Welcome to the World!

Let me introduce you to four new world citizens - Viktor, Vilgot, Vilhelmina and Viola. The birth went well - as usual with mummy Sigrid, she's such a sound, robust and good mother - and they're all doing fine, although it was a bit of a drama in the beginning.

Sigrid wasn't really interested in the cosy box I'd prepared for her, she wanted to hang out with the rest of the hairy bunch, so after a night with not too much sleep, since I had to check her now and then, I told her to give me a meow when it was time, and then fell asleep. Was woken up by the phone, when I hung up I heard a tiny but very strident scream from the living room. And oh yes, there it was, a little cream boy lying on the floor with a whole gang of spectators, including Malte who is very fond of the mother to be.

Rushed off to get some tissues and when I came back Malte had discovered the placenta - which in the world of fourleggers apparently is considered to be something of a *ugh* delicacy... - got a hold of it and bounced away. The only thing was that attached to the other end of the placenta was still a little cream one...

*Plop* and he safely landed on the floor - with Malte looking really ashamed peeping from behind the armchair - and was named Viktor for a number of reasons.

Since Sigrid apparently seemed content enough with giving birth on an old sofa cushion in the middle of the living room with all those spectators following the event with great interest, I let her continue doing so.

Number two was a little girl, black and white, and even though she looked perfect there was something that seemed to be missing, couldn't put my finger on it though... Um, the strangest thing, she lacked a tail. The little behind looks perfectly fine, just without the slightest hint of a tail. I've never heard of this in a british shorthair before, a whim of nature, or something else? Some sleuthing needs to be done here...

Then came big boy Vilgot, blue mackerel tabby, and last little black girl Viola. Now all living in the cosy box. Welcome to the world little ones - be prepared to pose for the camera!