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Question
Today i came home to my cat giving birth to her three kittens, she seemed to make it through birth fairly well did everything right got off all the sacs and ate most everything she needed to. But my problem is now she is having trouble knowing what to do with them. I've been encouraging her by giving her attention when she is feeding them and stuff but not she won't do that stuff unless I'm giving her attention. She's either worried about me petting her or if the dogs are going to get her kittens, but i have made sure that the dogs are crated and away from kittens she even has her own room where she has the kittens and stuff way far away from them. I don't know what to do I really was just trying to help I hope I didn't do anything wrong. Please help!
Hi Christine,
You didn't do anything wrong. This sounds like her first litter. Some cats when they have their first are a little clueless as to what to do. Keep an eye on her and how she takes care of the kittens. She if she cleans them. This is how kittens get rid of their wastes. It sounds yucky but it's a protection thing. If she isn't doing this you will have to step in and do some of the work for her. If she is feeding and cleaning them then you don't have any worries. She will not spend all her time with them. Make sure they are warm when she is absent.
And by showing her attention when she is doing her thing with the kittens, you are reinforcing good behavior on her part. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
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.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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