. She was 3 days old. I had her at the vet getting subcutaneous fluids and a B12 shot. As I returned to my car I noticed that she was gone from this earth. Rest easy, sweet angel. You had a big personality for one so tiny.
.
.
Raspberry was one of the three kittens born by caesarian. She was very tiny. The vet said there seemed to be something wrong with her lungs.
My heart goes out to my friend @whiskersnpurrs, who cared for Raspberry with such love and concern in her final 24 hours.
.
.
Thank you so much for your loving and supportive comments about Radish. I read them all twice, and I know I’ll read them again. They brought me great comfort. I got particularly teary with the comments that told Radish that she had a name and she mattered. For some reason that seems really important to me. #farmersmarketkittens @farmersmarketkittens said.
This is a sight we’ve all been hoping for: Giselle nursing the#farmersmarketkittens. If you’re wondering why I waited until day 6, it was to make sure that the newborns didn’t have any contagious medical issues. #GiselleRocks @farmersmarketkittens said.
View this post on Instagram
Russet would like you to know that he drank 5 ml of formula and purred all during his feeding. #farmersmarketkittens #FosterKittens @farmersmarketkittens said.
Good news! The foster mom who had the littles overnight reports that everyone’s doing well. #farmersmarketkittens @farmersmarketkittens said.
Freedom Day for Regal – she has gone back to her feral colony today. Here’s what I whispered to her as I passed her on to the driver who will release her: Goodbye Regal. You are a beautiful and brave cat. I picture you reuniting with your feral colony friends, hunting through long grasses, being happy and free. No more cage, no more babies for you. I’m sorry you had a hard time, and I love you @farmersmarketkittens said.
The vet thinks the kittens’ troubles might be parasite-related. They have done a fecal test and I am eagerly awaiting the results. It would be great to find out that it’s something that can be treated. These little guys deserve a break!
.
.
.
The kittens will sleep at a different foster home tonight; I’m getting them back in the morning. #farmersmarketkittens @farmersmarketkittens said.
I’m very sorry to tell you that Russet passed away this morning. All three kittens were at the 24 hour vet overnight receiving antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive measures. Everything that could be done was done. The thing I will remember the most about Russet is how he purred while drinking his bottle. Such a good little guy. Rest in peace little potato. We loved you and tried our very best for you. @farmersmarketkittens said.
Great news! Rhubarb and Romaine are healthy and doing well. Their new foster mom reports that they are good eaters and she’s totally in love with them. @farmersmarketkittens said.
Good news about Rhubarb and Romaine! Their new foster mom (Laura) sent me this sweet photo of Romaine. She reports that the kittens are doing very well. A lactating mom cat who just finished with her own babies was located this morning and brought to Laura’s house; we hope she will nurse Romaine and Rhubarb. So far it hasn’t happened, but she might just need some time. I’ll keep you posted! @farmersmarketkittens said.
RIP Rhubarb (on the right). Our sweet Rhubarb has left this earth, aged 15 days. From Laura: “Sorry to say that the smallest (Rhubarb) of my two orphans died early this morning. He lost his vigor yesterday and he became listless through the night and didn’t want to eat at all. By morning he was gone. His brother Romaine remains strong and interested in his feeds. He is eating every 3-4 hours now. Prayers for his wellness.” @farmersmarketkittens said.
Romaine is back, and I’m over the moon. @farmersmarketkittens said.
Romaine is back. Romaine survived. That’s all I can say. That, and thank you everyone for your prayers and support over the past four weeks 🙏🏼 @farmersmarketkittens said.
View this post on Instagram
Good morning from our little world. I hope you enjoyed your breakfast as much as Romaine enjoyed his! @farmersmarketkittens said.
View this post on Instagram
Romaine bravely exploring a new world
.
.
.
You might have noticed that his little bottom and back legs look raw and red and grubby. This is because he’s had diarreah since birth. Within the last few days it’s finally firmed up and we’re looking forward to his bottom healing. I’ll also give his leggies a wash today @farmersmarketkittens said.
View this post on Instagram
Romaine is four weeks old today! @farmersmarketkittens said.
View this post on Instagram
To the folks worried that Romaine is lonely – he’s with Foster Dad and I at all times and believe me, we dote on him! @farmersmarketkittens said.
Romaine meets the big kids (highlights from today’s live stream) @farmersmarketkittens said.
View this post on Instagram
Now, where DID I park my car? . @farmersmarketkittens said.
View this post on Instagram
Good night, sweet dreams 💕 @farmersmarketkittens said.
View this post on Instagram
He’s been studying this fabric for five minutes. What is it that he sees? @farmersmarketkittens said.
View this post on Instagram
Her (yes, I’m pretty sure Romaine is a girl) bottle is important, but what comes after is very important too.
Good night, sweet dreams 💕 @farmersmarketkittens said.
View this post on Instagram
I think it’s time to bring out the chewing and kicking toys! @farmersmarketkittens said.
View this post on Instagram