You are here:

Cats/Queen moving kittens

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/23/2009


Question
QUESTION: My cat delivered 4 healthy kittens 2.5 weeks ago.  3 Days after they were born she moved them into my bed with me while I was sleeping, and she encouraged me to be involved in their lives. Even during the birth process she would only deliver when I had my hand on her belly. At 2 weeks she moved them again, but this time she put them high up on a shelf.  They are wobbling around and I worry that they could fall off the shelf.  

Is she jealous of my giving affection to the kittens, or perhaps she wants them to be confined to a place where they cant wander around.  It just seems odd that she has put them up so high.

ANSWER: Hi Lorien,

Usually cats move their kits when they don't quite feel too safe with where they are at. There might have been something that she saw and didn't like. I would say it has nothing to do with you. You need to get the kits and move them down from there. They can fall. Move them into a closet that is out of the way. Keep the door partly open. Make sure she is with you when you do this. And make sure you reassure her. She should be ok with the move. Try to limit contact for the first week to just you. This will also be good for her and the kits. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the help... I tried to move them down and into a quiet cozy place, and I did it in mama's presence.  She didnt like it, and put them back up on the shelf.  I tried three times, but she hasnt accepted the change for some reason.  I live in Africa, and sometimes we have strange critters in the house... so do you think she is trying to keep the babies out of reach of any predators?

Answer
Hi Lorien,

That is exactly why then. There must be something around that she senses that you can't see. For now I would take some cardboard or wood and build sides on the shelf so the kits can't fall out. Make them about 4 or 5 inches high. The mom can get over it but the kits can't get out. And check under your bed. ;)  Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.