Empty Nest

For the first time this year its been more than a week that I've been without kittens.

The 2013 to 2014 season was big and continued for much longer than any of us had predicted.

On the 21st of September Tiny's new family came down and adopted her. Her new owner had only briefly glimpsed her and in those few seconds she wanted Tiny.

My friend Sam had spent the afternoon catching up with me and visiting with Tiny so I'm sure she told her sister (Tessa) all about what a beautiful nature Tiny has.

Tiny's trial at the shelter was cancelled and I doubt she would have done good there anyway. My friend Emma came for a visit with her dog Zoey and Tiny spent the whole time tense, growling and hissing. She had a lot of stuff to say and it was nothing nice.

After her three hour trip home I heard word that Tiny (Now Milly) was quite happy during the car ride and adapted to her new home within seconds. She has an 18 month old human sibling to grow up with and although they're still learning each others language they have already napped together.

I see a strong bond in the making and it makes me so happy to know she's adjusted so well.

So as a farewell to this group I'll post on arrival and on departure pictures of each kitten.

Baby Tazma

Tazma grown up

Baby Tilly

Tilly before going to her home

Baby Tina

Tina as a big girl

Tiny Turbo

Turbo the only boy...

Baby Tiny

Tiny all grown up and beautiful

Group Picture L to R - Tazma, Tiny, Tina, Tilly & Turbo

Goodbye my little Teeny Tinies, Grow big and live long with your forever families.

Officially Official

Well Tiny has been in for her surgery and has fully recovered from the surgery without the whole curse of the spay. This group of kittens have been some of the easiest recoveries I've ever seen.

So in answer to the question on gender.

Tiny is a girl. One hundred per cent certain only now she'll never be a mother.

I'm a girl!!!

Tiny is getting close to being four months old but still people remark in surprise on how small she is. Instead of growing outward in a chubby kitten stage this one has gone straight to long and lanky.

She is well over 1 kg (will be interesting to put her on scales and see just how much over 1 kg she is now) and she's still got that fight in her.

The shelter manager decided having one cat as the shelter cat would suit better and so Tiny wont be going through the trial period to be a shelter cat. I had my concerns about her remaining at the shelter but with anywhere she goes there will always be pro's and cons.

On the Pro side I would have kept in touch with her as she grew.

On the con side she would be exposed to virus' and would only get company of people while people were there and have to spend the nights alone with Pebbles. Knowing what a cuddle bug she is at times I feel she would be better suited to her own home.

In a blessing in disguise a friend Sam came down to catch up and visit. She wasn't in a position to have her own cat but when her sister came to pick her up Tess dropped a hint that maybe she would be open to adopting a kitten.

I was due at the time to have Tiny until the 15th after that she was going on trial period with the shelter. Since that is cancelled everything is now pending on when her new mother is ready to come down and sign the papers.

There is a hesitant date set of around the 20th but that may be prone to change. Either way it seems like Tess definitely wants Tiny. I'll breathe easy when its all finalized.

In the meantime, Tiny hangs out here and she seems to think she's a permanent resident. I don't know if our permanent residents are just scardy cats but its not the first time they've let kittens half their size beat them up.

Terra at least has a bit of a play and will interact with Tiny.

Look at those ears

Terra ready with the Paw Of Doom

A bit of a truce between the girls

 Leo's more 'I'll hit you if you dare come near me'.

Mum! She stole my toy ~ Leo

Mum! She's on my scratching post ~ Leo

I'll just hide here until she's gone ~ Leo

I do hope Tiny hasn't bonded with me too much but if she has I'm sure the few months with me will be blurred out with a lifetime in her new home.

Cute little Tiny is getting so big.

When Tiny goes, I'll be once again ready for some new little babies that need some TLC.

Mistaken Identity

I really should update more often but I never seem to, so here is the events of the past week or more.

Tilly moved on to her home on the 9th August. The family had bought her for their 8 year old daughter and her birthday wasn't until the 14th but they felt it wasn't fair giving her a kitten the morning of her birthday and then her having to leave the kitten for school. So they moved it back to picking her up the weekend before just so the family could adjust better to having the new little fur ball.

Tilly modelling her present Bow

What is this thing on me? ~ Tilly

I've been spoiled with updates already and it looks like chill little Tilly is worming her way into everyone's hearts both in the family and on the net. Her new name is Diamond. She has four human siblings and another kitty sibling to keep her entertained.

