Along for the ride:

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Kitten Kisses



It has been a very long time since I was covered in kisses to this extent. Albeit milky, nuzzling, purring kisses with more nibble action as her chompers have grown in.
I started putting some canned kitten chow into the milk bottle every so often over the last few days, to get Sparkles used to different taste and texture. I have also attempted to teach her to lap from a bowl, one of the messiest endeavors imaginable. Feet, face, fur plastered in goop and then pawfully shared up my arms, neck, face, into my hair and all over my glasses. Just wiping Sparkles off with a damp wash cloth induced a pathetic shivering attack and she had to be wrapped in towels and hugged with her hot water bottle until she warmed up again.
Sparkles decided this morning that she did not want to be bottle fed any more. By this evening's feed she has pretty much mastered the technique, without my needing to wade into the dish with her. (The dish is the screw cap from a sauer-craute jar; perfect size and height for her).
Princess Sparkles is officially weaned. She'll be asking for the car keys next.

22 comments:

  1. You are not really going to pass her on to the foundling folks, are you?

    Lovely post.

    I hope that the two of you will be together for the next 15+ years. You deserve one another.

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  2. You've done such a fantastic job. Seems like a partnership that was meant to be.

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  3. Really great news! That little kitty is going to go far!

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  4. She's a beauty! Are you going to keep her?

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  5. It seems to me some people are just meant to have animals land on their doorstep.. she's a great little character by the look of her :-)

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  6. The jury seems to be in, ER. I guess you've considered the possibility that Diva arranged for Sparkles to fill a little bit of the hole in your heart.

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  7. Man, I'm lovin' this story of Sparkles. I used to love having tiny milk faces all over my neck and face! Sweetest smells.

    Just look at her fur! It's growing beautifully furry and she will be a gorgeous cat who I personally hope graces your life for years and years and years.
    ^;^

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  8. Sparkles is a Survivor.
    Your loving care in these early days will serve her well throughout her life.

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  9. Just awwwww!! Filling up here.

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  10. Such a tiny messy cute cuddle kitten. For being so young, she sure has guts to survive and how great that she is willing to become independent as she is able. Love the photo of her eating in her special food dish. You are doing such a great job caring for Sparkles.

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  11. Nothing like a kitten, except a baby goat-
    absolutely a gift.

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  12. You are the BEST!
    Sparkles will love you forever.
    If I were in charge of gold stars, you would be at the top of my list.
    Linda

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  13. Shall I say it again....SOOO cute.

    While I too really want you to keep her, a spell with other kitties is really important to her development. I had a kitten here that was separated from his litter too young and he had no idea how to be a cat. H-m-m-m, then again, maybe not being "catlike" might have its advantages.

    But stuff like proper manners with other cats and general social interaction can be important.

    Just put your "This cat is mine" stamp on her and let her go for a bit...and then, get her back so she can live with you forever and we all can enjoy the stories. *G*

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  14. Jean is right, proper social "kittening" and play time are necessary to Sparkle's development. We grown-up humans are too boring, even though she doesn't know what she is missing. I don't feel that our life is the best situation for a social animal. We are gone for long hours. I would feel compelled to get a second one for company and I really, really promised myself some breathing room. I look at Sparkles and it would be easy to keep her but I am very conscious of the commitment that would be. I will see her well-launched I promise, but she's not staying with me. If she had been sickly or lost that eye, which would have diminished her chances, I would have felt obligated to keep her. Not the case. She's raring to go conquer some hearts. I had an inquiry about her through a friend just this morning.

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  15. As long as we can have an annual report....

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  16. I can't see how you're ever going to give her up... I think she is there to stay...
    :-)

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  17. Owen, you take photos of them. Why don't you bring them all home?

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  18. You've done it ! Your determination , care and affection have been unstinting and she looks beautiful .
    Lucky little kitten and very lucky new owner , wherever she goes .

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  19. S&S, I think my determination pales in comparison to that of Sparkles own determination to survive. Thank you for the supportive words.

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  20. Just what I needed, a furry success story.
    I know Sparkles is in the best hands.

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  21. Friko,
    I haven't had a chance to read the latest posts. I know you are heartsore for your friend. If news of Sparkles can lift a smile then she has earned her keep. I just got home from introducing her to The Gang of Four. Bottle raised kittens the same age but who had none of her health issues. Chubby little bulldozer kittens. She fit right in and played until she was so tired she was as limp as a wet noodle. Kitten boot-camp has begun.

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