My cat keeps moving her kittens – why?

Well, since your girl loves cupboards, the bottom of a cupboard or a wardrobe would do the trick.

When I had my first few litters, I actually used a cardboard box. I’d cut a hole in the front (high enough so the kittens couldn’t climb out) and cover the box with some thick fabric.

Nowadays, I either use a playpen, which I partially cover with a board to provide some shade (mums like to be in the dark for their little ones), and I put a large pet bed inside.

Mind you, I’ve got one girl who’ll only accept one thing: putting her kittens in the storage compartment of my sofa. So, I leave the sofa open and cover the side where the light comes from with several throws.

It means I’m living with an open sofa for a month—not exactly practical, but there we go, I just put up with it.

And no hard feelings, Maelys :)

First of all, I never said I didn't want to. I just want to do it in the gentlest way possible for my girl, especially as I’ve only had her for a few months and this is her first litter. I think your advice is very good, I’m just a bit taken aback by your rather authoritative tone. You’ve clearly got a lot of experience with this, which shows, so hopefully you can understand my clumsiness in the way I'm going about things.

Well no, seeing as you aren't planning on moving them from where they're in danger.

But like I said, it's up to you – they're your kittens after all.

Did I say at any point that your advice wasn't right for me? I don't think so. You said, and I quote: "I'm trying to warn you about a potential danger to the kittens and you clearly aren't worried." Do you honestly think I don't seem worried?

No, you’re not wrong there.

You ask for advice, but when it’s given, it’s clearly not what you want to hear.

I’m trying to warn you about a potential danger to the kittens and you don’t seem bothered at all. So yes, it’s only natural that I’m getting a bit annoyed.

You might feel sure about the people you’ve lined up for these kittens, but just keep in mind that you can never be certain of a reservation until a deposit has been paid.

Don’t forget that you’ll have a fair amount of money to pay upfront for their first vaccinations, microchipping, and worming (around £85 per kitten). A £40 deposit wouldn't just help you out with the costs; it would also ensure that people don’t pull out at the last minute.

But anyway, it’s up to you—they’re your kittens.

I’m saying all this calmly now, just to keep you informed and give you a heads-up.

You seem a bit annoyed with me, or am I reading that wrong?

I’m only looking for some advice and a bit of support. I’ve read your replies carefully and I’ve listened and followed your advice. Thanks.

Have you actually tried?

No?

Well, you can't really know then, can you?

As for the rehoming, I warned you and it’s not my problem anymore.

If you end up stuck with kittens on your hands, you’ll just have extra cats to look after, but never mind – since you’ve raised them yourself it’s not the end of the world, you’ll just have to keep them.

What if I close the cupboard and she just paces around with the little one in her mouth for three hours, refusing to put them anywhere else?

At the moment, I’ve put some tall boxes all around them for protection so they can’t climb out. As for finding homes for the little ones, don't worry, it's all sorted.