An Umbilical Cord Story

Yesterday was a roller coaster of a ride in FoFF world. We always make a point to spay and neuter to avoid situations like this, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. This VERY feral momma was trapped very late in her pregnancy. Too late to spay. Sunday, she gave birth, but wouldn’t let us anywhere near her babies. In fact, she would crouch over them and hiss anytime we entered her room (the bathroom of one of our board members). Finally, she moved just enough for us to count 8 little heads… but something didn’t seem right- they were positioned in a way where some weren’t feeding. Yesterday afternoon, momma went from fractious to trusting in a split second when @shookcc went to check on them and momma left her babies behind so they could be picked up. 7 out of the 8 were tangled in a tight bundle, intertwined and caught up in their own umbilical cords. It was clear one was already dead. She and her babies were rushed to Niantic Animal Hospital where Dr. Carpenter and 3 staff members carefully detangled and cut at the umbilical cords to separate the babies. Momma trustingly watched. The seven surviving babies are now nursing properly and momma seems to know that she’s cared for because Carson can pick up the babies right from under her to check on them. Several are going to have a long journey as their limbs were mangled having been tangled and cut off from circulation in the mess. If momma had given birth outside, she would’ve watched each one of those 7 babies die, and only had 1 surviving kitten— keep that in mind when you choose not to spay or neuter your pets. Momma and her babies will spend the next 6-8 weeks under the care of Carson. Follow along with their journey, and donate to their care if you can! #FOFFSECT #FOFF #Catrescue #catsofinstagram #kittensofinstagram #cats #kittens #cat #kitten #TNR #trapneuterreturn #nianticct #niantic #nianticanimalhospital #501c #nonprofit #volunteer

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