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Cats/Newborn kitten & Mother's Behavior

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Expert: - 3/25/2008


Question
My cat was recently pregnant.  Just about two weeks before she was full term she miscarried two of the kittens (they were both dead at birth).  Then two weeks later, at full term, she gave birth to two more kittens.  Unfortunately, one of them was born very tiny and with absolutely no fat on him and died a day later.  The other kitten and now the only kitten was born quite plump, appears healthy and is four days old.  

NOW, my question finally,lol.  We have kept the mother and baby's bed in the bottom bureau drawer where the mother gave birth.  We clean and change the blankets daily and try to keep it comfy for both of them.  However, these past two days, the mother keeps moving the kitten to other locations. She's moved it behind the couch, to a box in the closet and a couple other places.  Naturally, I am worried about the safety of the kitten with the mom doing this.  So I was hoping you could tell me why she is doing this and if there is anything we can and should be doing to stop it, prevent it or help with it.  I also just want to add that I haven't allowed the kids to handle the kitten yet and I have handled her only when it is necessary, which has been very little.

I appreciate your help and any advice you can give us on this.  Thank you so so much!

Answer
Hi Trish,

I would say the most likely reason she is moving so much is that you are changing the linens so often. It is disturbing her and the kit. She doesn't feel it is too safe there. Leave off on changing the linens. The mom takes care of the kit's waste right now so there won't be anything to worry about that. And the mom uses the litter box. Let her have her nest undisturbed. You can start handling the kitten at about 1-2 weeks. This will be fine. Wait for other until 4-5 weeks. Hope this helped. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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