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Cats/Queens behavior change

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Expert: - 9/5/2008


Question
Hi my cat gave birth to 4 healthy kittens 4 days ago and has been a very attentive mother sleeping with them, feeding them regularly and giving them a good old clean. But today she isn't paying them even half as much attention. her behavior has basically reverted to what is was before she gave birth. sitting on the window sill for hours, following me and my girl friend around, sleeping pretty much any were but in the box with her kittens. my question is, is this normal? i mean she has still been letting them suckle and stuff but like i said not half as much.

Answer
Hi Charlie,

Is she taking care of the kits? They should be fed about 5-6 times around the clock. Is she cleaning them still? She needs to do this. Her cleaning them gets rid of their waste. Are the kittens in a warm area? Being that young they are susceptible to getting cold and dying. These are all questions you need to ask. If she is lacking on the answers you are going to have to step up and help raise the kits. If this is her first litter sometimes cats don't know what to do or walk away from being a mother. This might be the case with yours. Here is a link that has some great info on what to do.
http://www.feralcat.com/raising.html
Good luck.

Ciao, Karen


Hi Charlie,

I saw your follow up. Yes having sore teats will put her off on taking care of the kits. You can try a product called Bag Balm. You can find it  at most drug stores. It is to treat sore teats. I would take her to the vet though just to be on the safe side. You don't want her getting an infection there. And that's not that uncommon. 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.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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