Small Blessings!

On February 19, Birdette gave birth to a litter of two; a blue and white boy, and a pale cream female with pink highlights. I am excited beyond explanation as I was fearful that I would not have a female from Birdette for future breeding. As usual, Birdette did not let me down and came through in flying colors. Birdie is a great mother. She pays close attention to her babies but does not smother them. She allows them to venture out on their own but is available if they should need her. At the tender age of three weeks, Birdette decided it was time to introduce them to the other cats. She slowly walked into the main room followed by two very tiny little ones whose steps were
small and uncertain. Birdie encouraged them to walk in a circle around the room, stopping briefly for Grandma Catie, Daddy Trader and brothers, Howie and Trouble to meet them. All watched as the little parade began to exit the room, then Trader came forward for a closer look, he licked each one ever so gently as if saying, "Welcome, my little ones." He escorted Birdette back to my bedroom, then returned to his place on my computer monitor. Trader took an active part in Howie's upbringing and was the only adult who had the patience to play with Trouble for any amount of time. When Trader came here to live, I knew it was only temporary. Not only did Trader leave me with several of his offspring, but he left pawprints on my heart as well.

Howie has a brother!

Birdette blessed me with a new baby Devon on Monday, October 22, 2007. I had hoped for a larger litter but am happy with the one healthy little guy. He is mostly white with two blue mactabby spots between his ears that extend over both eyes and two very small spots on one side near his hind leg and another larger spot on the opposite side near the front leg, and a blue mactabby tail. I am going to have to think of an especially unique name for him since he is so unusual in coloring. At the present time, I am thinking about calling him The Lone Ranger but may change my mind as he develops a personality of his own.

I changed my thoughts on Howie's name more times than I like to say but fully believe that the name Howie suits him to a T. Birdette is doing well and has stopped her aggressive behaviour
towards Howie and the other cats. Actually Birdette has become very motherly towards Howie again even allowing him to visit his new little brother without incident.

I attempted to take photos of the new kitten but couldn't keep up with him. He may be small and less than a week old but he can certainly move! Every picture I took was merely a white blur. I will wait to post pictures when the little fella can be tempted by a toy to stay still long enough for me to focus the camera on him.

Howie

Gaia Deal or No Deal is growing up quickly. He scampers up the tallest cat tree with little hesitation. The only problem is that he is fearless when he decides it is time to get down. I have caught him several times; perched on the edge of the top shelf, poised to jump to the floor at least six feet below.
I was concerned that he would not learn to play since he has no litter mates but Birdette has filled the void by playing with Howie until he tires of the game she has chosen. Birdette then chooses another way to entice him to play. Bird has been a wonderful mother. I am so proud of her and her ability to allow Howie to take risks but always being nearby to save him from Harm's way if he decided to go to far with his little game.
Howie and Trader met last month and they bonded immediately. Since Howie is a small replica of his dad, it looks so sweet to see them strolling through the house together. I know Trader must be giving "fatherly" advice to his little boy. I have found them curled up together; sound asleep. I never knew male cats took part in the rearing of their young but Trader is definitely
doing his part to help out with the rearing of this most precious little kitten.