Well, this was an interesting way to spend New Years Day. Nutmeg began giving birth this morning and squirted out four cuties in rapid succession (we don’t call her “Machine Gun Megs” for nothing). Then she started to have trouble with Number Five. Try as she might, it wouldn’t come out. We ended up taking her to the animal hospital where she had to have Caesarean section. The kittens are supposed to come out feet first (fronts or backs) but Number Five scrunched his arms against his sides and wasn’t going anywhere. He didn’t survive, nor did Number Six behind him (since Five was blocking the way). It happens, but it sucks.
After an exhausting day Nutmeg and the kittens are home and doing well. The kittens are especially appreciating the easy nipple access from Meg’s shaved belly. Meg is very protective of the kittens, as usual, but we lured her away long enough to get a picture of the kitten cluster.