Hi Maryrose

I am sorry about the little girl but, I am afraid, deaths so soon after birth in kittens that are being hand reared is quite common. It is not always size that is a factor, some of the smallest kittens thrive and the biggest leave us. It is the desire to live. Some have it and others don't. The vet will be able to check for cleft but not much more than that.

If they are all snugged up to mum, quiet, not crying all the time, then I suspect she is feeding them. Hungry kittens are restless. Once you know for sure she is feeding let her do the work. She can do it far better than you can - mums milk is the best.

When raising kittens a weight gain is a weight gain, no matter how large or small. If they stay the same for a day, don't panic. if they lose then be prepared to step in. Sometimes we can get too hung up on the scales. Just weigh once a day at the same time, if you can. always put the scales in the same place on a solid flat surface.

You have done very well to keep them going until mum's milk has come through. You can be proud of yourself.

Margaret