Is it okay to let my other cat near a mother cat and her kittens?

If there are other female cats in the house, it could be safe to allow supervised visits. Female cats are safer than males to allow around kittens, as they are more likely to help nurture the kittens. Male cats do have a tendency to either ignore or be aggressive and even violent toward kittens.

Can I keep all my cats kittens?

Keeping an entire litter of kittens is very costly in both food and medical expenses. If you want more cats, adopting kittens from shelters or rescue organizations is probably a better choice.

Should I keep all kittens?

If you can re-home all kittens, this is typically best. In nature, the mother cat naturally weans the kittens, teaching them how to hunt and bringing them half-alive prey to chase and kill. She starts separating herself slowly from the kittens to teach them to be independent.

Should cats be around newborn kittens?

Newborn kittens should be kept away from other family cats until they have been vaccinated. A newborn kitten has a delicate immune system, which leaves it vulnerable to infection from other cats. The nursing mother also needs to be left alone to take care of her kittens in a peaceful and secure environment.

Should kittens be separated from other cats?

It is helpful for kittens to have human interaction beginning at 4 weeks if they are going to be kept as pets. However, kittens separated at this time are still at risk for developmental, social, and health issues. Instead, kittens should remain with their mothers until they are 12-14 weeks old.

How long do kittens stay with the mother cat?

It is a common misconception that kittens can be separated from their mothers as early as 8 weeks old. However, kittens separated at this time are still at risk for developmental, social, and health issues. Instead, kittens should remain with their mothers until they are 12-14 weeks old.

What happens when you take kittens away from their mother?

If the mother cat spends more time with the kittens, it will be easy for her to let go. However, taking the kittens before the weaning is complete can trigger separation anxiety in the mother cats. In that case, she can take a longer time to recover.

Do cats go into grief when you take their kittens away?

The mother cat can also go into grief in that case. If you take the kittens away at an appropriate time, the mother cat will be back to her carefree self in a few days. It is generally harder for the kittens to adjust to a new setting, and they miss their mother and siblings.

What should I do if I see a mother cat with kittens?

Keep the mother cat and her babies in a quiet part of the house; a separate room is ideal, and make sure the room is warm enough. Chilling is one of the most critical dangers to newborn kittens. Let the mother cat set the pace for your attention. If she is a longtime companion and resident, she may welcome your visits.

Can a mommy cat and her kittens live together?

At this point it’s every cat for herself, and the familial relationship between a mommy cat and her kittens will not ensure harmony in the household. Kittens are ready to be separated from their mothers by this time and will thrive on their own in a new household.