graduation day!!

I have 3 kitten areas:

the first one is file box, its a small box with a lid, this is used to keep newborns contained and warm.

When They get to be about 2 weeks old or can climb out of the file box, they get moved into a 3.5ft long rubber maid tote box, this has room for some toys, their bedding area and when they get big enough a litter box.

The 3rd and final area is between my front door and the wooden door that opens up into the living room, this is a bigger space, allowing for play, food and water dishes, litter box, toys and of course their bed. I laid down some carpet in this area so they had some good traction and makes it warmer. It's also gated off to keep dogs and kids away, I don't want the door shut b/c I fear I will not hear them and I can't see them as easily.

Today they went to the final room. Which means of course that my babies are getting to big to be living in a box. It's only a matter of time before they outgrow this area as well, and as active as they are now they really do need the extra space to play and they get to choose sleeping areas, they have a nice cozy bed in there, the heating pad to keep them warm and where do they choose to sleep? on the floor right next to the gate lol.

I called Mary today to let her know that the babies really need to be moved into a home with other cats soon. They need to learn how to be cats, if they miss this socialization part of their lives there can be some serious consequences for them, ones that might mean a kitten gets kicked out of a home, or worse b/c it was never taught the life skills a cat needs to know. Something that no matter how much I love them or Ruby thinks they are her, they just cannot learn from humans, the best teacher for them is another cat. Mary thinks that another foster mom with a litter and the mom about their age will take. This will happen sometime next week due. I will miss them but I know that letting them learn how to be their own species is the best thing for them and their future. So probably on Tuesday they will be picked up and moved into a new foster home...for me there will be more babies in the future, you always hope that the need will not be there, but its one of those things that you know the need will always be there.

Weights for tonight are pretty darn good. I expect Arthur to hit 1lb sometime in the next 2-3 days. At the rate he eats and grows it wouldn't shock me if tommorow he has surpassed 16oz.

Muffy - 13.4oz her and Kate are so close to each other, but she is still the smallest!

Athur - 14.5oz

Kate - 13.6oz her gains have slowed right down, but she is also the most active of the 3, and doesn't eat quite as much as everyone else.