Cute head tilt Tilly

Felix arrived on Wednesday 6th August and will be returning this coming Wednesday the 20th. He's been getting long periods of time in the room free of his cage and in general he is a loving, affectionate cat. Not sure whether he developed the habit as a young kitten or its his way of showing affection but he does on occasion like to grab your hand in his mouth in small 'love bites'.

Pretty boy trying to convince me to let him out

He never breaks the skin and its generally just a gentle mouthing of your hand as you pet him. He's a flirt rolling around at your feet and purring up a storm. Felix is a wonderful boy but I feel he is missing having room to roam and to constantly be around people.

I did try him on the floor with Tiny but he kept going for the back of her neck. There was no hissing or growling but he has big jaws and Tiny has a skinny neck so they can just admire each other from behind cage bars as they take turns in roaming the room.

Tiny saying 'Hi' to Felix

Now....

I bet you're wondering why I titled this post as I have...

As Tiny's fur began growing back I began to get very confused as to what gender Tiny was. I usually go by the motto, if there is fur between then its a boy if there is no fur between then its a girl.

Tiny has a gap but instead of being a dot and dot it was a dot and a line. I was massively puzzled. All rules went out the window.

I consulted Connie for help and she said boy
I consulted the staff at the RSPCA and they said girl
I consulted the vets
 - The original vet said boy
- Another vet said unsure but had room to develop into a boy
- Another vet said girl

You can see why we are still uncertain.

What Am I? ~ Tiny

 If Tiny had begun to develop testicles we would have a lot less trouble but we couldn't tell whether Tiny was just behind in development or if we had incorrectly guessed gender and no testicles would ever appear.

Last vet check the original vet, the one who saved his life when he was on deaths door, Jess, took a look and finally said 'Girl'

So Tiny is actually a SHE

Tiny Today 16.8.2014

I guess we wont ever be 100% until some time after this Wednesday when Tiny goes in to be desexed. A lot more people are swaying to the female side now...

So I'll have Tiny until some time in September when she will eventually return to the shelter and be trialed as a shelter cat with their current one Pebbles. Pebbles is just so chill and curious about everything whereas for some reason Tiny has become a bit more reserved and defensive. I'll be working on her confidence until she does have to return but if she doesn't adapt then I'll be on the hunt for a lovely home to adopt this special kitty.

It would be absolutely perfect if I could keep in touch with her as she grows because she's been my biggest success so far.

Considering Tiny started as this.

It also appears the 2014 season is coming upon us fast so it wont be long and I'll have kittens tinier than Tiny once again.

Major Milestones and Moving Out...

Well quite a bit has happened since I last posted...

Where to begin.

A lovely lady inquired about a kitten and got directed to me and my group of kittens quite a few weeks ago now. Thus the post on the kittens and their personalities. She tentatively put a hold on Tilly but was undecided as to whether Tina may also suit the family.

I'm spoken for? ~ Tilly

On the day Turbo went in for neutering both Tilly and Tina were of the right weight (800 grams) and got booked in as well. Turbo was originally going to go back to the shelter and hitch a ride on a transport to another shelter but Leanne got another inquiry about a family wanting a kitten.

I had a day of meet and greets out at the shelter where the first family confirmed Tilly was for them but will remain in my care for now. Details on that at a later date.

The Pretty Tilly

The second family had wanted either Tilly or Turbo. It was a brief moment of suspense while I sorted out whether Tilly was spoken for or if they had decided on Tina. In the end with Tilly being taken she happily adopted Turbo who now goes by the name Lenny.

I get people of my own? ~Turbo

Word has it Turbo is doing extremely well in his new home and is actually seeking laps to sleep on where he preferred to sleep on his own while here. Hearing that warms my heart.

Over the weekend Tina had her picture put in the paper and a lovely woman fell in love with her and bought her sight unseen for a neighbor that had recently lost a kitty due to a car accident.

Really, who wouldn't fall in love with this cutie?

The family finalized the adoption details and picked Tina up on Sunday.

A family? I don't stay here forever? ~ Tina

Meanwhile Leanne got word that the family who had adopted Turbo now wanted Tazma as well.

Tazma had been a bit below weight to be adopted at the time of the original meet and greet. Without Turbo and Tina scoffing the food or harassing her she went back to gaining weight like a proper kitty.

She was booked in for her spay and travelled off to her new home on Wednesday where she will be reunited with her brother Turbo. She now has a new name Phoebe.

Tazma chilling on a hot water bottle

Tiny is still under the adoptable weight which is normal for him considering he's still around 300 grams behind his siblings.

Over the past week he has however reached his own milestone of 600 grams where he can get his first vaccination. He's now a big boy.

