She won't stop moving her kittens, ugh!

The title says it all, but basically the kittens are 4 weeks old, and since birth they've had a safe, comfy, roomy spot in my closet and everything was fine, but recently she's been moving them anywhere, the bathroom, my dresser, kitchen cabinets, and on my bed. it's getting annoying to keep moving them back to the closet. I dont know what to do? Any advice?

Another question, i feel like she isnt feeding them enough, she'll lay down for a second then get up, so they hardly have time to nurse. Should i start canned food? Thanks!

desu827 said:

Another question, i feel like she isnt feeding them enough, she'll lay down for a second then get up, so they hardly have time to nurse. Should i start canned food? Thanks!

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You can as well do begin to start with canned food, and such. Minced meat is another classical tip.

They usually begin with such at 4 weeks, although they will be completely weaned firstly at perhaps 8-10 weeks.

When they begin with own food, they poo will change, and mom no longer takes care of it, so your must also plan on they will use the litter.

Non clumping litter in shallow pants(?).

Good luck!

You can't win the game of moving them back to the closet each time she moves them.  She will always move them again, and it's a very natural thing for a cat to do.  The best you can do is shut her in a room so you know approximately where they are.

They normally start weaning themselves when they are ready by exploring her food, so try to corral them somewhere they can get to her food bowls.  Of course you can let her out for short periods but shut the door behind her so she can't move them yet again.

I agree with OS on the den moves- in a battle of wills with a Queen you won't win. In the wild it's normal for a Queen to move her den several times so that predators don't catch on. What she's doing is just her natural instinct telling her to protect her young. It's best to keep her confined to one room and make the closet where you want her to be the most appealing place. Block off under the bed, ect so she can't get there. By having a lack of options she may settle back in to being in the closet. Alternatively, set up another safe nesting area in the room. She will feel comforted that they are somewhere new and you have the benefit of knowing they are safe. 

At 4 weeks they are old enough to start the weaning process, though some may be more ready than others. Keep dry food and water out at all times and keep putting down timed wet food. They will see her eat and start to experiment themselves. Around this age I start putting out two wet plates- one for Mom and one for the babies. Keep in mind they will be messy at first and will probably get more on them than in them so if you can put down a placemat or puppy wee wee pad to try and keep the mess contained. To help them along you can put a dab of wet food on their mouths or paws. Once they lick it off they will realize how yummy it is and be inclined to try more!

As StefanZ said it's also the time to break out the kitten litter boxes. low sided baking sheets or the cardboard boxes canned food comes in are great for this. I set up multiple boxes with kittens this young to try and minimize accidents. If they do have an accident on the floor (and they will) pick it up and put it in the box so they will start to associate the smell with the location. I also always leave a little urine and feces behind so there is always the scent reminder. Be sure you have a good enzyme remover to clean up their messes, and if you see they keep going to one spot on the floor repeatedly put a litterbox there. Finally, a non-clumping litter is necessary as they will taste test it. If they ingest too much clumping litter it can cause a life threatening intestinal blockage. 

Litter training is also another reason to keep them confined to just one room. You always want them to be close enough to the boxes so that they can get there in time. And, you don't want kittens pooping all over your house! 

Keep in mind they will be messy at first and will probably get more on them than in

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So true.  I think they start by swimming in it!