Why do stray cats move their kittens?
Feral cats often move their litters around so that predators can’t track her scent to their nest when she is out hunting. Moving the kittens also means that only the mother knows where they are at all times, so outsiders cannot swoop in.
Will stray cats move their kittens?
Stray cats can often be socialized and then adopted. Feral mom cats move their kittens frequently and she might be in the middle of changing location and on her way back to these seemingly abandoned kittens. If you move the kittens, she won’t be able to find them and continue to care for them when she returns for them.
Do stray kittens stay in the same area?
Yes. They will have established their own territory. Other cats will not be tolerated unless they are part of that same feral clowder.
How far will a feral mother cat move her kittens?
It is not unusual for a mom to leave her kittens for several hours looking for food. Stand at least 30 feet or more away from the kittens for a few hours to see if mom will return.
Will a feral cat abandon her kittens if you touch them?
A mother cat will NOT “reject” kittens that have been touched by humans. If there are signs that mama cat has been back but she is afraid of you and runs away, she is probably feral, meaning she was born outside and has never been around humans, and should stay outside with her kittens.
Is it normal for kittens to move around a lot?
Rest assured, this behavior is entirely normal in cats and rarely a cause for concern. Most queens will start to move their kittens at 2 weeks of age. It’s worth noting the timeframe as most cats won’t move their kittens for their first 14 days of life.
How do house cats and stray cats give birth?
House cats and stray or feral cats are similar in that they prefer to find a secure, safe place to have their kittens. A cat will spend some time scoping out places to give birth, and sometimes the spot she ends up in is not her first choice.
How do I Stop my Cat from moving her kittens?
The best way to ensure that she won’t move her kittens to an undesirable location within the home is to give her a safe place to birth at the start. A low box with a soft blanket in the bottom tucked into the corner of a quiet room can be a great place for your cat to keep her kittens.
What to do if you find a stray cat with kittens?
Just note the quietest spot and begin searching there. If your cat had kittens or the neighborhood cat isn’t feral, just homeless, you might be able to simply follow her back to her kittens. Begin following her. If she stops to be petted, give her a little attention, and then ignore her until she decides to move on.