A "Tail" of Two Kittens

[Piotr]

I haven't posted here in a long time. My apologies to anyone who missed me ;)

On Sunday I took home two kittens (thank you to Annie and Tim for the advice, help and support) who I have yet to name (I am considering naming one of them Rimbaud). They are two of a litter of seven (if I remember correctly). Their mother had abandoned them or died when they were three weeks old. I first met the kittens when they were brought to Mrs. Jung's dog "shelter" by a lady who was desperate to find homes for them. Unfortunately at the time I was not able to do it. Now I have two of the little guys. Here is a quick description of their personalities.

The really calm and sleepy (who may become Rimbaud) kitten likes to hiss once a while (the first time I met him, a week ago, he hissed at me too), bite my fingers, and of course, sleep. The orange/white kitten is quite the opposite of his/her sibling. (S)he loves to run around, jump out of the box, eat and hide under my bed. Both seem to really like me and cry if I'm not there to lull them asleep. On a very interesting note, both kittens were scared as I watched the new Spice Girls video (it scared me a bit too) and ran away. But, as soon as I began to play PJ Harvey, they slowly began to close their eyes and are now sleeping next to me.

I will post pictures of them soon! Now, I think I like the name Rimbaud and it seems to fit his (or her) personality.
So, officially, I declare that one of the kittens is now Rimbaud!!!

I will update this thread every few days with pictures and new developments!

CIAO from the three of us!

[Karen]

Yeah, I missed you! :D

Cute story, I'm surprised to hear you have already influenced their taste in music! It's awesome that you have two kittens together to entertain each other while you're out, watch they don't get in to your CDs though :D

I like "Rimbaud", I wonder what name the other one will get??? Do tell.

BTW, are you adopting them or fostering them?

[Piotr]

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/3880/dsc07095am3.th.jpg (http://img139.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07095am3.jpg)
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/7425/dsc07092xh2.th.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07092xh2.jpg)
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/6834/dsc07088he4.th.jpg (http://img210.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07088he4.jpg)


Rimbaud is on the left and the other kitten is still unnamed. Karen, I am fostering them, though would love to adopt them. They're so adorable!

Rimbaud is becoming a little bit more energetic (though he still prefers sleeping to playing with his sibling). But, when they do play together, it is so entertaining. Really made me laugh this morning!!

I think Rimbaud's poop is a bit runny/moist, though it is not diarrhea. I think it may be from the stress he experienced yesterday while being moved from Seoul to Icheon. Should I be alarmed about this?
Both are very well behaved, eat a lot, sleep a lot, and play!
More to come!!!

[Piotr]

I was watching Nabi (who just got his name) poop today and it appeared his poo was somewhat runny. It still took on shape, but wasn't hard. I looked it up and apparently this is abnormal (according to a few websites, while one says it's perfectly fine). I thought Rimbaud had the same problem, but I now realize that I have not seen Rimbaud poop, so it may have been Nabi's poop all along. Nabi seems very energetic and healthy, otherwise. Rimbaud is getting more energy every day (it is apparent over the last two days even) and is quite playful.

Does anyone have experience with cat poop? I will go to the vet tomorrow (Wednesday) if the poop is still a bit runny (though it is not diarrhea) and sort of orange/mustard colour. I just don't want them to receive any medication without it being absolutely necessary. I checked whether either of them are dehydrated, but no, they are healthy in that regard, thankfully.

[pukka]

Hi there ,
Stress or worms causes diarrhoea/ running poops , please ask the vet for advise .
Any kitten especially from the street has to be de-wormed regulary .
The vet has pills for that . Its thirsday now , have you been at the
vet and how are the cuties doing ?

[Piotr]

Hello.

Their poop is hardening. I read that runny poop may have something to do with them being fed too often. I was advised to leave food out for them to eat whenever they felt like it. I decided to try feeding them throughout the day (three times). Now they don't poop as much and their poop has definite shape and is darker (both of them). I am happy about that. I was also told to change their food as that may have contributed to the problem, so I bought a different brand and will introduce them to that tomorrow. I will still bring them to the vet this weekend so that they may have their overall health checked out, though, apparently, the vet who saw them last week said they are well.

They are sleeping right now. Very cute guys. Nabi is bigger and more adventurous, while Rimbaud is a bit more cautious and serious! She (Rimbaud) likes to follow Nabi around and doesn't seem too sure of herself! That's not to say Nabi doesn't cry when Rimbaud is away from him.

