The miracle of birth is a magical time. I mean, most of us know it's not a miracle in the true definition, but it can often feel that way. At WiseGuy Maine Coons, we take a balanced approach to welcoming new life into the world. It's important to us to allow mother nature to do her thing, while stepping in where we can to help even the "odds" as it were.
First Step: Optimal Nutrition for Momma
The cornerstone of a healthy litter begins with the mother’s diet. It’s crucial to ensure she’s well-fed with a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that supports her and her developing kittens. We monitor our momma's intake diligently, increasing calories and nutrition to help her develop the ability to produce mil for her babies. A well-nourished queen means a robust start for the kittens and lessens the likelihood of us stepping in with bottle feeding.
Second Step: Catering to Her mental Well-being
All living things vary in temperament. This is just as true of momma cats. If you've ever known a pregnant woman, they can be somewhat erratic as hormones override their typical behavior. In the case of the cats, this can mean that a typically stand-offish queen suddenly becomes super cuddly, or a cuddly queen tells you to leave her alone. We take those feelings into account, showering momma with affection and attention by ensuring that she is with someone most of the day for about a month before delivery. This allows us to see every small change in behavior and adapt our attention to suit. It also tends to inform us when those behaviors suddenly switch as she goes into labor. Ensuring that we are by her side, just in case.
Step Three: Safe Haven
Our birthing areas are designed to be secure, clean, and accessible. We want our queens to feel free yet comfortable in their chosen spot, minimizing stress without restricting their movement. We are lucky that we are a small family cattery. When a queen gets closer to her delivery date, we move her away from the general population and place them in my office, where I spend most of the day working. Here the momma gets regular interaction with my service dog, myself and occasionally my husband, but is otherwise restricted. My office is small enough that she can't find any place to hide, except for the special birthing box we have set up for her and her babies.
Step Four: Stand By
Balancing nature and the protective bubble is a very difficult task. As educated human beings we can have a tendency to jump to the extreme very quickly. We can try to make every step of this process a perfectly sterilized bubble, but in the end that only develops young creatures with no natural immune system. After all, in the wild, momma will have her kitten in a bush or under a porch. While that is okay for that feral cat in the back yard, it's not really appropriate in a cattery.
So, when the kittens come, I will be here. With all the tools needed to sterilize, cut, clip, suck and feed as needed. But the dream goal is to be the human momma that sits back and just watches nature unfold in front of her. Waiting patiently for my first cuddles and peeks at those furry little faces as they enter the world.
