Expert: Dear Tabbi - 10/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: our cat just had kittens and they want to come out of their box but when one comes out she grabs it and puts it straight back in but when another one comes out she grabs it and goes behind the bed to put it there. why is that?

ANSWER: Chanel,

Your cat must be a first time mother. They can have some bizarre behaviors because they aren't sure what this mothering stuff is a all about! (smile)

I wouldn't worry too much as long as she is feeding the kittens and they are not crying from being neglected. In her mind she is putting them where she feels they are safe. Also, mothers start to panic when the kittens start moving around and getting independant because Mom feels like she is losing control of the situation. She knows where they are. Why she is putting them in different places is probably a reason on she knows.

As long as they are safe and fed, even in two different places, then leave her be. Moving them back or around may stress her and that could affect her milk production. The kittens will be grown soon and it will be a moot point.

I would also think about getting her spayed soon. A cat can get pregnant again as soon as two weeks after giving birth!

Tabbi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: ok,thanx for that. we have 5 cats all together(including mum)we are giving her kittens away when there two months old, could you give us some tips we can do to make sure that mum doesnt attack any or the other four remaining cats out of frustration that she cannot find her kittens no more.

Answer
Chanel,

When they are 2 months old the mother will not be so frantic about them. She won't attack her kittens out of frustration. If she attacks her kittens that is her way of weaning them when they try. Mother cats also teach their kittens how to fight and defend theirselves. It looks like she is being mean to them, but she's really not. To make her content though, I would leave her a kitten or two for company and companionship. When a kitten is weaned then the mother no longer recognizes it as family because they have no concept of 'relatives'. They just recognize by smell that they are part of 'cats that belong there'. They have no concept of brother/sister, mother/son, etc. That is why there is incest among cats. It is normal.

Tabbi