Yesterday they had their first bath. Formula (from when they were at the vet's) encrusted on their fur (around ears and neck), so it was time to finally wash that. They were both very good (as far as cats go) in the water!

Today, when I went to the vet, there was a two month old kitten, who was about twice the size of these guys. I have a clear picture of how tiny they were when I first saw them (probably a third of the size they are now!!).

I will post more pictures and a video soon!

Thanks for your concern!! :P

[Piotr]

Here's a video of Rimbaud and Nabi playing while listening to Nina Simone!!!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=72BaP8RSDjg

Really, I think, once the time comes for them to be adopted, they should not be seperated. Rimbaud really looks up to her brother, despite Nabi's attacks.

[Piotr]

Another update today.
I went to the vet with Nabi and Rimbaud. Nabi is 440 grams, while Rimbaud is just 360. Both are female (the vet in Daejon said Nabi was male). I asked about the weight difference and the vet said that Rimbaud is just weak and is not growing as rapidly. Also, the vet (who spoke English very well) took their stool (I had no idea how that worked until now!!) and found out that Rimbaud (who has been having diarrhea occasionally) has more than normal amount of bacteria in her poop. But, she said I shouldn't worry at this point. She gave Rimbaud three shots and both kittens received a blue pill (for prevention). She also recommended some canned food for Rimbaud, which has more fiber and protein than the dried food they have been eating. Also, Rimbaud got eye drops as she sometimes tears from one eye.

If the diarrhea doesn't stop in three days then Rimbaud might have other problems, but her poop has been getting better since I started to control their food intake.

They are now sleeping, after their very stressful afternoon!

[pukka]

Hi Malnikov , what brand of catfood do you use ? Some brands use colours that
can upset the cats . (avoid Supermarket brands)
Best is Natural Balance of course or other premium brands. ( chicken soup)
Poor kittens. I hope they are OK now.

[Karen]

It's true what pukka says, some brands are better than others, and I agree that Natural Balance is about the best you can find in Korea (just my opinion though).

One other thing I learned the hard way about feeding, every time you change the food suddenly there is a chance that it will upset the animal's tummy, so when you change the food change it gradually by mixing in larger proportions of the new food and less of the old one at every meal. I mean 75% old food- 25 new one on day one, 60-40 on day two or later, 50-50 for a while... like that until you can give up on the new food entirely. Gradual changes make it easier on the digestion system.

Anyway, it sounds like you're being a very careful papa! That video is super sweet! They're so rambunctious, it's so cute to watch!!

[pukka]

From what i understood these are rescued street cats so whatever food he will try
it will be new to the kitten since they are with him not so long ago so i think the food
has to be mixed with ''previous food''.
I think Malnikov is trying to find food what works best for the kittens right now. Another
thing is Malnikov be careful with giving kittens can food . Once you do that as main meal
they will refuse any hard food in the future and hard food is so important for kittens (teeths)
The kittens also need kittenmilk that you can get at the vet. Mix the powder with boiled
water and serve room temperature.
1thee spoon of milk and 2and a half table (soup) spoon of water .

[Piotr]

Hi.
I am feeding the kittens Royal Canin Baby Cat Food. It's a Japanese brand. The first ingredient is poultry meat, then animal fats and rice...I recently bought Pro Plan for kittens, which I will gradually introduce them to. I looked for Natural Balance at a few places and could not find it (for cats). As for the canned food, the vet told me to feed it to Rimbaud because it has "more fiber and protein," and she'll be more likely to eat it with the medicine. It is a special formula designed to treat stomach ailments.

Unfortunately Rimbaud doesn't like this canned food, particularly when I mix it with the medicine I was given. I don't know if the medicine has a strange odour or taste, but I try to mix it best as I can. Because the medicine is for Rimbaud, I have to feed her and Nabi seperately, but even when I do so without medicine, Rimbaud won't eat. It seems to me that she'll only eat from the same dish and at the same time (usually) as her bigger sister. I tried to feed Rimabud the canned food mixed with the medicine and the dry food, using my fingers, but she'll just spit it out. I'll go back to the vet and see how else I can give her the medicine.

As for the milk, I was told that they don't need it anymore.

One of the kittens from the litter of seven is very sick. She has worms and has to have daily injections because she won't respond to IVs given to her and won't eat. I don't know much more about it because that kitten is with somebody else. So it seems to me that the whole litter may have a disadvantage, though some kittens are affected by it moreso than others. Happily, Rimbaud is become stronger and can now jump off of the same height as her sister. Also, they have been enjoying play time at 3 am for the past two or three nights :(

Thanks for your advice, everyone! I try to read as much as I can. I'm trying to be extra careful with both kittens, but particularly Rimbaud. I am seeing improvements, which is a huge relief!

