Expert: Jessica - 3/29/2010

Question
i have a simes cat shes was pregnant n she had the kittens 2 days ago i wanna know when can i grave them n when do they start eating by themselves?i wanna know what can i do cause she had her kittens next to my closet n she just laying in the floor can i pick them up n put them in a box or something?i wanna know more

Answer
Hi Yamary.  I'm not sure what you mean by "when can I grave them".  But the kittens will start trying to eat kitten food for the first time around 4-5 weeks old, if you give them canned food.  I would keep dry food away from them until they are much older, as their baby tooth are too tiny to chew hard food, and they can choke.  The kittens will continue to nurse while they are eating kitten food for a while, until about 10 weeks, and breeders recommend sending them to their new homes when they are around 12 weeks old.  

You can make mom and the kittens a comfortable box to stay in.  It should be big enough for mom to stretch out in and should have some towels spread out in the bottom.  There should be four sides on it so the kittens can't get out, and the side should be about 8 inches high for now.  Try to place the box close to where mom has the kittens lying now, and then yes, just pick the kittens up and move them into the box.  Be sure to wash your hands with an antibacterial soap before handling the babies, though, since they're sensitive to germs at this age.  Mom may choose not to keep the kittens in the box and move them.  You can give it a couple of tries, but if she keeps moving them, best to let her keep them where she chooses.

You should try to handle the babies several times a day to get them used to human contact.  Those kittens who receive human handling every day from birth turn out to be the friendliest pets.  Just a couple of minutes a few times a day is plenty of interaction when they are this young.  Just try to be sure not to interrupt meals or sleep.  Studies show human contact from birth helps the kittens' eyes open earlier and encourages the kittens to leave their nests and seek human interaction younger.

Congratulations on your kittens!

Jessica