August 12, 2001

We've been caring for four of another breeder's Birmans for a couple of months, and one of them we just call "Fame". Fame had a litter of two kittens not long after she arrived, and our Xionda had a litter a couple days later.

Unfortunately, Xionda and her litter had problems, so we asked Fame if she'd mind taking care of one of them. She didn't seem to mind at all, and quickly forgot that one of them wasn't there for a couple of days. Now she brags to the other cats about the "easiest birth ever". (Cats may have nine lives, but they have very short memories.)

Fame only does about half of the mothering, though. Her eldest daughter, Keeber, is also here and she does the other half. (Keeber is three years old, Fame is seven.) Fame has to do all the nursing, of course, but Keeber helps out with everything else. We honestly don't think the kittens know who their real mothers are!

Click on the links next to the pictures to see larger, more detailed versions.

300 x 400 600 x 800 This is Xionda's little boy kitten, but don't tell Fame (or Xionda) that.

300 x 400 600 x 800 Fame's little boy. He has a very slight kink in his tail, but it's barely noticeable and he's spunky and happy.

300 x 400 600 x 800 This is Fame's little girl. From the very beginning she's been the most daring and energetic kitten in the house. She was the first to venture out of the nest, the first to start chasing us around the house, and she's almost always the first to start sparring with her siblings. (If she's like her mothers, then she'll also be the first start picking on Xerxes!) Definitely the best shot of the four.

300 x 400 600 x 800 I know this picture isn't great, but it was the best shot that showed all three together. The little girl looks like she's snarling at something off to the right, but in fact she was attacking her "brother" (Xionda's kitten) that's laying on his back next to her.