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...

But Wait....There's More!!!

Before I introduce you to the new members I shall begin with some bad news.

Tash *Pouts*

Tash's home has fallen through. My Aunty was going to adopt her but it just became an impossibility and in the end she had to say she couldn't get her. I respect her decision.

Tash is at the ignorant 'teen' stage as I call it and will be returned to the shelter hopefully on Monday where she can let loose her energy. Despite being given free run in the lounge and short periods of time to interact with Leo and Terra nothing seems to curb this kittens boundless energy.

Her once snuggly behavior has now turned into 'PUT ME DOWN I NEED TO RUN!!!'. Any potential adopters reading this please note that when she has exerted herself enough she will politely plonk herself on your lap for a short recharge before bounding off once again.

Cheeky

Kisses

Kisses and Cheeky have finished their medication and so far as I can tell there is little to no sneezing present. I'm not sure if Kisses got something in her eye while they were fighting at one stage as its still slightly inflamed. It could be still part of the flu so until they're given the all clear I'm not mixing them with any other kittens and I'll be keeping them contained to their quarters.

Last thing I want is the new kids getting it.

Who knows, if they pass sales check with a clean bill of health Kisses and Cheeky will possibly return to the shelter as well.

Right *claps hands together*

I received a call on Wednesday from the RSPCA asking if I wanted to take on five tiny four and a half week old kittens. I'd been struck down with the flu the previous Friday to the point it wiped me out mentally and physically (Thankfully I was on the road to recovery by Wednesday).

I of course said yes.

However....

I had been warned that one of the kittens was tiny. Teeny tiny. So having remembered little Pixie and Harlem from the black six and how tiny they were I shrugged it off and said sure, I can handle that.

I hadn't prepared myself for five kittens that are more mid three weeks old than four and a half, one of which is obviously the runt or just never got as much off their mother. Taking said mother was not an option as she hadn't been surrendered with the kittens.

I finally got them home and figured they would need frequent feeds and constantly keeping them warm. For awhile I feared they couldn't urinate or defecate on their own but since have found that although they have no real plan on where they can drop tiny packages anywhere they wish to (at the present on soft material like bedding rather than in a litter tray).

The first night I kept them in with me in my room in my large carrier cage. I figured I'd have to feed them all the time. They didn't seem to really want to move out of their warm cage and meowed in protest when I woke at ungodly hours to shine a light in to check on them. I was mostly worried about the tiny one.

Now it's been a few days I'm trying to give them the intensive care they need but also setting some boundaries on having them sink or swim. I will keep them warm with the options of hot water bottles and I will supply food but since majority hate the syringe they're slowly learning how to eat out of a bowl.

Due to his size, the first named kitten, Tiny, does get some more TLC and often spends a few hours or so snuggled up against my neck under my shirt collar. Pictures wont do justice on how tiny he really is.

Time to meet the rest of the family.

Tilly - Grey and White with Hind Socks Female

Tazma - Grey and White with Hind Stockings Female

Tiny - (White and Brown Tabby) Male

Turbo - Dark Tabby Boy

Turbo left, Tina right

Tina - Dark Tabby Girl with Blaze

Fingers crossed these kitties begin eating up and gaining their required 10 grams a day.

Until Next Time....

Since I've Been Gone

My apologies for my continued absence. I really need to get into some sort of routine with this blog.

I had eight kittens last time I did a blog post, I now have three.

I haven't really been this low since kittens season just began, its been a steady stream this year but finally it appears to be ending.

Aura and Zeus as well as Clyde and Zula went through a bout of sneezing. Some medication cleared them up right quick.

Aura and Zeus were stressing too much in their pen once they recovered. Due to random bouts of sneezing from Kisses and Cheeky I couldn't let them run free in the room and unfortunately and they were beginning to stress themselves out to the point of possibly getting sick again.

I put them up in the bathroom for the daylight hours over the weekend a fortnight ago and made arrangements with the shelter for them to take Aura, Zeus and Cleo in a transfer of kitties to the Ballarat shelter.

Aura and Zeus thanked me for that freedom by knocking the plug into the sink and turning the tap on. I opened the door to find water running off the sink and onto the floor. That was a fun clean up...NOT.

I thought it was quite funny ~ Aura

I do NOT like camera's ~ Zeus

In the end Zeus and Cleo made the trip to Ballarat but Aura did fall ill again and is currently on medication out at the shelter. Fingers crossed she recovers soon and can get onto the adoption floors.
Zeus was however reunited with his siblings Ace, Apollo and Athena as they all made the trip as well.

I'm outta here ~ Cleo

I'll charm them with my cute ~ Apollo

I'll curl up on their lap and purr ~ Athena

I'll be the most playful kitten ever ~ Ace

Out of my black six (Lexi, Harlem, Pixie, Jinx, Onyx and Midnight), Harlem found a home and I feared all the rest would fall ill with the dreaded ringworm or end up with complications of the flu.
Thankfully news reached me today that Lexi made the trip to Ballarat as well in a second group for transport. Yay.

New surroundings? Sounds good ~ Lexi

The other four weren't so lucky but I find comfort in knowing that they did go from scrawny tiny kittens with no mother to full grown kitties who knew love for most of their time in this world.

Only Today Zula and Clyde left the nest as once again due to Kisses and Cheeky being on medication they couldn't have free run on the floor.
 They were technically big enough to return and they will purr when they are patted but unfortunately I didn't get the opportunity to build their confidence to the point of approaching people of their own will when they had more than their cage to roam.

Zula not quite sure what to make of the camera

Really doesn't properly show Clyde's impressive coat with silver highlights

Tash is still with me, growing in to all that fur she had as a tiny puff ball. Her spay surgery has been a bit of a nightmare (not so much as Trixy was) but enough that she needed to go on some antibiotics to try and bring down the inflammation.

Tash looking a bit less fuzzy but still very soft

Fingers crossed that she will soon venture off to her new home but we're still working out the details.

Once Tash is gone I'll have only the tiny tabbies Kisses and Cheeky. Those are currently on some medication for their sneezing but besides that they are at a weight they could return once its cleared. I'll probably hang onto them for awhile as it appears they'll be my last litter for this season. (Very sad face)

Cheeky wanting some attention

Kisses with her slightly squinty left eye

Until Next Time...