[pukka]

Giving your cats medicine:
As for the 3years i am having cats in Korea i had 3 different Vets as well .All of them
and not once they gave me another solution meaning that you should just give the
medicine in fish or canned food.One vet even suggested jam or honey but i can guarantee
for 90% that it won't work.

Here is Sunnan's ( KAPS manager) solution. Mix the powdered medicine with a VERY tiny
bit water and a drup fruit sirope in a spoon. Mix it well.

Pull the neck of the cat/kitten a bit until the cat automaticly open its mouth. Throw the medicine
in its throat. Don't let the neck go until the medicine is taken.
(oh and make sure you have a reward handy like a peace of meat or cat treat)
Reward the cat.

Use the same system to deworm your cats. As i said before any kitten and especially streetcats
has to be seriously dewormed.(wheter it shows or not)
When they have worms they should get the blue pil every 2days (3times) and the next month
start this procedure again every 2days (3times)
This is the only way to get rid of the worms. When they don't show worms they have to be dewormed
every month 1pil.
Please advice the other adopters.

@@@ Royal Canin Baby is great but is only for 3months. After that they have the indoor kittenfood and
indoor adult if you cannot find Natural Balance.

Good luck and don't forget to get them some mice toys :D

[Piotr]

Hello pukka!
Thanks for your advice. I'll try it out today when I get home. Both kittens have received the blue pill...I will print your post and will ask the vet about these things (just in case).

The kittens have two toys. A ball and a mouse. The mouse is made of fabric! It's really depressing seeing the toys which are made of real fur (such as the mice). Kind of gross, particularly because the toy is for a cat, whose fur is also used as clothing!

Nabi purrs a lot! Even when she is not petted, she still purrs, walking about. Rimbaud, on the other hand, has purred only once since I've had her. Perhaps she will develop this ability and will use it more frequently!

Do you know where I can get scraps of carpet? I have to make a scratching post for them but I haven't seen any carpet stores and to buy a scratching post (which is a piece of wood with carpet stapled onto it) for W30,000 is a bit much.

I'm going to the vet today and will update soon (with some new pics!)

[Karen]

I don't know about real scratching posts, but you could try wrapping some of that brown hemp-rope type of stuff around a post of some sort. Maybe check out a hard ware store for rope-like materials ???

[Piotr]

I don't know about real scratching posts, but you could try wrapping some of that brown hemp-rope type of stuff around a post of some sort. Maybe check out a hard ware store for rope-like materials ???
I thought of that too. I'll try it! Right now they use my leg (in jeans) as a scratching post :*(

[Wibidad]

This site:
http://www.tom-jerry.co.kr/FrontStore/iGoodsList.phtml?iCategoryId=25

has a lot of cat scratchers, starting in the 7,000 range. The better scratching posts use that rope stuff instead of just carpet. On the second page of the listing, you can also find the rope sold separately if you want to build your own post.

[Piotr]

Thanks Wibidad!

I have another question. Is it okay to sprinkle some baking soda in the litter box to get rid of some of the stink? The sand I bought comes with some sort of scent which I can mix in, but I prefer not to as it will irritate the kittens. So, would baking soda be problematic if sprinkled even under all the sand?

I try to scoop out the waste every few hours or so, but at times I don't have the chance (while at work or sleeping).

[Wibidad]

From what I read on the net, baking soda is not necessarily bad for the cats, but since it is a powder, it can irritate them if you use too much. I think if that scent you have is made for litter boxes, it may be safer to use that. Some litters are made with baking soda built in (Arm and Hammer), and those probably contain the exact amount of baking soda in a form less likely to "cloud"- the clouds of dust are what can irritate the cats.

We use the Tidy Cats Scoop litter, which is clumping. It masks the odors pretty well, but we have to replace it very frequently and it becomes expensive. We used to use the crystal form, which lasted much longer, but became to noisy when our cat population expanded. The scoop stuff is much quieter. But for kittens, you shouldn't use the clumping litter, as they may hurt their stomachs by swallowing it.

[Piotr]

From what I read on the net, baking soda is not necessarily bad for the cats, but since it is a powder, it can irritate them if you use too much. I think if that scent you have is made for litter boxes, it may be safer to use that. Some litters are made with baking soda built in (Arm and Hammer), and those probably contain the exact amount of baking soda in a form less likely to "cloud"- the clouds of dust are what can irritate the cats.
The problem with Arm and Hammer is that they experiment on animals and fund animal testing, so I don't want to support any company doing that.

