A Cat Adventure

Meet Olly, Poezel and Lefty

Olly, the oldest of the bunch, is almost 7 years old. She has a ginger coat with a white bib and white paws. Marieke affectionately calls her "Olliebollie" because of her slightly rounder figure. Alongside Olly, we have Poezel, a fully ginger female cat who is 1 year old. And then we have Lefty, a tortoiseshell kitten, almost 7 weeks old, with a mix of ginger and black fur, and her left hind leg is red.

These cats are not purebred cats but wonderful domestic cats that bring lots of love and joy. Their owner has always had cats, and a total of 14 cats have been a part of her life. The oldest cat she had lived to the impressive age of 17.5 years.

When Olly came into Marieke's life, The plan was to get a nest with her. However, things took a different turn when Marieke became pregnant herself. Since using the cat birth control pill was not recommended due to an increased risk of cancer for the cat, Olly was sterilized.

The Preparations

The preparations for the arrival of the kittens were well thought out. The first step was to take an X-ray of Poezel to confirm her pregnancy. Just before delivery, an ultrasound was performed to determine the number of kittens in her belly. To prepare herself and her 5-year-old son Daan, Marieke read a lot about cat births and watched YouTube videos of cats giving birth together. Additionally, a birthing box, a playpen, disinfectant, disposable mats, and a scale were purchased to give the kittens a safe and comfortable start.

Poezel's delivery went smoothly. She chose the spot where she wanted to give birth and ended up curling up on Marieke's lap. She was very affectionate, and the delivery took less than 2 hours. Poezel gave birth to 4 beautiful kittens. It was fascinating to witness how Mother Nature did her work because Poezel instinctively knew what to do. She cleaned her kittens, ate the placenta, and bit the umbilical cord. The owner barely had to intervene, only occasionally helping with nursing and making sure the kittens were latching onto their mother.

Olly, the other cat in the house, observed the birth from the birthing box. She found it
all a bit strange, but since she already knew Poezel, the introduction to the kittens went smoothly. During the first few weeks, the kittens stayed within the playpen, allowing Olly to adjust to her new housemates at her own pace. Now that the kittens are becoming more adventurous and sometimes come too close, Olly usually reacts calmly. There's a quick sniff, and then everyone goes their own way.

The tinal tips

As anexperienced cat owner, Marieke is happy to share some tips with new owners. She emphasizes the importance of preparation and seeking advice from a veterinarian. Looking back, she realizes she may have taken too many precautions. A birthing box or a box is useful for the cat during labor, and a scale is absolutely necessary to regularly weigh the kittens and monitor their health. A playpen provides a safe environment for the kittens when they are still small and vulnerable.

In addition to these specific tips, she also highlights some general points. Cats are wonderful pets that bring lots of love and companionship, but they also come with expenses. Think about the costs of vaccinations, microchipping, flea and deworming treatments, and any other potential veterinary expenses. Cats can easily live up to 20 years, so it's important to realize that they truly bond
with you and require long-term responsibility. Additionally, cats enjoy going outside and need the freedom to be themselves. Although cats are not as easily trainable as dogs, each one has its own unique character and charms.

They are all different in their behavior. Each one has its own charms. That's why it was difficult for my son and me to decide which one we liked the most and would keep with us during the first few weeks. Eventually, we chose Lefty because sheis the most relaxed and also comes to us the most on her own. So, in a way, she chose us 😉

The adventure of Olly, Poezel, and Lefty shows how special it is to have a litter of kittens at home. The natural instincts of the mother cat and the interaction with the other cat in the house create a beautiful dynamic. It is an experience that enriches both the owner and the family, teaching valuable lessons about caring for these vulnerable little beings.

So, if you're considering getting a cat, be prepared, be patient, and enjoy the process. Cats bring much joy and love to your life, and you will undoubtedly build a special bond with your furry companion.