My cat had her kittens today?

Question

Sissy my 1 year old cat had her first 3 kittens today! It was a long day, she seemed to have trouble with having them. She is in the bottom of my hall closet with them. They are all doing fine. But I have a 6 month old pit bull that wants to be around them to much. What would the best thing for me to do? I have had my dog in his cage all day. I don't think that is fare though. What all does my cat need around her? She has a bowl of food and water in there with her. But I don't want her closed up in there. This is the first time I have delt with anything like this. My husband says I worry to much and it will be fine. But I just don't know. Please any help is GREAT! Thanks

Answer 1

Congratulations on your cat having her kittens...I'm glad all went well.
My 2 year old persian cat had her first litter 9 days ago now & she gave birth while I was in bed & she was in the kitchen...my 4 yr old rottweiler came upstairs to alert me...he's not allowed upstairs & knows it so normally doesn't go up.....anyway..my rottweiler gets on really well with my cat but because he was getting so excited I put the cat & kittens in my room where she couldn't be disturbed....she would only allow me near her kittens anyway...I had to cut the umbilical cords because she didn't know what to do....if anyone else came near she got very jumpy & began hissing, although she & my dog normally get on well I wouldn't allow him near her & I don't think you should let your dog either...if she feels threatened or feels her kittens are under threat in any way...the least she could do is reject them....the worst however is she could kill them...so leave her where she's got privacy & won't be disturbed....I have mine in a dog crate now all padded out inside up on the first floor of my house..there's enough room for her food, water & litter tray so she'll be happy there til the kittens are ready to leave; plus her mind is settled...what about if you move the dog crate upstairs & let her go in that...I've also covered my crate with a large sheet so even when the kids mates come in they're not tempted to stop & have a look making her feel a bit weary...that way your dogs free & the cat & kittens are safe & have privacy....I'd prevent the dog going near the crate though because she'll still be a bit jumpy....you can introduce your dog to the kittens in a week or so there's plenty of time for that....if you have chidren...think back to when they were born, you wouldn't want everyone in & out just as you'd given birth...I know I didn't...anyway ...good luck & they're so cute aren't they? ♥

Answer 2

I would keep the dog away from the kittens. Being a puppy he may just want to play with them but since he is so much bigger than they are he may "play" them to death. Your mama kitty needs fresh food and water every day. If you have children try not to let them mess with her too much or she may hide the kittens somewhere you don't want them to be. She needs to be in a nice, quiet calm place. You can try using a baby gate to keep the puppy and the cat apart. This way the mama cat can come and go as she pleases, the dog can run free and the kitties are safe. We used this technique when our cat had kittens and our dog wanted to "play". Once the kittens got older, they all played together. The mama cat will tell the puppy and the people in the house when you are getting to close for her comfort. She will hiss, spit and growl at you and take a swipe at you. Don't force the issue or she will hide the kittens or even try to kill them.

Answer 3

Switch her places with the dog till the kittens get there eyes open, If that is not possible keep her in a box,in the closet, She might just turn on the dog if it keeps getting to close to her babies which could cause a real problem usually momma cats get pretty protective, and the dog wont understand. basically all she needs is to have food and water so she can just nurse. If the kittens become constant cryiers when she leaves the box get a wind up clock the ticking is soothing like her heart rate.

Answer 4

Hi Niki,

I would be careful but not nervous, Pit bulls are wonderful loving dogs. I have one my self and he is awesome with my cats. Sit with your dog beside the cat, observe and let the dog check out the kittens but at the same time creating a safe environment for both your cat and her kittens and the dog. You could actually create more of a problem or issue in you dogs mind if you try to constantly separate them. It creates a challenge for the dogs to see if he can get to the cats if he knows you don't want him there, think of it like a child who's parent has just told them they can't have a cookie which the child desperately want. If the parent leaves the room and the cookies are easily accessible the child will sneak a cookie. Please don't create a problem between the two animals.



Sincerely,

Alice H.

Answer 5

Well you really need to keep the dog away from the kitties. Their mother will be very upset and will most likely get aggressive if the dog, or anyone else for that matter, goes around her babies. Is there anywhere your dog can stay for the next few weeks? If you have a back or front yard you should really put him out there-an animal shouldn't be in a cage. If your dog is good you could TRY to have him inside, but keep him away from that part of the house.

Answer 6

Usually with kittens you can keep them confined to a room the first few weeks. Just make sure they have plenty of food and water and that the mother can get to them. You have to be careful with dogs because I have heard of many cases where the dog has killed the kittens. As soon as the kittens get a little older, the dog and the kittens should adjust to each other and you shouldn't have to worry as much.

Answer 7

Well how does the dog usually act around the cat. Has it ever been mean or killed any small rodent. Just to be on the safe side keep them apart. From everything I have read your kitty mom just may take a swipe at the dog if he gets too close. A queen with her kittens can be lethal.

Answer 8

Congratulations to your cat! Keep the dog away. Mom cats are very suspicious and defensive. You should leave her and the babies alone for some time. Mom needs good feeding since she is feeding the little ones and leave a bowl of milk / water there. Dont bug them much w/ noise. That should be all. Keep the dog away for now k. Good luck! Kittens are so adorable -- I hope you keep em.

Answer 9

Keep the dog away, or she will reject the kittens, or move her to a more secluded spot where she can relax and look after the kittens in peace, try giving her raw eggs to try and boost up her energy levels

Answer 10

Maybe this will help...I really do not know and i would worry too. A LOT