Infant mortality

I suppose that any breeder of animals has to get used to death. I know that sheep farmers reckon on losing something like 5% of lambs and 2% of the mothers each year. We had Fatma die unexpectedly last year, but I think I would have to be dealing with much larger numbers of animals to be able to treat death anonymously, mathematically.

The litter of kittens was progressing well in the barn. Everything seemed to be going smoothly, although it was often hard to pick out individuals from the mass of fur, heads and limbs. Mother Cat was not keen to have her babies handled, and we have left her alone to look after them. Our role has been that of providers of food, water and shelter.

Then today we heard a loud cat squeal from the yard. Rushing out, we found Mother Cat with a kitten in her mouth, obviously having chased something away. But why had she taken a kitten out of the nest? We hurried up to the top of the barn, and found the sad sight of two dead kittens, and one still alive.

Time for some more intensive care, we thought. Val soon constructed a welcoming cat box in the spare room, and Mother Cat was quickly installed with her remaining two babies.

I had the job of disposing of the bodies . . . .  and could see no obvious reason for their deaths. Perhaps it’s just the survival of the fittest at work?

So, the animal count is now Llamas – 7, Chickens – 5, Cats – 5, Dogs – 1. We’ve realised that Big Cat is probably big because she’s pregnant. Action is needed before we are presented with another litter of babies. Time to harden our hearts and visit the vet!