Is it bad for a cat to pick up her litter by grabbing their whole neck instead of the small flap of skin?

Question

They litter is just under 4 weeks and it hurts me to see her pick them up this way. Is it dangerous to their health? Is there some way I can correct this? When she moves them she is also dragging them across the floor. Thank you for your help.

Adam

Answer 1

That's totally normal mommy cat (queen) behavior. The flap of skin protects them from puncture...it doesn't hurt them.

My cat did the same thing.

Answer 2

Trust mom to know what she's doing with her kittens. If she was going to cause them any harm it would have happened early on. Since they are at 4 weeks that indicates that she's caring for them properly.

YOU on the otherhand need to do as was suggested by others here already. LEAVE HER ALONE! A mother cat won't move her kittens unless she doesn't like where they are. It does sound like she wants her privacy. (Some mothers are just very protective-even when they are otherwise very friendly to people.) Provide for her needs but otherwise let her raise her babies. And in a few weeks she will no doubt be more than happy to have your company back.

Oh and two things: First, if you are going to give the kittens away wait until they are at least 10 weeks old. They can survive if you take them away sooner, but those extra few weeks will make life easier for all concerned.

Second, when she's done nursing, get her spayed. There are already too many in the world without homes.

Answer 3

No that's normal. Kittens are very heavy for a cat to carry. Just make sure she is not trying to jump with her kittens or climb somewhere. That is dangerous but just moving them around is not. Make sure your new mommy cat has a nice place to put her kittens so she doesn't move them. Like a box full of soft towels.

Answer 4

It is ok if she is moving the kittens this way, she will not harm them by biting them on their neck . She feels there is a threat that they may be harmed so she is trying to get them to safety. You might try to get a small enclosed box, cut a hole at one end so that she can exit and enter and put the box somewhere quiet in the house . Make sure she has food , water, and toilet close by. I always put a soft towel in the box to help keep the kittens warm . Try this and see if it will help .

Answer 5

This is normal for cats to carry their kittens. I'd rather see them carry them by the neck skin, but how can you tell a cat what to do? I know it hurts you, but trust me - she knows what she is doing. There is no way to correct it unless you speak cat language - and she listens to you.

Answer 6

I understand what that's like and persons must be further information, too. enormously recently. attempt calling the Humane Society. in case you haven't got one, attempt a interior reach animal shelter. they may be waiting that may assist you discover a vet who will handle the cat for a discounted cost.

Answer 7

I have seen cats move their babies by putting the entire kitten head in their mouths....by the neck as you said or even by a leg. It's normal.
The thing you should be asking is why is she doing this????.
The answer is because SHE WANTS TO BE LEFT ALONE WITH HER BABIES!!!! Sure bet if she keeps moving them it's becuase she wants them to herself and if she keeps having to move them for PRIVACY, she MAY eventually kill them just to keep the humans and such AWAY from HER babies.
PLEASE>>>give her the space she needs!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

Mother cats are pretty good about moving their kittens. Don't worry so much.

Answer 9

I think Danl747 has said it all. A very good responce. and I hope you will feel better about. Good luck.

Answer 10

No, it's perfectly normal, so long as she is not actually breaking skin when she does this.