Who's That Kitten?

Your queen has successfully delivered her litter!

- Teresa Keiger

I have bred Russian Blues for almost 30 years now, and I am always amused when a (usually new) breeder exclaims that they have kittens of the same color or pattern and worry about how to tell them apart. ALL Russian Blue kittens are solid blue, with the occasional blue point kitten (which is born solid white and develops points as it matures) or one with a white locket or tail tip. We learn early how to differentiate kittens … or not. I am certain that Korat, Chartreux, Bombay, and Havana Brown breeders also relate to this, as well as breeds with more limited color palettes, or colorpointed breeds like Siamese, until the color begins to emerge.

Don’t panic! With a bit of knowledge and planning, you will have those kittens sorted out (or at least the ones that need to be sorted …. which is the other part of the tale).

The Need-to-Know Basis

When is it important to identify individual kittens? This can vary depending on circumstances.

1. Within the first few days of birth to make certain that each kitten is gaining weight. This is probably the most crucial time to identify individuals to ensure that things are going well for all kittens in the litter.

2. To easily identify a kitten that might have an issue, such as needing meds, supplements, etc.

3. If there is more than one litter of approximately the same age on the ground – especially if they intermingle with each other. Of course it is important to get the kittens back to their respective mothers, although some queens will happily nurse any kitten and share mom duties. But more critical is ensuring the correct genetic background for any kittens that will become part of a breeding program.