03/13/2025
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โจThe life of a Breeder โจ
I just need a moment to stop, breathe, and take it all in. This year has been one of the most intense, emotional, and overwhelming experiences of my life. The rollercoaster of raising kittens has been nothing short of chaoticโamazing, heart-wrenching, expensive, and absolutely eye-opening. Iโm currently on litter 2 and expecting litter 3 any day now, and I just feel so many emotions.
Litter 1 was a truly difficult journey for me. We lost 2 out of 5 kittens, and honestly, we were about to lose 3, but by some miracle, I managed to save one. (And when I say โwe,โ I mean itโbirth is incredibly hands-on with this breed.) It was a traumatic experience, one of the hardest Iโve ever gone through. One of the babies fought to survive for a few hours, but he was bit too close to the umbilical cord, exposing his insides and his tiny body just couldnโt hold on. It happens so quickly, and without the knowledge and experience, you could lose them all. Thatโs a gut-wrenching feeling that no one could ever truly prepare you for.
Then came litter 2, and before that, we had another heartbreak. Birdy, our beautiful mama, had a miscarriage halfway through her pregnancy. It was devastating for her and took a toll on her bodyโalong with over $500 in vet bills. But as soon as she was good and healed, she got pregnant again, and the pregnancy itself went smoothly, thankfully. But the birthโฆ oh my heart. Birdy was in active labor for HOURS, her contractions so strong, but there was no vet available to help. I called every single vet in town and even the next two towns over, and no one could take her in for a C-section. It felt like forever. I was panicking, but we finally found a clinic willing to help. We drove over 45 minutes to get her there, and they delivered 6 beautiful babies safely. โค๏ธโ๐ฅ After all the stress and the worries, Birdy was stitched up and ready to go, but it came at a steep costโanother $800 in vet bills.
Iโve always loved cats, always. But nothing could have prepared me for the journey of breeding Maine C**ns. This experience has truly changed me.
This work is HARD. Itโs not easy, itโs not cheap, and it takes everything I haveโphysically, mentally, and emotionally. For every sweet, playful kitten I share online, thereโs so much more behind the scenesโsickness, stress, sleepless nights, worry, and heartacheโto make sure these babies grow into happy, healthy kittys. Itโs not for the faint of heart.
So, as litter 3 prepares to make its grand entrance any day now, Iโm asking for your positive thoughts and prayers. Iโm praying for a smooth, safe home birth with no complications and for all of the babies to be healthy and strong. ๐๐ผโค๏ธโ๐ฅ
I could not, would not, be half the breeder I am today without my amazing village of breeder friends. They are my lifeline. I send them pictures and ask questions at all hours of the day, and they always respond with kindness, wisdom, and encouragement. I am forever grateful for their support and for the love that surrounds me. I am beyond blessed to be able to do what I love every single day.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all the love and support. Iโm so incredibly blessed to be here, and I couldnโt do this without you all. ๐
Ps. Diamond-M Veterinary Clinic was worth every penny spent and mile drove! I will definitely be going back! Their animal care is beyond measure, who knows where me and my birdy girl would be without them. And a HUGE shoutout/ THANKS A MILLION to Amanda Rose /Wild Rose Photography LLC โฆ she had a client recomend diamonds (which was our saving grace) and she was with me every step of birdys labor-C section. From start to finish. I could NOT have done that alone. The village is VILLAGE-IN
Ps Ps. Hereโs a little throw back kitty photo dump to brighten your day!
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