Oh dear, oh deer!

Late June we had one of our most memorable meetings with nature. We were hiking in Germany. We had done the trip before but this time it was way different to the rest. My husband and I will never forget this beautiful and magic moment. It was so beautiful that it's hard to discribe.

We had walked for a 15 kilometre when my husband and I stand still because we saw something between the trees at a farm. The trees were about five metre to the road so we did not expect that beautiful animal. 

I whisper to my husband: is he real or is it a statue? I don not know he said. I think it's a statue. We looked again and I said: well, if it's a statue it's a very realistic statue. Beautiful! But I'm not sure, I think he's real. We stared at the deer and the deer stared at us. He did not move. He was about 170 cm.

I walked a few steps to see if the deer was moving with me with his eyes. But no, he did not. I cannot believe this, I said. He does not move perhaps it's a statue then. We kept staring at him, he was so beautiful. And those big dark eyes!

What a magical moment! 

Suddenly, after some minutes he moved one ear! Ohhh dear, he is real! Did you see that? Yes, beautiful, isn't it? How extraordinary! Wow! We are here standing staring at a real dear at five metres distance!

The dear was just as surprised as we were and finaly he moved slowly away. Oh dear, oh deer! We got tears in our eyes. This was one of those once in a lifetime moments! We thanked the deer that he gave us this precious moment and wished him good luck and a long life.

As long as we shall live we will never forget this magic moment and we always will remeber this precious moment. Thank you dear deer!

Have a nice day! 

Until then: don't worry: be HAPPY!

Henrice Kupper

http://henricekupper.artweb.com/

graphitepencil

What To Expect When Your Cat Is Expecting Kittens

Felines length of pregnancy to birthing of baby kitties is about 60-64 days
total.

 To start with, the cat's pregnancy isn't noticeable.  It's pretty much standard with pregnancy in animals of all kinds that it doesn't become
noticeable for a little while.

About half way  through the term it will become quite noticeable that your feline is, indeed, pregnant.


Mid-way through the pregnancy, the cats' belly starts to grow and often cat owners think that it is overeating and becoming fat.

Once the belly swells, it won't be long before nipples begin to protrude and it will be very obvious then that the cat is pregnant.

Many concerns come up regarding the coming
stages for cats expecting kittens along with
exactly everything that should be done to get ready for the birthing of new kitties and keeping the mother's health good.

 About two weeks before birthing, sometimes the unborn kittens move around in such a way that one can see
their outline and gently stroking the mother's belly it often is possible to feel them too.

Now would be the time to start getting a birthing place ready. Cats want a dark and private place.  A closet may
be a good option due to lack of light and the ability to leave the door ajar so the mother can get in and out as she may so desire.

Although a location has been
set up for the pregnant cat, it doesn't mean the cat will use it. Felines have their own way of thinking.   Allow the mother cat to nest where she chooses, just try to see that it's safe for her and the newborns.   Mother cats that are expecting will start seeking out an ideal spot for birthing her kittens within days
or even a week or two prior to actually giving birth.  One should note that mother cats will give birth wherever they so please. Once the time
arrives, it might happen in a completely different location such as underneath a bed, in the main living area, a garage, etc.. If it happens that her kittens are born in an odd place,
she will pick them up and move them where she wants them to be and she should be allowed to do so without interference.

 Within 24 hours of birth, the mother cat will most often begin to lick constantly at the genital area . 
About 30 minutes to an hour or so prior to birth, one may notice a sudden "squirt" of fluid expelled from her body, this is the water breaking and
the kittens will come soon thereafter.

 The number of kittens that the mother will have is another matter that people often inquire about.  Generally one can expect a pregnant cat to have one to four
kittens or more. Visiting the vet may provide the answer to this question.

 Kittens are always born with
blue eyes and most of the time they change to green within a couple of weeks. All baby felines are born blind and deaf but within a couple of
weeks they generally gain their sight and hearing abilities 

It's OK to touch the newborn kittens as long as the mother allows it and doesn't get upset. If she doesn't like anyone touching them then they
should be left only to the mother's attention. 

Newborn kittens will grow quickly but it will be two to three weeks to see them start moving around. Thereafter, they will be hard to keep up
with as they will be scampering around everywhere and eight to ten weeks they can be given away to loving homes. 

 That is the basic information
on what might be expected with pregnancy of cats and birthing. Be sure to get vaccines needed and remember to spay or neuter those newborns so
they don't overpopulate.

Often baby kittens have ear mites. Be sure to look at their ears
and provide medication to eliminate the problem Go
chemical free with Dr Dogs Ear Oil, safely and effectively relieves
symptoms for all felines. Cat ear mites are  a nuisance and require treating to get rid of them.