New Furbabies

We have acquired a new clutter of cuteness! Two weeks ago, the same day that we returned the previous litter, the SPCA asked us to take in another family. This one consists of a petite calico mother and her three gray tabby babies (no secret as to the colouring of their father!).

Mom, who we have nicknamed "Cali" (for Calico) is a very tiny cat, maybe one to two years old. She has very prominant calico markings on her back, and soft white fur on her stomach. Cali is protective of her brood, and stresses whenever one of them begins to cry. When we take one of of the nest she will follow us, meowing loudly, until we put it back in the nest.

Cali is very thin, and can use all the calories we can get into her. She adores the wet cat food that is the nightime staple around our house. More than once, she has been nursing her kittens in the nest and upon seeing a dish arrive with her food has made a beeline for the dish - leaving a trail of kittens behind her!! The poor little things had no idea what had happened: one minute, they were contently nursing; the next minute they were alone on the cold floor!

The kittens are now roughly three weeks old. They have not really left the nest yet, but they are active inside of it. Their eyes are wide open and they can hear us approach. Should we pick up one of the kittens, the kitten will meow very loudly (how does such a little body make so much noise??).