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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

New litter of kittens. Looking for some wisdom!

62 replies

MDParks · 21/05/2023 23:52

Hi all, we have an 8 day old litter; all appear to be thriving. I'm completely out of my depth as have never had kittens before so I'm after a bit of advice. Mumma cat hunkered down and gave birth in a slightly battered cardboard box, despite the birthing pens we bought her. They all seem very settled and comfortable so I don't really want to disturb them but I'm thinking forward to making a more permanent bed for them. At what age, generally, is it safe and comfortable to relocate? It will still be in the same room with Mumma but I don't want distress any of them by doing it too soon x

OP posts:
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13
NeverDropYourMooncup · 22/05/2023 00:04

Leave them be. She'll move them when she's ready.

Original poster
MDParks · 22/05/2023 00:26

NeverDropYourMooncup · 22/05/2023 00:04

Leave them be. She'll move them when she's ready.

I thought that would be the case. Thank you 😊

OP posts:
Original poster
MDParks · 23/05/2023 22:21

MDParks · 21/05/2023 23:52

Hi all, we have an 8 day old litter; all appear to be thriving. I'm completely out of my depth as have never had kittens before so I'm after a bit of advice. Mumma cat hunkered down and gave birth in a slightly battered cardboard box, despite the birthing pens we bought her. They all seem very settled and comfortable so I don't really want to disturb them but I'm thinking forward to making a more permanent bed for them. At what age, generally, is it safe and comfortable to relocate? It will still be in the same room with Mumma but I don't want distress any of them by doing it too soon x

I feel like I need to share that we weren't the guilty party in allowing her to get pregnant. We rescued her and then realised, following a vet check and subsequent ultrasound, that she was around 5 weeks pregnant. It's been a journey but definitely an enlightening one!

OP posts:
Pudmyboy · 25/05/2023 13:31

Agree she will move them when ready, you could get some alternative spots ready for her (though she may ignore them like she did the birthing pens!). Do you keep food nearby and a litter tray not too far so Mum don't have to leave them alone for long?
Also you have probably already found, Mum will be very hungry and need good quality food (as if you would give anything else!), rather more than you would usually give, good luck!

Original poster
MDParks · 30/05/2023 23:16

Pudmyboy · 25/05/2023 13:31

Agree she will move them when ready, you could get some alternative spots ready for her (though she may ignore them like she did the birthing pens!). Do you keep food nearby and a litter tray not too far so Mum don't have to leave them alone for long?
Also you have probably already found, Mum will be very hungry and need good quality food (as if you would give anything else!), rather more than you would usually give, good luck!

So, we will be 3 weeks in next Saturday. They have now started "standing" and trying to walk, albeit like extremely drunk people...wobbling and then falling down 🤣 They've made attempts to get out of the box so I'm thinking in the next couple of days I'll try remove the box and introduce something more comfortable 🤷‍♀️ We have two sets of food and water in the same room; one right next to them, and the other one on the other side of the room (in case Mumma needs some space!) She's eating between 8-10 pouches of kitten food a day, plus some poached chicken and tuna/salmon. Our vet said this was fine as long as she was nursing 🥰 Thank you so much for your input, it's appreciated x

OP posts:
Pudmyboy · 31/05/2023 06:53

My pleasure, they are such a delight at this age!
Do you know Mumsnet demands a pic of the kittens as tax? (and we would love to see them and Mumma!)

mildlydispeptic · 31/05/2023 06:59

Come on OP: get those photos up!

Original poster
MDParks · 31/05/2023 07:37

It there are so many...how would I possibly chose😱🤣

OP posts:
Original poster
MDParks · 31/05/2023 07:38

Most recent ❤️

New litter of kittens. Looking for some wisdom!
OP posts:
coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 31/05/2023 07:39

They are adorable 😍😍

Roselilly36 · 31/05/2023 07:40

Aww wow, they just lovely 😍 I adore ginger cats and tabby ones too, in fact any cats 😂

LoonyLois · 31/05/2023 07:43

Oh goodness they are lovely! Keep them all! It wouldn’t be weird at all

mildlydispeptic · 31/05/2023 07:44

Squeeeee!

divorcingmumoftwo · 31/05/2023 07:45

I'm about a week or two ahead of you! It gets so much better when they are cheeky little monkeys

Original poster
MDParks · 31/05/2023 07:46

Mumma is probably the prettiest kitten I've ever seen ❤️

New litter of kittens. Looking for some wisdom!
OP posts:
Original poster
MDParks · 31/05/2023 07:46

divorcingmumoftwo · 31/05/2023 07:45

I'm about a week or two ahead of you! It gets so much better when they are cheeky little monkeys

Not sure if I'm ready for the madness!!

OP posts:
mildlydispeptic · 31/05/2023 07:48

OP, you're thinking like a human when you talk about giving them something more comfortable. In my experience a ratty cardboard box is the apex of luxury as far as most cats are concerned. But you are clearly a solid cat ally, and they'll be happy kitties whatever you do.

GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal · 31/05/2023 07:49

Awww! Gorgeous kittens. I have no advice, just here for kitten pics.

Roselilly36 · 31/05/2023 08:19

Oh mummas a delight!

Original poster
MDParks · 02/06/2023 21:16

I'm not sure if anyone is still remotely interested but I'm slightly obsessed so I'm going to share my obsession 🤣 Today marks a milestone...we have removed the birthing box because they were climbing out and trying to run wild! They've been relocated and seem to be loving it. Mumma cat was slightly hesitant about the big move but appears to be adjusting!

New litter of kittens. Looking for some wisdom!
New litter of kittens. Looking for some wisdom!
OP posts:
TastesLikeStrawberriesOnASummerEvening · 02/06/2023 21:21

Oh my goodness, they are adorable.
My cat had kittens twice and it was so amazing.
Watching them learn to walk was the best ever.
I still have Mum cat and one of her babies, though baby is 10 now as it was a long time ago.

Original poster
MDParks · 02/06/2023 21:24

TastesLikeStrawberriesOnASummerEvening · 02/06/2023 21:21

Oh my goodness, they are adorable.
My cat had kittens twice and it was so amazing.
Watching them learn to walk was the best ever.
I still have Mum cat and one of her babies, though baby is 10 now as it was a long time ago.

They're amazing. I'm absolutely besotted with them!

OP posts:
HeBeaverandSheBeaver · 02/06/2023 21:26

Oh my. Two kitten threads to follow so happy 😀

StrawberryFizz27 · 02/06/2023 21:27

Oh WOW! They are beautiful & Mum is too.

I'm here for the kitten spam

CornedBeef451 · 02/06/2023 22:13

Aaahh, they're lovely!

I don't think you could possibly overestimate how many kitten photos we collectively want to see!

I have 4 cats and can't realistically have any more but I still live in hope of finding a litter of kittens that I just have to help...completely altruistically...I'd get nothing out if it myself of course.

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