Since this evening, my cat Cachou has been picking up her kittens in her mouth and moving them around as if she’s looking for a new spot. However, she always ends up bringing them back to the cosy cardboard box I made up for her. Is this normal? Should I be worried?
Is it my fault because I’ve sometimes moved the box into my bedroom with her? I did it because I had the impression that was what she wanted after she spent ages meowing at me. I’m really not sure what to think, so any advice would be great.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Translated from French
The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.
Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.
Well, I’m crossing my fingers that the mum doesn’t try to move them. It’s true that once a mother cat has set her mind on a spot, it’s very hard, if not impossible, to get her to change it, but given the danger, I wouldn't have backed down in a case like that.
Mind you, the fact she hasn't heard her kittens squeaking must play a part, which is why she’s so chilled out.
I'm really happy for you and the babies.
You know, all black and blue cats that go outdoors have their coat colour affected by the sun – it gives them a brownish tint.
Your black babies have tabby markings (ghost stripes) that will fade over the coming months; however, one of the kittens is a proper tabby and those stripes will stay, of course – he’s a brown tabby.
It's very hard to tell regarding the fur length.
To a trained eye, you can tell in the first 5 to 7 days, but after that, you can't see anything until it becomes obvious again at a month old.
I’d need some really high-quality photos to be able to give you a proper answer, especially for the black kittens.
Hello!!!!!
I don't want to speak too soon, but that’s it—the little gang are back down to earth! Woohoo, thanks Dellys! I’d tried it before, but the difference this time was that they didn’t cry because I bundled them straight up in their little blanket. Before they knew what hit them! Cachou reacted well; she was very surprised and a bit stressed, but she was soon settled with plenty of cuddles and reassurance. For now, all is well as the high spots are out of reach, so...
So Dellys, isn't my little tribe lovely? Ah, I see what you mean about the highlights in the sun, what a shame. She looked just like the York Chocolate cat shown on the site.
Mind you, can you tell me how you can tell if the kittens will have semi-longhair coats like their mum?
And do you think they’ll keep that tabby look like their dad?
I’ve just had a look at your profile; the kitty is black, and the reason she looks 'chocolate' to you is simply that her coat has been rusted by the sun.
Three of the kittens are black and the fourth is a brown tabby, so the dad must be a tabby.
:-) I did that on the first night until 2.30 am, then thinking it was all sorted I went to bed. I don't think it was for long enough or maybe it was in the wrong place. I’ll do it tomorrow in our bedroom as that’s where she’s decided to settle in. Thanks again, and let me know if you managed to see the photos of this lovely bunch. :-)
Um Dellys, I’ve already posted a photo of the whole gang, though I’m not sure where it’s ended up—maybe on my profile? Let me know. As I’ve said before, she’s a little cat I rescued from the street after her previous owner ‘chucked her out’, and I was curious about her breed, or at least her type, as she looks a lot like a York Chocolate. Her coat looks black, but in the light it’s chocolate with some white on her lower belly and a little bit on the bottom of her neck. I reckon she was mated by a moggy, because one of the kittens looks just like the dad and all the others are black with faint dark grey tabby markings.
Well, this is what I’d do: first of all, I’d pick the spot where I’d like her to keep her kittens and sit beside her to reassure her, talking to her softly and encouraging her to stay put.
If that doesn’t work, I would indeed let her decide (while making sure she can’t get back to wherever you moved the kittens from), keep an eye on her and then give her plenty of praise and fuss.
Don't worry, there’s no such thing as a silly question.
By the way, it’s vital that you keep your windows shut, as the kittens are very fragile at the moment (they can’t regulate their own body temperature yet). You must make sure there aren’t any draughts.
Oh dear, I’m being such a nuisance, sorry!!
One more thing – is it better to put them straight into the spot where I want them to stay, or should I put them on a duvet on the floor, for example, and let her decide? My questions must seem so silly, but I’m really at a loss. Thanks!!
Right, that’s all well and good, but once your girl is feeling a bit more chilled out, you’ll have to get a photo of her with her kittens so we can see the whole gang :)
Obviously no hard feelings Dellys, it’s really kind of you to take the time to help me. I’ve already tried the bottom of the cupboard, but oh well, we’ll give it another go! Haha, I’ve scattered some cosy cardboard boxes all over the house so he can choose for himself. I’ll keep you posted, thanks again and goodnight!
