Page 32 - Fourways Gardens Issue 11 December 2023

Estate News

ANIMALS MATTER

Jeanette Furstenburg is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. She holds a Diploma in Companion Animal
Behaviour (DipCABT) with distinction and is a full member of the COAPE Association of Applied Pet
Behaviourists and Trainers and the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN). In addition, she is a
member of the South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals (SABCAP).

A LETTER FROM A KITTEN ABOUT

THEIR FIRST SIX WEEKS OF LIFE

Neonatal/Transitional/Socialisation Stages

Hello world I’m reaching the two-week mark; my eyes are opening, albeit not at the
same time. There is a time delay of two to three days between the two.
I am so sleepy and hungry, and I really need my mother. She means My eyelids took a day to open and I have cloudy eyes. The contributing
everything to me; without her, I will die. Where is she? Although I can’t factors to this milestone was my mother chose a quiet, dark spot to
see her as my eyes are closed, I can faintly smell her. I’m only one day give birth to us and I am a female kitten. My paternity (genes) also
old but I can detect her warmth. The scent and feel of my mum’s fur is played an important role. My brother’s eyes haven’t started opening
wonderful. I can smell something…something so strong that I have to yet. As I near the end of the two-week mark, I can lift the front of my
get to it. My head automatically moves up and down and… I find a body with my forelegs.
teat! The flavour and feeling of the nipple is the best ever. I am able to
suck, and the milk moves quickly into my mouth. I discover my front I hear a loud noise and I lift my head. My mother is nursing me
paws and I realise that the more I squeeze on each side of her teat, the about three hours per day and I am beginning to experience some
more the milk comes. The very first thing I learn is my teat preference. independence. I crawl around a bit. She grooms us often and makes sure
Going forward, this is going to be my spot! The quantity and quality we have enough to eat as she knows it will affect us developmentally.
of my early nutrition will add to the general effects of my physical and
behavioural development. I purr with pleasure. I’m two weeks old and my milk teeth are developing (sorry mum).
When I try and eat my first solid food, they will be well developed. I hear
Oh no, I am separated from my mother. I panic, letting out a few high- and recognise my mother’s call, I’m able to stand but I look wonky; I
pitched squeaks to get my mother’s attention. Help me! I am cold even can’t walk very well as my balance is poor. I am still fairly unmoving
though I am covered in fur. I cannot seem to keep myself warm. Relief! and use a slow waddling motion.
I can feel my mother’s warmth through my nerve endings in my nose;
I know I need to snuggle up to her and my siblings get warm. My legs Day twenty-three. I see a lot better although I am still developing my
aren’t strong; I drag myself towards her by using paddle movements three dimensional sight. I suckle two hours a day, my sense of smell is
with my front paws. fully developed, and I recognise my mother’s call. I fall outside of my
nest; I cry and cry until Mum comes to find me. In a few days’ time, I will
I am as cute as a chocolate box cover, weighing in at just more than a be able to find and go to her myself. I don’t get so cold anymore as my
Galaxy Milk Chocolate bar (110g). I suckle for four hours a day and will body is beginning to self-regulate.
start to double my weight during my first seven days. My brain weight
is 20% of what I will weigh as an adult. Mum has kept us alive for the first three weeks as we rely completely
on her milk. She comes to us regularly to nurse us and always seems
I am lucky that my mother is fairly young, strong and well nourished. to know when we are hungry. The more I can move around, the more I
Owing to her health, I will reach my milestones. can go to her to suckle.

Fourways Gardens • 30 • December 2023