The MMMM's Are On The Move...

Since the last post it's been pretty boring.

I weigh the kittens in the morning - all have usually gained upwards of 10 grams (A few instances they've gained a little over 20)

Kittens in their usual huddle

I feed Madeline and generally tidy up whatever mess she's made.

Repeat

However in the last few days there has been much more activity as the little M's are finding their feet. Due to lack of strength they often stand there trying to lift their heavy little tummies off the floor and shaking with the effort.

When I saw this attempt at movement I decided to give them some 'floor time' setting up a towel on the carpet and plopping the kittens on it.

Madeline had the chance to stretch her legs and check out her wider surroundings - something she now wants to do every time I have to come in and clean the cage.

The kittens, at first didn't move from the towel. They just huddled and cried and shifted a few steps looking very lost.

Floor huddle

Kitten gathering discussing the meaning of this craziness

The more they had this floor time the more they became aware of their legs as they wanted to 'follow' their mother.

Marlowe was the first to learn that tail upright = better balance and able to walk further distance without toppling over. She does tend to get ahead of herself these days and is stopped in her tracks right quick when her tiny hind legs don't yet have the oomph.

Originally quite happy staying on the towel

Marlowe decided to stick close to mum

Marlowe ~ Who are you?

Mishka does move. Since she's a whopping 425 grams as of today (the rest are somewhere just past 400 and Merlin slowly reaching that big milestone) it takes quite a bit more effort to lug her massive tummy off the floor.

I'm too pretty to walk ~ Mishka

HALP! This strange lady picked me up again ~ Mishka

While Misty hasn't reached any standout milestones. She does get around quite well.

Hello? ~ Misty

This little rascal has taken quite a liking to my feet so she makes tracks to them, sits on them and if they dare move she attempts to nibble them into submission.

What? This is mine now ~ Misty

Misty is the instigator of many rough and tumbles when they are back in their bed.

Misty chewing on Merlin (Marlowe and Mishka preparing to battle)

Merlin returning the favor

Merlin. Oh sweet Merlin. He has such a sad face.

Merlin looking all woe is me

Most of his floor time is spent plaintively meowing (or rather peeping) at his mother or siblings. There is a reasonable size difference between him and his sisters however he holds his own (gaining well over 20 grams this morning).

I don't like this floor it feels funny ~ Merlin

Cute little Boy

Merlin gets around quite well, not fast and not far but he manages. More often than not while his mother is having a snack he's there trying to walk through her food and wondering what this cold sticky stuff on his feet is.

Are you my mummy? ~ Merlin

*sigh* Where's my mummy? ~ Merlin *Pouts*

 So it wont be long until these little babies are full on interacting with us. They already play wrestle with each other (I feel its part of their teething that gives them the need to bite the absolute crap out of each other).

They are slowly figuring out the mechanics of moving and how to get to places faster. They know how to get in and out of their bed in the cage so poor Madeline now has no escape.

Floor time? ~ The kittens Chorus

Kittens observing the edge of their bed

I have not yet seen any toilet behavior and although I have smeared a tiny amount of wet food on their mouth there's not yet any interest in their mothers food. (I don't expect them to do either right away they seem to be thriving on just Madeline so far).

Madeline ~ I take my duties as mum seriously