They grow up so fast - Mr Orange at 6 weeks

The reincarnation of Dorian Grunge, Mr Orange, is turning out to be just as grubby as Dorian was.. The dirty paws and food stained faces are an exact match. I don't mind this at all because now it seems like Mr Orange is going to grow up to be a strong healthy cat. I was so worried the first two weeks he was with me. He was so young and so fragile. After all the foster deaths I had this year I just couldn't relax even for a second with this little guy. I was so afraid that he could weaken at any moment and go like the others did, that whole fading kitten syndrome thingy. I swear its real and it makes me paranoid!

It didn't help that Mr O was kinda slow when it came to learning how to eat wet food so I was always worried that he wasn't getting enough nutrition. He spent so much time trying to suck in food instead of opening his mouth, its a miracle any food ended up in his belly at all. He was always crying because he couldn't 'find' the food even when it was right in front of his face. I wondered if he was retarded or something.. If that can happen in cats.. I guess he's just a slow learner. Until now I have to syringe feed him water because he doesn't understand how to drink yet.

The good news is he has finally learned how to eat kibble. This is a really big step for Mr O and I. Its been quite a process going from fully weaning him, to feeding him wet food mashed into a paste with water, to just wet food, then to kibble softened with warm water, and finally dry royal canin babycat 34 with nothing added. He has filled out so much now that he knows how to eat on his own. I could feel his ribs before. He's also a lot more energetic and zips around my apartment at top speed chasing after the big cats or attacking my feet. He's stable on his legs now and super confident.

You guys know what this means.. My little foster tyke is ready to leave me. These times are always bittersweet. I always look forward to them being strong and healthy but at the same time I'm sad because I know our time together is ending. My role as foster mother is done and Mr O doesn't need me anymore. He can move on to his forever home now. It seems like just yesterday he wobbled on infant legs into my life.