Is It OK To Move Nesting Box?

kris78

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I'm trying to make the best plans for my cat who will be having her kittens in about 2 weeks.

Would it be okay if I moved the nesting box 24 hours after she has her kittens? I'd like her to have the kittens in the spare room, which I could make empty so that she would be forced to use the nesting box I've made for her. I would stay in there with her for the first 24 hours and then move her box into my bedroom where she and the kittens could stay for the next few weeks.

I'm worried if I put the nesting box in my bedroom to start with that she'll have the kittens under my bed, which is where she often sleeps. I won't be able to see the kittens to see if they're okay if they're under there.

Is there any problem with moving the nesting box a day or 2 after the kittens are born?
 

eb24

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Technically there is nothing "wrong" with moving her nesting box after she gives birth. It will cause her a lot of stress but it's unlikely that it would lead to something drastic like her abandoning her kittens. However, I think you are going to end up with the same problem. Most Queens move their den at least once, and you know the first place she is heading for is under the bed! 

I think you really have two choices: 1) plan on keeping her in the spare room for the duration or 2) find a way to block access to under the bed and let her have them in the bedroom. You have the right idea that you want the nesting box to be the most attractive place for her to have them, but this mentality needs to continue throughout the rearing process. 

I keep my fosters in my bedroom and blocked under the bed by cutting pieces of wood to fit between the floor and the bed frame. It was super cheap (just a couple of bucks for the wood). I did the measurements beforehand and the hardware store cut all three pieces to size and I just popped them into place. 

But really, I would think keeping her in the spare room would be ideal. Set up her nesting box, litter box, and food and water dishes in there and she has her own private abode. It would also be perfect once the kittens get bigger- they would have plenty of room to run and play and you wouldn't have to worry about them getting into stuff. Add some toys and a scratching post and you have the perfect playroom!  

So, if I were you I would do one or the other and focus your energy on setting it up for her. 

Vibes for a safe delivery! 
 
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