Diary:

26.4.08 - Noodle's babies were born between 1.15 am and 3.30 am.  She had four and we thought that was all, so got her settled with the babies and dozed off for a while but then I heard her licking something so go up to see, and there was number five!:-))))  We don't actually leave their side from the moment they go into labour until we think they've finished (as though they can't manage it without us LOL!) but it just goes to show - they are perfectly capable of getting on with it all.  I think they do like us there though to hold a paw and talk to them and stroke their back when they have contractions and encourage them when they're pushing the kitten out, telling them how clever they are.  They are all doing well and Noodle is delighted with them.

27.4.08 - Mum and babies doing well.  The babies have little boxing matches to get to their favourite nipple if another kitten is on there.  They really try to dislodge the other kitten with their front paws, who then tries to push the other one away with their front paws, and if that doesn't work then the one who wants the nipple will go underneath the one attached to it and push them out of the way with their head!  Sometimes we see one start at one end and go along the row, under all the other kittens, dislodging them all, one by one, until they get to the end nipple that they want.  

Two of the kittens flap their ears as they feed:-)))

28.4.08 - Poor Noodle gets upset when the kittens are shoving each other out of the way and squealing when they all want the same nipple so we are sitting with her every hour when she feeds the babies and getting them latched on to a nipple so they all get fed in peace and harmony:-)))  Most of them aren't fussy what nipple they feed on, apart from Dilly who likes the one on the right closest to Noodles tail.  She's quite determined about this:-)))  The kittens are already starting to go for little walkabouts around the pen.  The kittening pen is 36" x 36" so they can have a little wander when they want to.  They find it very easy to navigate even though their eyes are still closed.  They sense the heat and smell of mum and the other kittens.  When they go to sleep they all pile up:-)))  The kittens are beginning to turn towards me now when they hear my voice.  They know that human hands will help them on to a free nipple, so already see humans as wonderful:-)))

29.4.08 - The kittens are settling down feeding more now and have gained huge amounts of weight.  They are really fat now and when they tip onto their backs their little legs flail around until they manage to roll back onto their sides and then their tummies, yelling until they've managed to do it:-)))  One of them is purring when they feed.  I THINK it's a boy, but it's a bit difficult to tell which one the noise is coming from.   Noodle is so good with them.  She often sits up to feed them because she feels it's easier for them to all get on a nipple, but sometimes she's so tired that she'll put a paw in my hand and then gradually her head will drop until I'm supporting her head too, and she'll fall asleep.  The kittens change daily - it's hard to believe they are only three days old now!  They develop so quickly.  I'm looking forward to doing the weekly pictures at the weekend so everyone can see how they are doing:-)))

30.4.08 - I couldn't resist taking this picture: