when can you hold a baby cat?

Question

my cat just had babies and i just whated to know when we can hold them?????????? we have 3 babies!!!!! they are one day old.

Answer 1

I would honestly wait for about 2 WEEKS, you should leave the mother to do her thing. There are many reasons why you shouldn't touch them at such an early age - the mother may feel like you are a threat to her kittens, if so she will be worried and anxious. This is quite a thing for feral cats to do but its still something to be cautious of. Also, she will pick up your scent on them and leave the said kittens to one side, cats are territorial creatures don't forget and pick up on every scent!

But then, once the kittens have opened their eyes/are opening their eyes, it is quite important that you pick them up to get them used to humans holding them, else they will grow up to be quite timid of humans.

I know how much you must want to hold the kittens! In the beginning days they so cute and innocent, but for the sake of the mother cat, give them two weeksish.

Answer 2

It depends on your cat. Has she had babies before? How much does she trust you and know your smell? I have had cats before where we hold the kittens right from birth because the mom cats know us and trust us. Other cats want you to leave the babies alone for a while.

Try reaching in and petting the mom so she gets used to you around the babies. Then try touching the babies, very lightly with one finger and she how the mom takes that. If she seems ok with that after awhile then try holding them for a little bit. Be sure to be very gentle and only pet the babies lightly with one or two fingers.

I know some people say the mom may disown the babies if you touch them but I have never, ever had that happen and I've had and dealth with tons of litters of kittens. Just go slow and take cues from the mom.
Congrats on your new kitties!

Answer 3

Here's an age to chart to show what you can do with them when.

1. 0-3 weeks. At this age do as little petting and holding as possible. Pet the Mama. Remember Mama wants attentions, babies don't.

3. 3-4 weeks. Pet them but don't hold them too much. Don't forget to pet Mama. She's the one carrying the burden of raising a litter (and if she's anything like my cat was she's feining for attention.)

4. 4-5 weeks. Now you can hold them. In fact, at this age you should hold them a lot. Play with them a little. Let them eat soft kitty food out of your hand. (Make sure your cat food isn't on the recalled foods list)

5. 6-12 weeks. Now you can pet them, play with them, and hold them as much as you want. If you handled them right the will be very people friendly!

Good luck.

Answer 4

Does your cat like you? Does your cat trust you? Try petting the babies. If your cat lets you do that without a fuss, she should let you pick them up. If possible, wear an old t-shirt around for a day or two and don't wash it. Put it in the cat's box for bedding for the kittens. They will get use to your smell that way. And it will also comfort your cat, especially if it is her first litter. She will have a familiar smell around her.

Answer 5

If the mother will let you, it's good to start holding them asap. They need to be used to people holding and loving them. It make a big difference in their personality. Gratz on the new babies.

Answer 6

i would try to avoid handleing them before they open their eyes. even after they do open them, they are still very fragile and should not be held very much before they start to get up and walk around. my cats have had babies a number of times and i alway start to hold them as soo as their eyes start to open and they have always been fine and grown into nice cats

Answer 7

If mommy cat is calm it's OK anytime she lets you. She will let you know if she doesn't like it. I would wait a few days.

Answer 8

wait for a few weeks. if you touch them now, your cat might not like your scent on them and might "throw them away".

also, when you first hold the babys, be really careful not to drop them. keep them close to the ground. your cat may also be protective, so make sure not to get any scratches from her o.O

Answer 9

i would wait at least two or three weeks. You don't want to mix your scent in with theirs or the mama cat might reject them. they are hard to resist because they are so cute! I waited until they started crawling around and their eyes were open.

Answer 10

dont touch them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
wait until they stop feedind off the mother. if you touch the cat bfore this stage the mother cat will smuther the new born because he/ she has a human scent.