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Cats/Post kitten birth mom behavior.

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Expert: - 6/5/2007


Question
Yesterday a stray cat that my wife and I adopted (about 1.5 months ago) had her kittens.  The "mom" cat seemed to become attached to the both of use about 2 weeks after we took her in.  Often times she would only sit in between the two of us and most of the night would sleep on the bed with us.  She would not be alone when having the kittens, and would come and find us in the middle of labor if we left her side.  Then last night she carried all of her kittens into bed with us and slept there in between us with her kittens all night.  If the two of leave her side she seems panicked, and runs around the house looking for us.  What do we do? and is this normal?

Answer
Hi Joe,

You have one smart cat there. She knows that her kittens are the safest with you. She has bonded with you and trusts you completely with her kittens. She is showing you how much she trusts and how much you are a part of her family. Some cats are like this. I have three that follow me all over the house and sit either right on me or close by me. If I leave the house they wait in the windows until I come back and talk to me from the window. You are lucky to have a cat like that. As for the panic she has, that will let up. She is new and is afraid of being without her "pack" members. As she gets older and is there longer she will calm down. Good luck with mom and your new family. Oh, I forgot, feed her kitten food for the extra nutrition she needs while feeding the kits. Write back if you have any other questions.

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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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