Kitten Question?

Question

My cat just had kittens and I am planning on keeping one of them.
I want the cat that I keep to be very loving and want to be held and pet.
So, should I begin to hold it and cuddle with it already if it was just recently born (about a week ago)
would doing that make the cat more loving and less skidesh and distant when it grows up?
Thanks

Answer 1

If the Momma cat allows it, then yes...start handling the kittens now. The sooner the better. Stay close to where Momma keeps them and let her stay close as well. She will give you ques when she wants them back. Keep in mind that small kittens will cry...that doesnt mean you are hurting them but be gentle and careful when you handle them. It's best to sit on the floor.

Don't just handle one though, handle all of them.

My vet said it's best to start before they are 2 weeks old.

Answer 2

Hey, I had a cat that had three litters so I have a ton of experience when dealing with new baby kittens. If your mother cat is an outdoor cat, and you are planning on keeping one of her babies, I would consider getting her fixed. This is because if she does get pregnant again, she will become very evil to her kitten, because of the new litter that she is carrying. If she won't get pregnant again, it's hard to say how the relationship between the two might become. When dealing with the new-borns, you might make mommy a little bit upset at first. In my opinion, one week of age the kitten's can't see anything yet, however, if you talk to the kittens and sit beside them and just stroke their fur, that is enough at this age, because they are extremely week. When the third week come's they will start walking and playing. This is the stage where you give the kittens tons of attention. Carry the kittens around, play with them, and socialize them with your friends, and family. Continue this and I can promise you that you see results shortly afterwards. They will start coming to you when you call them, and they will want to be held, and they will want your attention. I hope everything works out for you. Good luck!

Answer 3

You can begin the bonding by using one finger to pet ALL the kittens a couple of times a day. Then in a few days you can begin to pick them up and talk gently to them. Only a few minutes, though. The kitten will squawk and the momma may complain, but the interaction between cats and humans needs to begin in the crucial first two weeks of life. You have to remember, though, that they're babies and need to sleep most of the time.

Keep talking to all of them and don't forget to give momma some attention, too, and tell her how beautiful her babies are. She may not understand what you're saying, but she will recognize your tone of voice and will be more likely to relax when you handle the kittens.

As the kittens get older you can start playing with them for short periods of time. They'll tire quickly. By the time they're 4 weeks old they'll be a lot of fun.

The kittens need to stay with their momma for 6 to 8 weeks. This will help to ensure they're on the road to being weaned, which should be a gradual process and will also help them psychologically. Cats that haven't spent enough time with their momma are more likely to be the ones sucking on your blanket.

Answer 4

Very young cats (under 4 weeks) should always be kept with their mother if possible. That being said, I've read if you take a very young kitten and hold it for about 5 minutes a day it will be a lot more open for human interaction later on in life. No more than that amount, though.

Answer 5

My cat had kitlings three weeks ago and I was touching from day one. They also know my voice and come in my direction if I say anything. What you must be careful of is not upsetting Mama--Don't pick them up--just pet them. I didn't pick ours up til 21/2 weeks and that was only to put them outside the box for a bit to ramble around and build their legs up.
Keep close watch on Mama--she will let you know when she doesn't like it. Make sure you talk to and pet Mama--my Sasquatch now knows the word "babies" and knows it is good.
Almost forgot!! When you pet your kitlings, use one finger and use short gentle strokes--imitate Mama when she licks them. In a way, you are their Mama too.
You'll also notice at about 3, 31/2 weeks Mama will start separating herself from them.
This acclimation is especially important because when they are ready to be weaned, you'll be putting little dabs of food on your finger so they can "suckle" it off and begin to eat solids.

Answer 6

I would wait, right now it needs to stay with momma cat as much as possible. Handling it too much can be bad! When its eyes open, then you can start handling it more, but still not too much! when it is 6-8 weeks have fun with your kitty all you want!

Answer 7

No you allow the mother cat to nurture the kitten until it's at least 8 weeks old before you begin to handle it.

Answer 8

As soon as mamma cat allows it, handle the kittens. It helps make them better pets.

Answer 9

The more time you spend with them, the better they will feel with you. Keep holding and playing with then a lot and you will get the loving cuddly kitty that you want.

Answer 10

Wait until the kittens are at least 4 weeks old before you try to handle them. But you can go look at them and let them get used to your scent.