Expert: Jessica - 9/5/2009

Question
My cat has recently had her second litter, although this litter was born a 10days before we got back from overseas. They are now about 3weeks old. I have noticed that she is a lot more protective of them. Also if i pick the kittens up they meow(cry.) Is this because they are not used to me? They have full bellies and mother cat is looking after them well and they don't cry any other time. I want to get them used to humans like the first litter. What steps can i take to stop them meowing? And is this normal?

Answer
Hi Michelle.  Yes, I'm certain at three weeks old, it's because they aren't used to human contact.  And unfortunately, the only way to get them to stop meowing is to just hold them and cuddle them, despite their cries.  This is a critical age in their social development, and you'll need to be handling them often at this age to prevent them from turning wild on you.  Make sure you dedicate an absolute minimum of four 10-minute segments of one-on-one time with the babies each day.  If you can spend a couple extra visits, it would be good.  If mom is too upset when the babies cry at first, spend visits in a separate room.

Essentially, the most human contact you can give the babies without interrupting meal time or grooming is the best.  In another week or two, the kittens are going to be hissing and biting if they don't get used to human contact, so you are working against the clock!

Best wishes,
Jessica