Human contact with new-borns

Hi, my cat has just delivered - unfortunately one didn't make it, but she has another kitten. Someone told me that we should avoid contact with the newborn - due to the fact that Mama cat wouldn't take care of it due to the scent - is this true? How can I help them otherwise?

You need to remove the dead kitten or she will find a way to get rid of it (probably consume it)

If you have a good relationship with your cat, she should be fine with you helping out

I agree. Remove the one who didn't make it. The mom cat may be nervous about you touching the newborn so I would wait a couple days, she will watch you closely.

If you haven't already, do remove the little deceased baby as the others have advised. But start handling the newborn now. Pick her up, cuddle her, blow gently on her, hold her against your chest so she can feel the vibrations of your heartbeat. Momma kitty might be a little alarmed at first, but speak to her in gentle, calming tones - she will get used to you handling her baby. Don't let Momma get stressed about it though, if she postures or otherwise gets horribly upset, put the baby back down close to Momma - she will sniff and then begin to lick your scent off the baby. But go back a little while later and handle baby again. Keep this up until Momma knows you aren't going to harm her and permits you to hold the baby without getting upset.

Gaye is entirely correct IF this cat isn't a new stray or feral. If you do not know this cat well, I would advise you to wait at least a week before trying to handle the new kittens, otherwise, mom cat will attack you- and trust me, she will be so quick you may not see it coming.

Hey Lubu.....please remember to keep your persian intact male away from mom right now so she doesn't get pregnant by him. Also...if you need a low cost clinic for when the time is right for mom to be spayed, just let me know and I'll look up low cost clinics for you.

Katie

Originally Posted by TNR1

Hey Lubu.....please remember to keep your persian intact male away from mom right now so she doesn't get pregnant by him. Also...if you need a low cost clinic for when the time is right for mom to be spayed, just let me know and I'll look up low cost clinics for you.

Katie

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Hi Katie,
Yep, we're keeping Muffin away at all costs - although he really misses his friend and is as curious as hell to find out whats going on.
As for low cost clinics - I live in India - would you know of any out here??

Originally Posted by lubu13

Hi Katie,
Yep, we're keeping Muffin away at all costs - although he really misses his friend

and is as curious as hell to find out whats going on.
As for low cost clinics - I live in India - would you know of any out here??

Click to expand...

Try these organizations and see if they know of any clinics closer to you:

http://www.bluecross.org.in/aboutus.html

http://www.geocities.com/pfa_agra/

Katie