My cat is a new mother and is neglecting her newborn by being more interested in another of our kitt

My cat, Martin, is around two years old, and gave birth to one kitten on Wednesday morning. We also have two other kittens, Jim (3 months) and Jelly (14 weeks). When we first brought the new kittens home, around 5 weeks ago, Martin did not much like the kittens, which of course is normal. She just kept her distance and have a warning growl if they came too close.


However, the day before Martin gave birth, she was acting very odd, grooming Jelly, and taking her into the nest. I know that it is normal for pregnant cats to be very maternal over any kittens they see but the problem gets more odd.



After Martin gave birth, she has still been very maternal over Jelly, calling for her and immeditatley going to look for her when Jelly mews for the smallest thing (food, playing), she has several times followed her around meowing at her and has tried to pick her up by the scruff to carry her into the nest. This is beginning to become a problem because whilst she is following Jelly around and trying to bring her into the nest, the newborn kitten is being left alone, especially a lot at night. Jelly is not really enjoying this as she is a playful kitten and just wants to run around, not constantly sit and be groomed by another cat. I also think that the multiple attempts to be picked up by her scruff are hurting Jelly as she is not a very small kitten anymore and she must be pretty heavy. I guess it's just a big pain in the butt to her.



As I'm writing this right now, Jelly is sat on my lap and Martin is crouched by the door, watching intently, mewing every now and then at her and waiting for her to get up and follow her upstairs to the nest. I've tried seperating the two cats but Martin just yowls and calls for her. I'm worried that the newborn is being neglected due to this problem. Please help.

My proposal is you continue to separate them, do it even more consistently.

No peculiar with that, many do have their queen and her kittens for themselves, separating them from the rest of their animals, at least, till the kittens needs meet others too.

Of course, one kitten is perhaps too little to engange the queen whole time...

So almost better you get to foster another little little kitten who needs help (but make sure this kitten is healthy otherwise)....  Just thinking aloud.

But the mom is still nursing and taking care of her kitten?  Medically speaking, the kitten will probably manage, if it is no other problems.  Moms in the wild dont always can be there with them whole time... Leaves them hours in end.

Otherwise, you must step in and give extra help and even food.

The nest isnt no cold place, no?

The way to know if the kittens gets enough is to weigh it every day. Use a kitchen or mail scale in grammes, easiest with electronic scales. They dont need to be costly.

Keep reporting and asking!

Good luck!

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