2007-03-14 19:53:09 · 12 answers · asked by shaina b 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
when the momma cat lets you...
2007-03-14 19:55:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Any info on cats can be found here: http://www.kittencare.com/askKC_LittleKittens.html#handling_kittens
The age at which you should handle kittens varies with the condition of the kittens and the mother. Ideally, kittens are cared for by their mother. When momma cat is taking care of things you should not handle the kittens until they are at least 2 weeks old and then only under the mother cat's supervision. If the kittens are orphaned, you are now the mother and you need to care for them and feed them.
As to how to handle the kittens, hold them gently for only a 10-15 minutes at a time, and do so in the company of the mother since her presence reassures the kittens and the mother cat too (see Mother's Behavior for more). Remember that human children or houseold pets should not be left alone with small kittens.
The first 4-8 weeks of a kitten's life are very important. Handling and petting the kittens will make them more sociable creatures. At this age, be sure to leave them plenty of toys for them to play with (rolled tin foil and wads of paper work great). Avoid using your hands, fingers, feet or clothing when you play with them as this only encourages attack games which then leads to aggressive behavior.
2007-03-14 19:59:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had tons of litters born but our mother cats were used to us and knew that we were there to help them and not to harm the kittens. They would let us handle them right away really, normaly we get a head count of some sort and looking to see what gender they are.
Its a good idea not to handle them too much anyway because of the scent they have. So maybe wait a few days before handleing them.
Also mother cats tend to move their kittens at least once or twice because its in their nature to do so to keep the kittens safe.
2007-03-14 20:00:53 · answer #3 · answered by death_is_on_my_side 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you have a good relationship with your cat there shouldn't be a problem. My cat had her litter a week ago and I move the kittens to clean her bedding and I have not had any problems. Good luck.
2007-03-14 20:01:11 · answer #4 · answered by Aztec_Angel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will be a little while before you can hold them, like maybe after they open their eyes but right now if you hold them, the mama cat will keep hiding the kittens so you won't touch them.
2007-03-14 19:57:17 · answer #5 · answered by Light Yagami 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you have a good relationship with your cat she will proberly love you to hold them... i have had quite a few litters here and my cats have always purred when i touched or held the kittens , sometimes even fetching them to me to show me.....
2007-03-14 21:41:45 · answer #6 · answered by reptilesboa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cats are not like dogs if you touch there kittens they wont feed them they are really particular about who touches there babies i wouldnt touch them for about 3-4 weeks
enless there hurt or you have to rotate them for them to feed and wash your hands and touch the mom if you do and make sure you touch all of the kitten to get there scent
2007-03-14 19:57:20 · answer #7 · answered by khissmyputtytat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
usually people wait 10 - 12 weeks, before selling the kittens off.
2007-03-14 19:58:15 · answer #8 · answered by mcb 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
make sure momma has a good smell of them first or she wont accept them give her awhile like an hour
2007-03-14 19:56:32 · answer #9 · answered by BajaRick 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
some cats don't care, but it is recommended to wait until their eyes are open, and fully open, not opening and gluing back shut when they stay open.
2007-03-14 19:55:58 · answer #10 · answered by trust_me74 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
id say 2-3 weeks
2007-03-14 19:56:24 · answer #11 · answered by Brunette Diamond 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