He looks pretty proud of himself...

Tiny is still visibly smaller than Tilly his new roomie but he's also looking more like a kitten. He's not all boofy head and skinny body anymore. I am eternally grateful that his fur is growing back on his legs and tail making him look that little bit less scruffy.

Its still early days but I will tentatively say the process is in place that Tiny will have a permanent residence lined up for when he is at the right weight. Until it is finalized I get the joy of holding onto him and watching him grow.  Such a hardship for me.

Tiny being cute...

In a week or so Tilly will move off to her new family and Tiny will get a new roomie although this time not a shelter kitten.

My aunties in laws need me to look after their baby. Felix (formerly RSPCA kitty Walnut) has been here before for a very brief period of time. This time I'll have him for a fortnight so it will be interesting on how he will adapt to his new surroundings.

Best picture I have so far.

I really hope bringing home a fully grown male kitty wont put Leo's nose out of joint too much. (Not that I intend on them meeting each other).

Progress and Personalities

Well it's been awhile since I last updated once again everyone will be pleased to know that Tiny is still with us and going strong.

Still got some boggly eyes going on though

Here's an introduction to each kitty with a small description of their personality. If anyone is interested in meeting or potentially adopting these kitties it wont be long now until they begin trickling back to the shelter.
You can send me a private message on my Legends of the Little Fur balls Facebook page by clicking here.

We shall start with Tiny's journey update.

We've hit a new high number...

For those who are new followers Tiny was brought in with his roughly three and a half week old siblings weighing a measly 190 grams and spent at least three weeks on the brink of death having gained weight, dropped weight, stopped eating, started eating again and having very chronic diarrhea.

Tiny is a little fighter. He has what I call small man syndrome. Although he is less than half the size of his siblings and even lighter in weight by his lowest sibling by about 300 grams he doesn't let that stop him from instigating fights and pushing them out of the way in a food bowl. He thinks he's big inwardly and I think that has been one of the factors of him getting through to where he is now.

A lesser kitten would have given up.

Tiny is a charmer, he is still very ratty looking at the moment but I hope with weight and when his hair on his rear end grows back he will come into his own. If not and he ends up always looking just that little bit odd he has an affectionate and quite full on nature. I can just see him getting into all sorts of trouble as he becomes bigger.

One of the more flattering pictures I have of Tiny

I'm not complaining that it will take him quite awhile to reach adoption weight.

Pretty Tazma showing off her thin white stripe on her face

Tazma is the second smallest having only just received her first vaccination. She had a brief period of dropping weight and hovering at the same weight but things seem to be going up again at the moment. She is now just over 600 grams.

Tazma is often picked on by her siblings (well the bigger ones) but if they push her too much then she can get quite ratty and pay them right back. Where ever she is Tilly isn't far away.

One easy way of telling the grey sisters apart is Tazma's thin stripe and the fact Tazma has back stockings where Tilly has back socks.

Tazma posing, quite hard getting pictures of these grey's with their fuzzy fur

Tazma is a purrer and a snuggler. She will sit at your feet and if you look at her begin purring instantly. She will sit in your arms as long as you wish to hold her and will often climb onto you and promptly have a nap.

Tilly not wanting to sit still

Tilly is a little rascal, only the slightest bit more outgoing than her sister so long as you don't have loud power tools going (she's a bit scared sometimes as we're renovating our kitchen). With people she's an absolute little love bug and has the same instant purr and chill nature soaking up any and all attention.

comparison of the grey girls Tazma left, Turbo wanting down, Tilly right

My mother has picked the greys as her favourites as they come over to the half door to the kitten room and sit there purring until you give in and pick them up for cuddles. Tilly will also mosey her way over and quite happily fall asleep on a person's lap.

Tilly is approximately in the mid 600 gram weight range

Me? Trouble? Nah

Tina is trouble with a capital T. This sweet little girl is adventurous and into everything. She enjoys climbing and playing like a mad kitty as well as chasing and tormenting her siblings until they get fed up and fight back.

She does also have a chill side and really enjoys having her belly rubbed. Tina will quite happily allow herself to be picked up and cuddled. She will also voluntarily wander over and nap on a person's lap.

Playing cutesy and innocent

Tina is definitely one of the more outgoing kittens and I can see her causing all sorts of mischief as she gets older. At the present she is breaking the 700 gram mark in weight.

He doesn't tend to like having his picture taken

Turbo is a wimp. He is also quite bratty to his other siblings at times pestering them until they're calling out but he's the first to scream bloody murder if they happen to get the upper hand. Turbo does not like loud noises and I find him to be the most reserved around people out of all the kittens.

