Hi

I was wondering what people use for their queens to give birth in, what bedding etc.
Also when do you change the soiled bedding & do you provide heat from the start? Be as basic as you like because not everything is obvious to everybody

I have a litter due the beginning of August & after already experiencing a litter with health issues that ended with losing all of the kittens, I am anxious to ensure this experience is completely different.

From the limited experience I already have & what I have read on birthing etc, most people seem to do things differently.

I thought this would help others with planned/unplanned births.
Thank-you

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Christina

http://www.sungold-bengals.co.uk

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent - Eleanor Roosevelt 1937

Hi Christina, nice to hear from you. I basically get a sturdy cardboard box, cut off three of the flaps, lay it on its side and put a blanket in it. No more no less. I don't bring kitten pens in until the little critters are running here there and everywhere and need feeding away from mum. C.x.

I change the soiled bedding after I think birthing has finished for a clean blanket and then not again for a few days time.

I expect others do things different. C.x.

hi

i used to use cardboard boxes too - but now i use a permanent wood box. i use towels for bedding as they wash easily!!!! i also change after birthing as they get very soiled and i think its nicer for mum to have cleaning towels - i then change every few days. i dont worry about heating them unless its very cold (if mum doesnt sit with them for long or the middle of winter) - hope this helps and that you have a good birth.....

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Theres nothing better than coming home to hugs and kisses.....

http://drawn-to-animals.webs.com - pet portrait artist

No advise to give as no experience. But did want to wish you all the best and please can we have pics when the kittens arrive

I always use a crisp box from lidl, (i work there so there are plenty to choose from) they already have a flap cut in them and lids if you want one. I line it with plenty of newspaper and a piece of vetbed. My cat always births in the night so when shes had them i let her settle untill morning then i use a fresh box an piece of vetbed . i change it weekly then.
Good luck with your next litter

Good thing about cardboard boxes, you can throw them away for recycling if they get soiled and just get a fresh one, lol

Hi Christina-have a shufty at the other thread of this nature,peeps have put some great tips on their as i'm sure they will again on here,as other peeps have said cardboard box is a great one,we have sheepskin blankets which are great for kitts,nursing queens and heatpads,we are blessed with a kittening pen which is spacious enough for 2 queens and their litters,cushion floored-easy to clean and safe for if mums want a break and kitts start mooching also Nutra-drops are great if you have a kitt that needs a liftGood luck with your forthcoming litterCan't wait to hear about them and of course the pics

Yeah all the best of British with your next litter Christina, you deserve to have a great one this time round C.x.

Hello Christina - hope your August 2008 litter will be a happy occasion - one to celebrate.

I have a solid bed into which I can put any kind of soft material for cushioning etc. This bed good for my queen to push against the sides if she needs to but is also cleanable and reusable. Inside, I put old towels for bedding at first. This is changed as soon as the first layer gets too cold and soggy for mum to be comfortable. I do use a hot water bottle or a micro-waved heat pad covered in a blanket for the newborns to be placed upon until everyone has been born. Once all babies are here and mum cat is ready, I take out all soiled bedding, put new fresh clean bedding in the kitten pen, hottie / pad in there, queen and babies together and then take away the solid bed for cleansing down. I change the bedding in the kitten pen after a few days - mum cat tends to experience a bit of blood spotting for a few days after the birth but by day 4 or 5 this will stop and its time for fresh clean bedding again.

Sending good wishes.

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best purrs

Ra

http://www.bobergsiamese.co.uk/

Hi Kelly

We have a pen too, do you put a birthing box in it for more privacy/security for the queen or just put blankets etc directly into it ?

__________________
Christina

http://www.sungold-bengals.co.uk

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent - Eleanor Roosevelt 1937