Hi everyone. Right, I’ve got a bit of a situation with my cat who had a kitten about a week ago. Last night, she brought her kitten into the bed and made sure to tuck it under the duvet, then went off to do her own thing around the house, popping back every now and then to check that everything was alright. At first, I kept putting the kitten back where it was supposed to be, but after the fourth attempt she just kept bringing it back, so I eventually gave in. Same thing this morning, she’s put it in our bed and I just don’t understand—what should I do? Also, as soon as she sees me, she starts meowing as if she’s trying to tell me something. I’m at a bit of a loss; should I just let her get on with it, or can I set up somewhere else for her? Because three months of all four of us sharing a bed isn’t exactly ideal! Thanks in advance for any advice.
Translated from French
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My cat, Giulia, had four kittens last September. For the first four weeks, she was constantly with them, feeding and licking them, which is perfectly normal.
But during the fifth week, she started bringing her four kittens into my bed just as I was going to sleep. She’d keep them there until the morning when I got up, at which point she’d take them back to their original basket where she’d given birth and started raising them.
It was like that almost every night. In your case, it’s possible she just wants to take the weight off for a few minutes to stretch her legs, and more importantly, it shows she trusts you completely. I know Giulia really wanted her kittens to sleep between her and me, so I don't think there's anything to worry about.
That’s what I did for the first two litters: at first, I had the cardboard box with the hole and the dry food, but she just kept moving the kittens back to the bottom of our cupboard where she’d given birth. So, I didn’t make the same mistake this time; I’ve set everything up in the bottom of the cupboard. As for getting her spayed, it’s all sorted!!!
I’ve just realised that she’s in there with her little one. I tried lying down in our bed and, weirdly enough, she popped back over with her kitten, so that’s a bit different. Maybe she just needs to be with us? She’s always slept with us or our daughter, so maybe she’s just missing that???
It is ABSOLUTELY VITAL that she stays with her kitten, otherwise you’ll lose him to hypothermia and a lack of food...
Get a cardboard box, put some warm towels or blankets at the bottom, and close the lid so that it’s nice and dark for her. Cut a round hole in the front of the box—make sure it’s high enough so the kitten can’t crawl out—and leave the box in a closed-off room.
Another tip: weigh your kitten every day at roughly the same time and keep a record of it; he should be gaining about 10g (roughly a third of an ounce) a day on average.
Leave some dry food out next to the box so she can help herself, and don't forget a bowl of fresh water.
And most importantly, once the kitten is about 6 weeks old, please make sure you get the mum spayed.
Yes, it was intentional—it was her last litter before we have her spayed. We've already found someone to take the kitten. I find it strange that she doesn't like the spot where she's always had her litters anymore. This is her third litter and there's never been a problem; she usually has them at the bottom of our bedroom wardrobe. I've always made sure to put some of my old clothes in there for her. Mind you, this litter was a bit different because she originally had three kittens, but two were stillborn, so she’s only got the one left. Finding a spot where she feels more secure than she did before is going to be tough because I really haven't got a clue where else she could go. If I put my current bedsheet at the bottom of the wardrobe, do you think that would help? Maybe having our scent there would be good for her?
If she’s moving her kitten, it’s because she isn’t happy with where her nest is (too bright, too noisy, or too cold) or she just doesn’t feel safe there. It’s up to you to find her a spot where she feels settled and won’t hesitate to leave her little one, knowing they’re safe.
Well, it looks like she’s chosen her nesting spot... in your bed! ^^' I’m not sure what you can do now really, other than keeping your bedroom door shut, but that’ll probably just unsettle her more than anything. She needs to find another spot that’s just as comfy as your bed.
How come she’s had a litter? Was it planned? What are you going to do with the kittens?
