A Beautiful, Gross, Nerve-wracking Night

Back in February, I took in one of the stray cats that was hanging around my house. Once she was inside, she warmed up to the family, turning out to be one of the sweetest cats I've ever known. Unfortunately, I'm sure she was abandoned last year by neighbors down the street, but I'm glad I've been able to give her a home.

Welp, shortly before she came inside, I may have interrupted a fun date she was having with another stray. Seeing this, I knew it was a possibility that there were babies on the horizon. Near the end of February, that was confirmed.

Jump to last night, at three in the morning, and there I was, comforting Moo Ma (my most common nickname for her) while she birthed the first of three kittens. She waited until I was awake and beside her, rubbing her belly and talking to her before she let herself go through the process. She'd been showing signs for two days that she was ready, but she didn't want to do it alone. And she chose me to be her birthing buddy.

I've never experienced this before. Yes, I'm a mother myself, but it's a totally different experience on the outside, especially with another animal that you can't fully communicate with. Being me, I did the research and knew what to expect. I was even as mentally prepared as I could be for if things went wrong. I knew the number to call if I needed a vet.

Yes, it was as disgusting as I thought it would be. Moo Ma refused to have her kittens in the nest I made for her, instead choosing under my writing desk to be the sacred spot. So, there was blood everywhere.

As cats do, she ate the placentas and umbilical cords and anything else that came from her. I didn't not like witnessing that. I fully get why that happens, and it makes sense, and it's smart, but YUCK.

When the first kitten burst from her, though, and I heard its tiny little meow, I teared up. I felt so blessed that she'd not only allowed me to be a part of this moment, but that she'd specifically wanted me to be with her. As cliched as it might be, it was a magical moment. It's not the same as when my own little bean was born, but damn, it's up there.

This isn't a journey I ever thought I'd be on, and I'm no less stressed, but I wouldn't change a thing (well, maybe do the nesting part differently. Ugh, the mess).

PIcture of the beautiful mama and her furry nuggets.