Further updates, things are getting exciting!
Currently we can confirm that Vera, Veronika and Valentina are all pregnant. Based on observations, Vera will have a litter first, closely followed by Veronika. Valentina seems to be a few weeks behind the others, as we had some issues with the rapid changes in weather affecting calls and cycles, as well as the period of less light in the day (these factors govern a Russians capacity to enter call).
From here, we will likely not reach out to owners until 8 weeks. For the first 3-4 weeks kittens are generally confined to their nesting box, as their sight and other sense begin to awaken. During this time they spend long periods with their parents, who provide warmth and ongoing nutrients in the form of milk. We do sometimes have much bigger litters (this could well be the case with Vera!) So, we may also need to supplement feed if this is a heavy demand on the queen.
From here, we then find the kittens will begin to wander and explore the world. This is also usually the first glimpse at their temperament, which tends to come out over the next several weeks. It is during this time we often observe and work out kittens that will be a good fit for different families. This also gives us time to assess what we have in the litters, as often, we are at the mercy of nature on genders and colours!
We then arrange microchipping and vaccinations before desexing, which usually occurs around 12 weeks of age. Males can typically be rehomed a few days after surgery, while females usually stay with us a little longer because their procedure is more involved. Due to having the litters so close this time around, please bear with us as it can literally be like herding cats!
After this, we will generally begin reaching out to owners to discuss pickup and travel arrangements, as well as any other queries people may have before bringing their fur baby home! One kitten is microchipped, it is a lot easier to track them and assign them to new owners, without them being muddled up! This is around the 8 week mark with their first vaccines.