Why do stray cats move their kittens?
Moving Kittens is Normal Cat Behavior House cats and stray or feral cats are similar in that they prefer to find a secure, safe place to have their kittens. For cats who live outdoors, reasons to move a litter may include the presence of predators (such as dogs and birds of prey) or exposure to weather.
What should you do if a stray cat has kittens?
In the situation that a stray cat has just had kittens, it may be best to leave them for a few days. If anyone tries to move them, the mother may reject or even kill the kittens. After a few days, she will move them anyway]
Is it OK to move mother cat and her kittens?
Never put yourself in danger. A mother cat and her kittens should only be moved if they are at risk or vulnerable. This is because disturbing a mother and kittens can lead to stress and/or aggression which can risk the health of the kittens.
How often do feral cats move their kittens?
In total, feral cats tend to frequently move their kittens. They relocate their litter of babies each time they wish to protect them from humans, animals, predators, and the elements. In some instances, feral cats will move their kittens to where they have better access to food and water.
Is it possible for feral cats to abandon their kittens?
Feral mother cats will not reject and abandon their kittens if humans touch them. However, it is very much possible for them to relocate their little ones in order to keep the same thing from happening once again as humans are perceived by feral mother cats as threats.
What to do with stray kittens in the Bay Area?
It may seem counter-intuitive, but the best thing to do for the kittens is not to move them. Keep an eye on them and see if a mother cat comes for them. Mom cats move their kittens often and she may be in the midst of moving them and on her way back to these seemingly abandoned kittens. Or she may be out looking for food.
Can a feral cat leave her kittens behind?
That means they have to learn to get their own food. Sometimes the family stays together in a colony, and sometimes they move on to other territory. A feral mother cat will sometimes move her kittens to another spot and can possibly leave one behind, but that is rare.
When do stray cats and feral kittens start?
Stray and Feral Kittens are an Epidemic: Between the months of March and September, every shelter in the region will be overrun with kittens, both orphaned litters and those with a mother. Many of these litters are either strays or ferals.
Why is there a stray cat with kittens?
She probably has found a safe place to hide her kittens. Perhaps something scared her and she decided it may not be safe. If there is any way that you can observe her without calling attention to what you are doing, you may see in what direction she heads after eating.
