Expert: Dear Tabbi - 5/14/2008

Question
On Friday the 9th a cat that was visiting our garden had kittens. But today (Wednesday the 14) the mother cat moved the kiitens. She had four kittens by the way. They first were born in a bush. But the neighbour next-door was cutting the hedge so we had to move them. My sister with gloves on moved the kittens to the shed. Then the mother cat went into the shed after them. Today she moved them twice. She moved three kittens into a different hedge in our garden. But she left one kitten left in the shed. Then about half an hour later she moved the kittens again, to under the shed and took the kitten that was in the shed with her. Then later we heard very loud meowing. We checked and saw a kitten in the bush where they were born. The other three are still under the shed. My mum things that there is somthing wrong with the kitten and left it there. But the way she is coming in and out and looking around the garden I think shes looking for the kitten.

Any info on this please help
(the kittens are five days old today 14th may)

Answer
Heather,

It is very common for mamas to move their kittens, especially if she is a first time mother. Leaving a kitten behind is also common. A lot of times she senses that there is something wrong with the kitten, or she feels she can't handle another one. You can put the kitten close to where she has the other kittens and hope for the best (even though that is hard to do), or you can hand raise the baby (but that is a lot of work and time with no guarantees). She will usually get the baby if it is crying and if NO ONE is watching her. A lot of mothers have this thing about not letting anyone see where she takes her babies.

Tabbi