I have good news, bad news, or maybe sad news. Two of the kittens have crossed the rainbow bridge. One of them was Tiny. I knew that all of the kittens were at risk, but I also realized that a couple of them were worse than the others. I was told that when they were examined that the vet tech had a very difficult time even hearing their heartbeat it was that low. They were also very light in weight. Holding them was almost as if one were holding a feather, if that much. One weighed 0.80 and the other weighed 0.90. Now what unit of measure that is, I have no idea. As I told the gentleman who has and continues to help me with the cats here, while it is sad, it was not unexpected. I had thought it amazing they were still alive to begin with since their health was so poor when we found them. He did bring them back home though so that I could give them a burial near family.
The better news, is that two of them are home and doing so very much better. The kitten that I had called, the lighter one, is listed as a Dilute Tortoiseshell and is female. The black and white is a male. While they have a way to go, they do look somewhat better. The black and white kitten’s eyes are the worst. While one has opened more, the other is still badly matted with infection. The hope, is that once the infection is cleared, then his eyes will normalize and he too will be able to see. Right now, they are residing in the kennel/cage that was loaned me, that is set up in the bedroom that my son no longer uses. I was given the medications and wipes for their eyes. The black and white is a feisty little beast, letting his displeasure be known through kitten growls. Though he doesn’t fight being held. The Torte does hiss, but calms quickly once in hand and being snuggled.
I did not show any of the babies to their mom. She has stopped crying and looking for them. I feared that if she knew that any of her babies were inside, that she would be making her displeasure known about being separated. When I buried the two, I covered their grave in the hopes that nothing would disturb the grave.
My hope, is that once they are healthier, once they are bigger and have been spayed and neutered, I can find a good home for them. I’m working on the hope and belief that being inside, cared for, handled often that they will be really good pets for the right family.
Words from The Dirt Road 
Oh, it hurts my heart about the bridge crossings, even though we knew this was a possibility, given their condition. But you did the best you could, much more than so many people would have even considered. And finding a resting place on your own property was a wonderful idea, near family, a good closure and transition.
Now, let’s get those other two babies back to full health. They’ve been through so much and they deserve a chance at something better…
The gentleman helping me was broken over it and also afraid I would somehow blame him. I handed him a near impossible task. We knew the risks and potential. Yes, I had hoped they would all survive, but since they didn’t, I can fully focus on the two who did and as you said, get them back to full health, and find a good loving home for them.
Sorry for the loss but thank you for taking care of the kitties!
I feel like, since they are in my yard, they are my responsibility. The fact that she wasn’t trapped and had this family, means that I should do what I can to help them when it is needed. Besides, they are so cute..
Same here!! But it’s so hard these days – so many people got pets during covid that there are still very very few asopters.
I understand why they would do that, but I wish people had done their research and thought through those actions before taking that step. Now so many are facing the reality that cute and cuddly came with a lot of responsibility. Many of the shelters around here have been over full for months.
Same here. And fosters abd everyone else is full. By the city’s rules, all 20+ cats that I feed are mine – and kegal limit is 6.
Wednesday appears to have left, which bums me out, but I hope he’s found a good caregiver!
That is what I say every time a cat disappears. Especially the ones that have been altered and have the ear tipped to show that. Maybe, hopefully, someone took them in and has shown them what being spoiled is like.
People stop to pet mine a lot. They’re welcome toany but Mabel. I’llbe wrecked if he disappears!
My mother and I were talking about this earlier. It is hard not to have a favorite.
Bless you for taking care of these babies. One of mine had eye melt and only had partial vision but he was good. I hope yours recovers fully but if his eye is permanently damaged he will get along fine.
Thank you. It may-or may not- be where he gets all that attitude from. I told my son he reminds me of Simba from Lion King and he just looked at me, until he saw it first hand last night. Now he understands.
Oh, I’m sorry to hear about the two that were lost.
You are doing a fantastic job. I’m sure the other two will be well socialized under your loving care!
Thank you. I hope so as they are special in many ways.