Although he will come over for pats and cuddles he tends to freak out when held unless he's held close and secure - the other kitties you can scoop up and roll on their backs in your hands and they don't fuss at all. He has also been known to turn his nose up at an available lap and go snooze somewhere else nearby.

One of Turbo's better pictures

He is still quite cute and has his own little quirks that make him unique. Being the biggest and rapidly closing in on 800 grams it wont be long until this little wimp is up for adoption.

Some family shots.

All three girls and Tiny, Turbo sleeping on floor by himself

Kitty hugs (poor Tina pushed out of bed)

The Tiny Miracle Kitten

"I thank Connie from the deepest part of my heart for her support and suggestions. Words don't seem enough to express my appreciation that she takes time out of her day to read and respond to my worries no matter how great or small. I deeply regret any and all mental hardship she suffers by supporting me when our shelters run so differently and being so far away that she cant get a hands on idea of whats going on."

The following long post is an explanation of why I've been so absent. I've been on a roller-coaster of emotions all surrounding one kitten.

He literally fits in one hand with room to spare...

Tiny has had more chances in his small life than any foster kitten I have ever had the pleasure of caring for.

Chance 1
Being surrendered to the shelter and passing the original vet check at a low 190 grams in weight

He plops himself on my foot...

Chance 2
Having swan dived from 228 grams to 190 grams again with persistent diarrhea I felt his body was failing him and thought he'd never pass a sales check when he'd shown no signs of improvement. Connie convinced me to try them on a raw diet and once again I decided to stick that out for the weekend after he began eating it and showed some gain.

With one of his sisters Tazma I think...

Chance 3
Having made the decision when for the second time he'd dropped to 187 grams and this time had shown some lethargy, more severe diarrhea and a very painful behind. I had called the vet on the weekend prepared to take Tiny in and say goodbye. In fact with little to no body condition and such a painful behind I doubted anyone would put him through anymore suffering...

However...

Tiny being a brat and deciding to eat again...

Tiny has constantly known when to act bright and when to worry you to death. He gets all whiney and refuses to eat and you question why you're persisting. Next minute he's up in your face purring and eating away. It has been a constant seesaw since he's come into my life.

The vet said the lumps I'd found in his poop and suspected they were worms could likely be parts of his bowel lining due to the severity of his diarrhea. I thought that was it, he was done.

He sat on that table and stood up on shaky legs and looked up at the vet with his big eyes in his tiny head and he meowed at her. And just like me, she joined his cause and offered one last chance to save his life.

How can you resist those eyes?

Tiny and his siblings got put on a course of antibiotics, I got some cream to apply to his severely inflamed behind and the vet agreed to give them the second dose of their worming syrup. After that it was wait and see.

I changed them off the mince and back onto the AD that was slightly watered down. After a bit of nose upturning (and much disappointment form the four bigger siblings) they all adapted to the change.

Nearly immediately I began seeing rises in Tiny's weight rather than drops. His bowel movements improved in quantity but not quality yet (but they are greatly improved already). He became brighter and although he cant seem to keep himself clean for more than 5 minutes he's not hunching over as much. I will be glad when he begins to run and not waddle.

Tiny at his lowest

His tiny head is bigger than his tiny body...

Gaining 223 grams

Looking a bit perkier

Beaten his record of 228 grams

So far the highest he's ever been...

The vet check had some people surprised. One that he was still so tiny compared to his siblings and two that he'd managed to gain so much in three days.

That afternoon and the following day we had an off day again. He went backwards in weight and I was hovering wanting him to eat. I was determined to take him in for another check on the Friday but despite barely nibbling food and dropping weight again, Tiny was still bright and quite active. He did appear slightly uncomfortable looking.

After a whole day and about six piddles (very few in the right place) Tiny finally dropped what I would class as a formed poop.

We went from this (not tiny's poop his was often worse)

To this, this is tiny's. So close to a litter tray *sigh*

I decided against seeing the vet when after he'd done his number two's he began eating again and slowly gaining. I really really wish he'd get to at least 300 grams and stay there already.

Tiny is doing good as of today, actually running around, pouncing, playing and generally appearing more like a kitten. Sure, he's still little, his bum is still slightly inflamed, he tires quicker than his siblings but he has so much personality and fight in him that I have no choice but to stick by him and offer him whatever chance he has of reaching adoption weight.

Tiny is my little miracle kitten and maybe, just maybe he'll stick around and make it onto the adoption floors.

Looking slightly chubbier already...

Until Next Time...