The overall health and well-being of your new born kittens is your responsibility, and as such you should do everything in your power to ensure that they are safe. Below we look at whether you should move new born kittens to a box in a bid to protect them or whether their better off in their original birth location.
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Can I Move New Born Kittens To A Box
The answer to this varies depending on a several conditions. So below we look at the various scenarios when you can and cannot move new born kittens to a box.
When To Move New Born Kittens To A Box
You can only move new born kittens to a box if the mom cat is sick or when the birth location is not safe, inaccessible, untidy and noisy. In this case the mom cat can try to understand the circumstances surrounding your decision. However, when doing this you need to do it in a gentle manner so that the cat will not hurt you. You should also wear clothes that cover your body as some cats tend to be aggressive when their kittens are touched.
When Not To Move New Born Kittens To A Box
Moving new born kittens into a box may not be recommended because the mom cat is usually overprotective during this period and as such she may seem aggressive and try by all means to stop you from moving the new born kittens into a box. So if your cat has kittens in a birth location that is safe, accessible, clean and quiet you should not move the new born kittens into a box. This is mainly because the mom cat can get aggressive if you try to do so and will try to move them back into the original location. In worse scenarios, the mom cat can even abandon the new born kitten if you try to move them into a box.
How To Move New Born Kittens To A Box
As previously mentioned in this article, you can only move new born kittens into a box if the birth location is not safe, accessible or clean. Furthermore, we also noted that trying to move the kittens can be a cumbersome process since the mom cat is usually aggressive and overprotective during this stage. Below we have a few steps that you can follow if it is highly necessary for you to move the new born kittens.
Step 1
Find a big sturdy box that can fit all the kittens and the mom cat. Line the box with a clean thick towel, blanket or discarded clothing. This will help to keep the kittens warm. Place the box in a safe and quiet location within your house and then set up the litter box for your cat, the food and water bowls.
Step 2
Now that the box is ready for the mom cat and kittens you need to lure the mom cat using some tasty treats. This will help to distract her so that she comes out of the birth location. You can use canned tuna to distract your cat.
Step 3
While the mom cat enjoys some tasty treats, use this opportunity to pick up the kittens from their birth location and transfer them into the box. Make sure you hold them securely so that they do not fall to the ground. When kittens are picked up, they usually cry in order to draw the attention of the mom cat but, don’t let this discourage you from moving them.
Step 4
When the kittens cry out, the mom cat is most likely to come rushing back to save her kittens but make sure she follows you to the box. Gently place the kittens into the box, while she watches. If she tries to be aggressive you should try to protect yourself and make sure you are wearing protective clothes that cover your body.
Step 5
Leave the kittens and the mom cat in their new nest which is the box and close the door behind you. The mom cat might try to hide the kittens or relocate them but, if you shut the door she will have no means of doing so. Eventually the mom cat will get comfortable with the new home for her kittens. You should give the mom cat and her kittens a few days to adjust to their new home but make sure your cat has enough food and clean water to sustain it during these days. After 2 weeks, your mom cat will be comfortable in the new location and will most likely allow you to touch the kittens.
Where Is The Best Place To Put New Born Kittens?
The best place to put new born kittens is in a warm room that is quiet, clean and accessible to the owner and mom cat. This helps to ensure that the kittens grow up in a healthy and good environment.
Where Should Kittens Be Kept During The Day?
Kittens should be kept in a box or safe location close to their mother during the day. This is because they need to feed from their mother frequently so that they can grow. Kittens that are kept in safe locations are most likely to mature and live healthier and long lives.
Can A Kitten Live In A Box?
Yes, a kitten can live in a box provided the box is placed in a safe location that is free from predators. The box should also be in a warm area and make sure the kitten has access to food.
Where Should A Kitten Spend Its First Night At Home?
A kitten should spend its first night at home in a box or secure spot that is warm and clean. Your kitten should feel comfortable on its first night so that it doesn’t run away.
Conclusion
There are a few factors you need to consider when moving new born kittens to a box. It is worth remembering that cats are very protective of their little ones so make sure you wear protective clothes when trying to move them.