Woodbury- Nonnewaug’s FFA’s vet department continues their partnership with Whiskers Rescue, taking in a new rescue cat named Onyx, on October 16. After just six days of being comforted and welcomed at Nonnewaug, Onyx brought seven kittens into the world on October 22.
Jesse Hungerford, ag vet teacher explained, “Our first foster cat of the year is Onyx, a sweet black cat estimated to be 3-4 years old (perfectly fitting for those in the spirit of celebrating Halloween). As most of the community is already aware, Onyx had 7 healthy kittens during school on Tuesday, October 22.”
Vet co-teacher, Jennifer Jedd, who was in Indianapolis with competing national students at the time, said, “She appears to feel at home and loves her cat house in her kennel. She is a little more shy, but she is turning out to be very sweet. We look forward to the babies and to naming them!”
When asked about the labor process to help the cat, Jedd said,
“When they are in labor we keep the room dark and quiet, and we don’t touch or interfere unless absolutely necessary. We then make sure all babies are breathing and clean, and then continue to monitor to make sure they pass their first stool, latch on to successfully nurse, and we weigh the kittens twice per day to ensure they are gaining weight.”
The day after Jedd left for Indianapolis, that was exactly what happened.
On Tuesday, during a junior/senior vet class, members of the class noticed Onyx had been staying in the open closet full of fluffy stuffed animals and panting. Later, Mia Castro noticed, while checking on her at 9:30am, that there was a kitten born. Students helped by turning off lights and all noise-making devices as well as gathering the proper supplies. Laying towels down to help Onyx have comfort, students sat quietly and ready to assist their other teacher Jesse Hungerford whenever she needed it.
The last kitten was born healthy at 2:30pm. The seven kittens are expected to be ready for adoption as things run smoothly around Christmas time.
Hungerford said “ we try to wean our kittens around week five. By week six, they are fully independent from mom, eating their own food, exploring new terrain, and learning social skills on their own. We
work closely with Whiskers to ensure all cats get to their forever homes as efficiently as possible.”
The vet department continues to help raise the kittens and looks forward to helping them grow and find their first home, as well as taking in more rescues.
