FROM CAT TO KITTENS

After the passing of our beloved 16-year-old cat, my husband and I almost immediately became the proud parents of two affectionate and rambunctious 4-month-old kittens. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.  No free parking. In fact, let’s donate $200 to the shelter and, as we take our new kids to the car, let’s admire our lovely parting gift — a parking ticket plastered to the windshield in the rain. No worries. Nothing could dampen the spirits of our baby parade. We had just won the kitten lottery.

WHAT WE’VE ACCOMPLISHED

Satisfying my biological need to mother and nest, my new family and I have already accomplished a great deal together: dog introductions, two wellness visits, two dewormings, survival of four respiratory infections (my husband and myself included), 28 days of Bartonella treatment (x2), growth spurts of up to a pound a week, trying on several sporty scratching posts, adjusting to wearing collars (the cats, not us), scheduling two neuters (again, the cats) and offering a sundry of toys. Wait. We’ve had these guys just four weeks?

WHAT I HAD YET TO LEARN

“Welcome to fresh, new parenthood!” I said to myself as the little lives of my purring boys rested literally in my hands. Having cat companions since I was 6 (I’m now 39), I thought I had this gig down. As it turns out, I knew nothing-zilch-nada-zero about kittens. You can bet, after a month of full immersion,  I do now. Here’s what I’ve learned:

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