Weaning is the gradual process of separation of suckling kittens from their mother, when they start to become independent animals, able to feed and move around actively by themselves. Kittens may begin to show an interest in liquid food at around 3 weeks. By 6-8 weeks, they are usually eating well and receiving very little nutrition from their mothers. Many kittens are rehomed at this time. (more…)
Having answered all these questions, you will know whether you still want a dog or not, and can now turn your attention to the type of dog which would fit in best with you and your way of life. Don’t just look at the different breeds of dogs. Do a little research into their background and what they were originally bred for. This will give you a far better idea of the temperament your dog will grow up with. Every breeder will be tempted to tell you of the virtues of his favourite dog. Not many of them will tell you of their faults. Obviously, I can’t go through every breed for you here, but I will try to take a cross-section, to show you what you’re looking for.
The Labrador, the dog I am most familiar with, was bred to retrieve game birds. Therefore, he’s been bred to sit steady to the sound of gunfire, go out quietly and retrieve and to return to his owner. Nevertheless, he’s a very active dog and can work an eight hour day in the field and still look as fresh as a daisy: so he will want plenty of exercise. Here I can tell you how to read between the lines and find the faults of the breed. (more…)
The signs that birth is imminent may include increased displays of affection, traces of milk on the nipples, and perhaps a slight discharge from the vulva. This discharge may appear a day or two before labour begins and is quite normal, but it should be clear. If it is discoloured or smells foul this could indicate an internal problem and you should contact your vet immediately. The mother may tear up anything to hand — not just the paper in her box — and will probably alternate scratching and squatting. She may even be sick, vomiting her last meal from sheer excitement or simply because she ate it far too quickly, or because her first contractions are beginning. All these signs may be so brief they are unnoticed — or last for as long as a whole day and night. Get in touch with your vet beforehand so you will know where to contact him in the unlikely event of there being problems. (more…)
At first your job will be to see that mother is fed and provided for – she will need even more food and milk now that she has to feed the litter – and to make sure that the kittens do not wander into danger. If you cannot give a room over to the family, pen the cats in (a baby-pen works well if it is stable and the sides are not open enough for kittens to climb through).
Kittens cannot see at birth. They open their eyes at about five to ten days, but for three days or so they may produce a gummy discharge that should be cleaned away. They should not become resealed. (more…)
Mastitis is an infection of the milk glands, which may become painful and even discharge pus. In consequence, the mother will reject her kittens when they try to suckle. In mild cases, where just one nipple is affected, it may be possible to clear the blockage by gently squeezing — but prompt veterinary treatment is most important. The kittens may become ill from the mother’s infected milk and the mother herself will be in no condition to care for them. Antibiotics will usually deal with the problem, but in the meantime the kittens may have to be removed from mother and reared by hand. (more…)
Most births go smoothly, with mother and kittens knowing exactly what to do. There are a few possible problems, however, and you should know how to spot them.
Occasionally a placenta may be retained within the mother, rather than expelled after the kitten. Unless it is removed, it may decay and infect the uterus. An affected cat will show signs of discomfort, though with all the demands made uponher by the kittens it may not be easy to recognize any change in her behaviour. Her abdomen will clearly be painful if you handle her, however, and lactation will be impaired. She will probably have a fever and you may notice a brown, viscous discharge from her vagina (although a slight discharge of clean blood from the vagina even for a week or two after kittening is nothing to worry about). (more…)
