Expert: Jessica - 5/4/2010

Question
Hello my cat just had new born kittens and I don't no when I should touch them and I don't think I should touch them wen they are 1-2 weeks old I'm really confused please help

Answer
Hi there.  Actually, handling the kittens every day from birth is the best way to make them great pets.  Mom will not reject the kittens if you handle them.  Evidence shows that newborn kittens who are handled every day from birth open their eyes at a younger age and leave their nest earlier.  As newborns, they don't need much handling - just a couple minutes every few hours is plenty.  Try to avoid disturbing meal times.  Also, disinfect your hands before holding them, since the kittens are susceptible to germs at this age.  Then, just gently cuddle the babies.  The kittens are blind and deaf for the first couple weeks of their lives, but they will get to know you by scent earlier.

Occasionally, moms may become nervous when someone handles their newborns and try to move the litter.  Out of all my fosters, I only had one cat who became upset that I was handling the babies and kept moving them on me.  But if your cat does become upset and keeps moving them, stop handling them and try again in another week.  However, by age three weeks, you must start holding the kittens whether mom likes it or not, or the kittens are going to start turning wild.  

In fact, the most important time for bonding with a kitten begins at just 2 weeks.  This is the time when it will be most important to ensure you handle the kittens each and every day.  The kittens can spend a little bit more time away from mom at this age, and you can have longer visits with them.  15 minutes of one-on-one time four times a day is a good starting point.  I recommend to take special care to touch the kittens' paws and pet their bellies frequently, since these are sensitive areas that some cats become very defensive over if they are not used to people touching them.  Getting them used to having these areas touched at a young age is important.  

Shortly after this time, the kittens will be wanting to leave their nest, and their ears will be starting to open (they are sealed shut when born).  Soon, they'll learn the sound of your voice and will begin to toddle over when they hear you call them.  Take this opportunity to provide them with plenty of kisses and cuddles!  In another couple weeks, they'll be very busy wrestling one another and conquering the world.

Good luck!

Jessica