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When to let the kittens out of the box?

post #1 of 3
7/23/05 at 10:24pm
Thread Starter 
We have already used the kitty calendar to see where the kittens are but have a question still.


At the moment mama has adopted a dresser drawer to take care of here kittens. I noticed that the kittens actually pooped while mama was out. I realize that mama will clean them up, but is it time to maybe let them into a room with a litter box now? They all seem to be walking but not sure when I should let them out of their 4 wall prison? As for litterbox materials, paper? Clay or the normal stuff will work?


Another question also. I noticed this morning when mama was outside that the father cat (not ours) was around also. Almost like he was stalking her. Should I be concerned or not quite yet? It has been 3 weeks now.
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post #2 of 3
7/23/05 at 10:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by montoyaclan
At the moment mama has adopted a dresser drawer to take care of here kittens. I noticed that the kittens actually pooped while mama was out. I realize that mama will clean them up, but is it time to maybe let them into a room with a litter box now? They all seem to be walking but not sure when I should let them out of their 4 wall prison? As for litterbox materials, paper? Clay or the normal stuff will work?
At 3 weeks old, they are going to begin wanting to learn how to run, jump and explore their world. Can you let them out in a safe area so they can have more room to work those developing little muscles? Put a short-sided litter pan out (a lot of people here like one of those aluminum baking pans - I have a couple of little kitten-sized plastic litter boxes) with regular clay litter, do not use clumping litter. Mom might get a little freaky with them running around, but let her know that you will help her keep an eye on them and she will calm down.

Also, if you are going to introduce the litter, you might also try introducing solid food now too. Get a good, high-quality, mushy, pate-style kitten canned food and mix it with just a little warm water - enough to make it goopy but not runny. Put it down in a location where you won't mind cleaning up after the kittens because they will walk through it, run around in it, roll in it ... they will make a major mess. Let them. It is a normal part of them learning how to eat on their own.

Quote:
Originally Posted by montoyaclan
Another question also. I noticed this morning when mama was outside that the father cat (not ours) was around also. Almost like he was stalking her. Should I be concerned or not quite yet? It has been 3 weeks now.
YES be concerned. Be VERY concerned. Do NOT let Momma outside at all until you can get her spayed!!! She will become pregnant again - I guarantee it.

~gf~
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post #3 of 3
7/24/05 at 8:35am
Quote:
Another question also. I noticed this morning when mama was outside that the father cat (not ours) was around also. Almost like he was stalking her. Should I be concerned or not quite yet? It has been 3 weeks now.
Cats can go back into heat almost immediately after giving birth. Please do NOT let the mom cat outdoors until she has been spayed...in fact, I would set up her spay appt. for when the kittens are 6 weeks of age. If you need a low cost clinic, just click the link below:

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

It is healthier for your cat to be spayed.

Katie
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