It isn't that huge of a deal. I'll try to do more research on baking soda.

[Piotr]

Grrrr. This is a very annoying problem. How do I prevent the kittens from playing in their litter box and thereby spilling all the litter out of it? I know I can buy a cover, but still, I imagine the cats will go in there and play (get dirty, too). If I catch them in the box I take them out and say NO, but then I fear that they will think that I am punishing them for being in the box even when they poop! So, what to do?! I end up sweeping 3-4 times a day!

[pukka]

The only way is to have enough toys for the kittens. Kittens usually don't play in the litterbox
if you mean that they are working hard to cover the pee and poop,that is normal. Therefore
i have the cats litterboxes in a room which is only theirs. You don't punish a cat for being in
the litterbox.
Your litterbox must be just enough filled with the sand. Especially kittens don't need so much
sand. 5/7cm is more than enough.

Here i vaccuum near the litterbox twice a day and not because they are playing but because they
are trying so hard to burry whatever they leave there.Its normal.

Do you have a scratch pole? Do you have enough toys? You should have all that stuff when you
have kittens/cats in the house.
I hope they won't bother you too much. Good luck!

[Piotr]

Thanks pukka! They have toys and are quite entertained. Still, one of their favourite activities is to run and jump into the box only to jump out, spilling lots of sand, and also, they enjoy sitting there (not pooping or peeing). They actually prefer playing together rather than toys. It's very amusing when they try to scare each other.
They now have a custom made cover, which should hopefully prevent some spillage.
On another note, I find it difficult to imagine giving them up for adoption! It seriously feels like I'll be doing so.
Also, when I put them up, I think it would be best for them to be together, as they cry when not in each other's company. And Rimbaud, in particular, is so fond of her sister that I think it would depress her to be apart.

[Piotr]

I went to the vet yesternight and WOW! Both Nabi and Rimbaud gained a lot of weight. Nabi is now over half a kilo, at 540 grams, and Rimbaud gained 140 grams in the last 5 days and is now 500 grams! The vet was really happy, and of course, so was I!!! You will see in the pics how much they've grown. Also, a new video shows their way of playing ;)
Also, Nabi has a sore upper lip/nose, but that should go away. Rimbaud's fur is not very thick and is still kitten like, probably due to her initial weakness (she's getting stronger and more playful each day). They had their poop checked out again, their temperature and weight, etc. etc. and everything is great!

First pic was taken a few days ago (see they are noticeably smaller) Nabi is yawning, not hissing.

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/928/dsc07171bn7.th.jpg (http://img80.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07171bn7.jpg)

Taken November 15th

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/3885/dsc07185gj6.th.jpg (http://img527.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07185gj6.jpg)


new video taken yesternight (it could have been this morning. my memory's a mess!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVSgGHa7FoA

[Piotr]

Two new videos, taken a few days ago and some pictures!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWkEtvIb4-Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK44WsKve1Q

The first picture was taken today.

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/138/dsc07220dh1.th.jpg (http://img405.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07220dh1.jpg)
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3899/dsc07212rn6.th.jpg (http://img405.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07212rn6.jpg)
http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/7716/dsc07206rv3.th.jpg (http://img107.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07206rv3.jpg)
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/5687/dsc07200er8.th.jpg (http://img214.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07200er8.jpg)

[pukka]

I LOVE the pictures :D:D
And the movies are too cute!

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z189/Dindalou/1179626458_www-animaatjes-nl.gif

[Piotr]

MORE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACVntYGdXxw

[Piotr]

All pictures taken Nov. 27, 2007 after Rimbaud's and Nabi's bath! MEOW!!

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/3130/dsc07306nw5.th.jpg (http://img519.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07306nw5.jpg)
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/3382/dsc07293aa9.th.jpg (http://img502.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07293aa9.jpg)
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4836/dsc07302pe8.th.jpg (http://img521.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07302pe8.jpg)
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/5219/dsc07299my5.th.jpg (http://img166.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07299my5.jpg)
http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/7443/dsc07312lk7.th.jpg (http://img520.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07312lk7.jpg)
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2499/dsc07307ew3.th.jpg (http://img521.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07307ew3.jpg)
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/3950/dsc07292xx1.th.jpg (http://img339.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07292xx1.jpg)
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/6854/dsc07298tj8.th.jpg (http://img519.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07298tj8.jpg)
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/4735/dsc07295cz6.th.jpg (http://img267.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc07295cz6.jpg)