cat mothering Newborn kittens are undeniably adorable, and witnessing their birth is a remarkable experience. At PetPlace, we’re committed to equipping you with the knowledge necessary to care for your feline friends. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the ways in which mother cats nurture and look after their kittens.
Immediately After Birth
cat mothering Mother cats, or queens, instinctively look for cozy, quiet spots to give birth. If your cat is expecting, you can assist her by setting up a towel-lined box in a calm, dark room. After the kittens are born, the mother licks them to remove the amniotic sacs and will chew through the umbilical cords and eat the placentas—a perfectly normal part of the process.
cat mothering Cats prefer privacy during birth and generally handle everything on their own. However, it’s helpful to be prepared in case you need to step in. If the mother fails to remove the amniotic sac from any kittens, gently break it with a towel. Ensure that each kitten has a corresponding placenta. If you notice any missing placentas, your cat may need veterinary attention, although she might have already consumed them. Occasionally, twin kittens may share a single placenta
The First Few Weeks
cat mothering When kittens are first born, they can’t see or hear very well. They rely on their instincts and sense of smell to locate their mother’s teats for nursing. They also have a reflex that prompts them to suckle when they feel a nipple against their fur. If a kitten struggles to find a nipple, the mother cat will often help by guiding it closer. Kittens typically start nursing within the first couple of hours after birth and need to feed within 24 hours. If there are more kittens than teats, you might need to help by rotating them to ensure each one gets a chance to nurse.
cat mothering In the early days, the mother cat will frequently groom her kittens, licking their bellies and anuses to stimulate their elimination of waste. While she may clean up after them, you should keep the nesting area clean by replacing soiled towels with fresh ones. Once the kittens are more mobile, they will be able to manage urination and stool on their own. If you’re caring for the kittens without their mother, you’ll need to stimulate their digestion using a warm, wet washcloth, as recommended by The Spruce.
Leaving the Nest
cat mothering Around three weeks old, kittens begin to explore their surroundings, and this is when their mother starts to socialize them. She encourages them to walk and move about, and you might hear her calling to those who wander too far. By four weeks, the kittens should be relatively steady on their feet, and by six weeks, they’ll start playing, jumping, and climbing.
During this period, the mother cat will also introduce them to the litter box and start the weaning process, which can continue until they are around 12 weeks old. It’s important not to rush weaning, as abrupt changes might lead the kittens to suckle on objects like blankets. Additionally, kittens benefit from observing their mother and siblings play until they’re about 12 weeks old. Experts suggest that handling by humans between four and six weeks is crucial. Gently pet and hold the kittens to help them become accustomed to human touch.
Caring for Mom
After giving birth, mother cats are quite adept at caring for themselves. The queen will frequently groom herself, and you should not notice significant discharge or blood from her vagina. She typically waits about 24 hours before eating or drinking and may be reluctant to leave her kittens. To ensure she feels secure and comfortable, place her food, water, and a litter box just outside the nursery area.
If a nursing cat appears unwell, she could be suffering from mastitis, an infection of the mammary glands, or a uterine infection. Any signs of illness or lethargy in the mother or her kittens warrant a visit to the vet. Should the mother neglect her kittens or refuse to eat, you may need to provide additional care.
Maternal Aggression
It’s common for a gentle, affectionate cat to become aggressive after giving birth. This maternal aggression is a normal response, driven by hormones that heighten a protective instinct towards her kittens. If you attempt to interact with the mother or her litter, she might respond with hissing or other defensive behaviors. In extreme cases, a mother cat may harm her kittens if she feels they are in danger. To help minimize stress and aggression, ensure that the mother and her kittens are in a safe, low-traffic area where she can care for them without disturbance.
When Is It Safe to Separate the Kittens From Their Mother?
The appropriate age to separate a kitten from its mother depends on the specific circumstances. Sometimes, kittens are orphaned, or the mother cat is unable to care for them, requiring human intervention. Understanding how cats naturally care for their young can guide you in determining the best time to separate them. Most experts recommend waiting until the kittens are at least six weeks old, while some suggest keeping them with their mother for 8 to 10 weeks. According to the Animal Humane Society, kittens that remain with their mothers longer tend to be better socialized. Although it might be tempting to adopt a kitten as soon as possible, waiting until they are older can result in a more well-adjusted and well-behaved cat.
