Thanks for all of the kind words about my latest little panther!

[Siwsan]

Merlin seems to get a BURST of energy at 2:30am. Those little baby claws!!! Especially when he tries to climb up my face! He looks like a very tiny black bear cub!

He is getting stronger and I'm thinking his leg strength will improve enough for him to start bumbling, in another few days.

Just like Cinder, from my first rescued litter, Merlin loves to crawl up on my shoulder to sleep.

Today I'm heading out to buy a different nursing bottle. Right now I'm feeding him with an eye dropper because he doesn't seem to like the nipple that came with the one I have.

Gryff is the most comfortable with Merlin. He comes up and gives him a few good sniffs and then settles down to watch him. Madoc and Arthur are still at that hissing stage but no swatting. I'll just keep increasing their exposure time to him. They've always come around to new siblings. Meanwhile, when I'm gone, Merlin will be in the carrier and out of their reach.

[2naSalit]

1. Good to hear...

He's so little/young, sounds like he's improving with the feeding and will grow strong.

Panthers are a special kind of kitty.

[Siwsan]

4. I'm hoping that giving him a flea bath will increase his chances

There weren't a lot of fleas but I suspect there had been. His gums are nice and pink so they didn't do that much damage. He has a good appetite. I've almost given up on an actual schedule and give him some milk when he seems to be asking for it. Hopefully I won't have to deal with him getting an eye infection. So far, so good.

I wonder how many were in his litter, and was he the strongest but still too much for his mother so she dropped him off on my deck. A couple of years ago there was a mother cat who dropped her kittens off at my house, every morning, and collected them back up, late in the afternoon. They were older but I guess the 'meow' is out about my savior complex.

And I have become a true believer in the magic of Black Cats.

[NJCher]

5. Kitty daycare

You are.

That’s so funny and sweet, too.

[Sky Jewels]

9. I don't believe in Heaven but

I do believe in Kitty Daycare.

[2naSalit]

11. I always felt that...

Babies, of any kind, each have their own schedules.

I remember the kitty day care days. I thought that was pretty amusing.

Hope he continues to improve and grow.

[LoisB]

2. Sounds good.

[Polly Hennessey]

3. Happy update. He seems comfortable with you and feels safe.

Already he is letting his opinion known. Picky over bottle nipples. Who knew.

[Karadeniz]

6. Great namel

[Freddie]

7. Years ago my daughter brought home a tiny calico kitten

We also had Dylan, a Maine Coon who was sweet but not too bright. Samantha (the baby) tried her best to nurse from Dylan, who let her. Vet said that’s pretty normal when a kitten is too young to leave mom.

[PatrickforB]

8. I love the pictures of your cats. Cats are wonderful little animals. Now, we have four of

them. One, who shares this little guy's name is a Siamese.

I hope at some point to see a picture of your little Merlin!

[MacKasey]

10. I am so happy to hear the news

Love the name!

I have just recently thought about Sian and how much I miss your stories about her.

And thought she will come back to you, she was magical!

Also glad they you got a new good therapist!!