Did you know that a cat's gestation period (amount of time
the kitty is pregnant) is approximately 63 days?
A few weeks before the kittens are due, introduce the
mother cat to her nursing box. A good box is one made out
of sturdy cardboard completely intact with a hole cut on
the long side of the box large enough for the mother cat to
go out and in, but high enough so that when the kittens
start moving about, they are safe and snug inside the box.
Be sure that the box has plenty of clean bedding for your
litter and that it is changed often.
We have always placed the box inside our closet where it is
out of the way of household traffic and where it is quiet
and safe for the mother cat to deliver and nurse her
kittens.
When the kittens are born, their eyes are closed and
probably will not fully open for about a week. Kittens eye
color start out as blue but when they get older, the color
may change.
Some kittens are born with their full colorful coat, but
not the Siamese breed. Siamese kittens are born pure white
but within a short period of time, you will start to see
their point color (ears, tail, mask, paws) start to show.
We have always tried to figure out what color Siamese we
had at the beginning - if we had seal points, blue points,
lilac points or chocolate points. Sometimes we guessed
right but there were many times we guessed wrong!! Siamese
kittens eyes start out as blue and will stay blue.
A Siamese Sealpoint Kitten
Purchasing A Kitten From A Breeder
Should you want a special breed of cat, a cat breeder may
be your answer. To choose your kitten, here is a
good guideline to follow. Even if you are not purchasing a
kitty but are being given one or getting one from your
local shelter, these points are still very important when
choosing your new kitten or adult cat:
The kitten or adult cat should be healthy.
The kitten or adult cat should have clear eyes and clean
ears.
The kitten or adult cat should be free of parasites.
The kitten or adult should have all vaccinations before
you take him home.
If you are choosing a kitten, it should be playful and
energetic.
The kitten or adult cat should be friendly, social and
affectionate.
If you are purchasing the kitten from a breeder, you may
also ask to see the mother to be sure she is healthy,
social and is a good example of the breed standard.