A cat we adopted just gave birth today to five kittens. She is nursing them, she is acting loving once again twords us and is even eating and drinking a little. The only odd thing we are noticing is she stays in her box with her kittens for a few hours and then goes to the door that leads outside and starts meowing loudley and tries to get out. If I call her over to me and pet her for a few seconds she is ok and heads back to her box. Is this normal? We were thinking because one of the kittens didnt make it and we took it outside maybe she is looking for the sixth one? But we are not sure and wanted to see if anyone else had any clues to this odd way of behaving.
2007-03-08 18:05:32 · 9 answers · asked by dudeigotya2 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
This is rather common in female cats that just gave birth. I had one cat many years ago that did the same exact thing. She eventually got over it as I didn't let her out and she got the message when I would put her back in with her babies. You are doing right by distracting her too. Keep doing that if it works for you. Just give her time to adjust and what ever you do, don't let her out. She can get pregnant again and I don't think you would want that to happen this soon. Hope this helps!
2007-03-08 18:15:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well she is just doing what nature is telling her.. She needs extra protein for making milk so she wants to go out hunting for mice, birds, whatever would give her that extra protein. So babies equals hunting. You can give her cooled scrambled egg, tuna, chicken, pork, or beef scraps. She is feeding five now and really needs the extra protein food. I gave mostly cooled scrambled egg to my mommies and as the kittens grew I increased the amount of extra protein. Soon the kittens were helping themselves to scrambled egg and tuna delight.. lol.. it was an easy transition from mommy milk to mommy food mixed with soaked kitten chow.
Other than hunting, maybe your mommy was an outside cat before and likes to go potty out in the elements sometimes. There is a slim chance she thinks the other kitty is outside but she won't desert the others for long, however if she has never been out of your house, I'd wait a little longer before I let her out in the world. She just might be wanting to find her old home and transport the kittys to it. Stick with the supplemental food and you should have a healthy mommy and babys for adoption later. My cats would occasionally eat vegetables too.. so I would just offer so if they felt the need they had something to munch on. Veronica brought home many a mouse to share with me and the kittens so be ready for love offerings.. lol..
2007-03-08 18:27:47 · answer #2 · answered by ricketyoldbat 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
She might need to relieve herself- it could be that where ever she lived before she went outside to use the bathroom.
It is normal for mama cats to get out of the box every so often, although she won't stay away for very long while they are small. If you allow her outside, you might let her go relieve herself then be ready for her to come back in very soon. If you don't let her out, she will need to get used to the idea that the litter box is indoors now... it may take some getting used to.
There is no way to know if she is seeking the other kitten. If she is it will stop soon. Cats are usually wonderful mothers, and it sounds like yours is lucky it got such a caring family to take her family in.
I would like to urge you to have her spayed as soon as her litter is weaned because she can get pregnant again very soon.
2007-03-08 18:13:52 · answer #3 · answered by Behaviorist 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Some cats are just not good momas. Maybe she just wants her life back and not be taking care of kittens all the time. She does leave them with you and she trusts you to do right by them, so all is well. Just give her time, every cat does things differently at a different time
2007-03-08 19:05:14 · answer #4 · answered by Terry Z 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
she is looking for her other baby. did she see you take it outside? keep reassuring her and telling her that her other kittens are pretty and they need their mommy. she is greiving she knows how many she had. it will take her time,but she will eventually stop looking. she is a good mother, and she has a good,caring owner.. congratulations on the little ones and i hope all goes well with the others.
2007-03-08 18:46:43 · answer #5 · answered by ♥ cat furrever ♥ 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The answer before me is funny.
It is a psychological thing. Could very well stem from the loss of one from the litter. Only time and continued loving support will help. Good Luck
2007-03-08 18:13:08 · answer #6 · answered by Tyson boy's dad 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
yes she is wanting the missing kitten she is a real good mom and she doesnt want the kitten to be out there she will get over it
2007-03-08 18:11:54 · answer #7 · answered by brian g 1 · 1⤊ 3⤋
i did the same thing after giving birth shes ok
2007-03-08 18:09:43 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
she just wants to go outside let her go look around and smell it'll be good for her
2007-03-08 18:15:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