When is the best time to pet or handle a kitten after it has been born?

Question

My cat now has 1 week old kittens, and I'd like to know when is the best time to handle them, touch them, pet them, etc.

Answer 1

its usually a good idea to let the mama cat take care of her babies for a few days. if you have to handle them always let mama cat smell your hands before touching them so that she is familiar with your scent on her babies. it is better just to let mama cat take care of her babies. you should be able to handle them when they are at least 3 weeks old when they have to get their first deworming. i wouldn't touch them too much until then because mama cat might stop taking care of them if you handle them too much.

Answer 2

This depends totally on the mother and your relationship with her. Unless you are very bonded with the cat - leave them alone for the first few days. Breeders tend to have very close relationships with their girls and will check and weigh babies on a daily basis from birth - but they have also normally been birth partners to the girls - cut cords, started kittens breathing etc - and therefore have an absolute bond of trust. Moggies (no disrespect intended) tend to go it alone and present their owners with a new family which have been produced in the dead of night with no one watching. So, in the absence of the trust bond, tel your cat she has beautiful babies and just have a look to see if they are Ok twice a day, giving mum a quick stroke. Do not let everyone in to see the new family or shemay becom,e very stressed and harm the babes. Day 3 you could use a finger to just touch and stroke each bay - keep it short and sweet. Repeat daily and at the ennd of a week , pick up one baby for a few seconds then pop it back. Stroke and reassure mum. Repeat with a second kitten and then call it a day. Increase the length of time you hold, the number you pick up and the amount of time you spend, over the next 2 weeks.... always using mums reaction as your guide. By 4 weeks, when the kittens reach the start of their main socialisation period - you should be able to pick up and stroke freely. Do it lots for the next weeks!!

Answer 3

Best time is at least a couple of weeks. Sit near the cat and kittens. She might even bring one to you. Or if they crawl up next to you, pet with one gentle finger. Mother cat will let you know if you are too close too soon.

Answer 4

You can handle them gently within days of their births, but petting is out of the question until their eyes are open to reduce their fears... Your best rule of thumb is to let Mama Kitty be your guide here. When she brings them out from their hiding place you should be able to begin to make them your little "buds." You shouldn't handle them too much when they're very young because you don't want to hinder their development. Usually after about three to five weeks the little scamps are old enough to play and rough-house. That's usually a good indicator they're ready for your attentions. Once they're weaned they will be all over you anyway...

Answer 5

she is right to have you let mama cat decide but I wanted you to know that I have had cats who will let you touch the kittens right after they are born. So if you want to see if she will let you try to pet the mom when she is with the babies. If she seems a little scared then back off.

Answer 6

in 3 weeks

Answer 7

i woud like to chat with u.Ok the answer let kitten be 3weeks old when u know it can walk than u can hold them and pat them.

Answer 8

wait till it age bout 3 to 4 weeks..

Answer 9

If momma cat lets you, you can handle them now.

Answer 10

You can as long as your cat allows you to.