Help! Momma kitty doesn't like box

chuck5641

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Hello everyone,

My girlfriend and I took in a stray pregnant kitty. She had three beautiful babies seven days ago. Lately, momma kitty has been trying to take her kitties out of the box we made her. It's a cardboard box 28x25x24 inches big with a cut-out door. We put a towel over it to give her privacy. We also put plenty of blankets on the bottom for warmth and comfort.

This morning she successfully transferred all three kittens under the master bedroom bed. It seems she wants a smaller and private nursing area.

We compromised and put momma kitty and kittens in a closet she's been eyeing. She's happy there at the moment.

Question: As the kittens get older, will the small closet bottom shelf be the best place for them? Why doesn't she like the box?

Other then the problem with the box, the entire birth and post-birth behaviors have been smooth as silk. The Web has been a great source to prepare us for this unexpected event.

Any additional help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Chuck & Cindy
San Jose, CA
 

cjandbilly

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There could be so many reasons she didn't like the box. Too small, in a area that's too noisy, bad smell to it.... never know. The best thing to do is to keep the kittens confined in a room. I also noticed you said they're on a shelf... make sure they can't fall at all... not at all. As the kittens get older, they will wander more, so you have to prepare for that, too. I would most definitely reccomend a full room for them until they are old enough.
 

jennyr

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Thank you for taking this cat in and caring for her and the kittens. Cats will often move their kittens several times - it's instinct to keep the predators guessing as to where they are. Ferals will particularly do this as they are used to dangers. All you can do is offer her some alternatives that are safe and yet accessible for you so you can check on the kittens from time to time. Do you have a vet handy who can tell you when it is time to bring the family in for a check, as well as spaying the momma cat? Good luck with them!
 
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chuck5641

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Thank you for the reply CJandBilly and jennyranson. I feel much better now.

FYI: I put momma and kittens on the bottom self of a hall closet that rests near the floor. Than I put a cut-to-fit cardboard wall so the kittens can not leave the area. Momma can jump out and in as she pleases, but kittens can't leave. Box was brand new. It'll come in handy later, I guess.

All seems great for the past 24 hours.

I'm waiting for the kittens to open their eyes. I've read it can happen near Day 8 and also between Week 2-3. When do the kittens open their eyes?

Thanks.

Chuck and Cindy
 

cjandbilly

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Mine opened theirs at 5 days. I've heard of some start to open at 4. But, the normal time is 10 days, though it can be a couple of weeks. Make sure you don't try to force them open.
 

tnr1

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Originally Posted by Chuck5641

Thank you for the reply CJandBilly and jennyranson. I feel much better now.

FYI: I put momma and kittens on the bottom self of a hall closet that rests near the floor. Than I put a cut-to-fit cardboard wall so the kittens can not leave the area. Momma can jump out and in as she pleases, but kittens can't leave. Box was brand new. It'll come in handy later, I guess.

All seems great for the past 24 hours.

I'm waiting for the kittens to open their eyes. I've read it can happen near Day 8 and also between Week 2-3. When do the kittens open their eyes?

Thanks.

Chuck and Cindy
Hey Chuck..welcome. I think your question has been answered....I just wanted to provide you the link to a listing of low cost clinics in California for when your momma has weaned her kittens (around 6 weeks of age) so that she can be spayed.

http://www.lovethatcat.com/stca.html

Also, make sure you keep her indoors with no access outdoors (even accidentally) until she has been spayed as cats can go back into heat soon after giving birth. Thanks for caring for this stray cat.

Katie
 
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