Usually, the mother cat will look for a safe place to give birth to her kittens. When choosing a place, mother cats usually look around according to various criteria: quiet, dark, dry, warm and safe from enemies, such as tomcats or curious humans. Sometimes cats don't make the wisest decisions regarding natural conditions, changing circumstances, or simply bad choices. If this is the case, you may feel that you should have made the decision to move the kittens to a better location to keep them safe.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparation for Moving Newborn Kittens
Step 1. Find a new place for the mother cat and her kittens
Before making a transfer, ask yourself the following questions. Can you close the new place to prevent the mother cat from moving the kittens? Can the area accommodate a litter box (a special litter box where cats defecate and litter) so the mother cat can relieve herself? Is there a safe place (far enough from the litter box) to put the water and food bowls?
- The selected area should also be quiet. That is, away from the usual noise in the house, beyond the appropriate hearing distance of television, telephone, and radio.
- The place should be free from airflow and if the weather is cold or the air conditioner is on it needs to be set at the appropriate temperature: ideally between 75-80 degrees. Closets in guest rooms or rooms that are rarely used will do well, as will a quiet corner in the laundry room (laundry, drying and ironing room) or a multipurpose/extra storage room (mud room). A basement, as long as it's dry and warm, is also a good option for relocating a kitten's nest/shelter.
Step 2. Create a new shelter as soon as the location is selected
Strong cardboard/boxes that are large enough for the mother cat will be a good shelter. Even a laundry basket with an opening that is less than 2.54 centimeters can be a great refuge. If the hole is bigger then the kittens have the potential to sneak in and put them in danger of getting hurt or cold.
Step 3. Line the container with thick and clean old clothes, blankets, or towels
Place the container in a quiet location, then arrange the cat's litter box, bowl of food and water. You need to make the place as inviting to the mother cat as you need to make it warm and safe for her kittens.
Part 2 of 2: Relocating Newborn Kittens
Step 1. Get the mother cat out of its place by coaxing it using something fun and delicious
A piece of cooked chicken or a spoonful of canned tuna might do the trick. You need to lure him out of his hiding place but don't actually leave. It's important to let the mother cat see what you're about to do, but from a distance.
Step 2. Lift the kittens from the old nest, making sure to hold them securely so they don't fall to the floor
When they are about to be picked up, the kittens will cry to get their mother's attention. Don't let the sound of the kittens cry discourage you from moving them to safety.
Step 3. Let the mother cat follow you to a new place
Let the mother cat watch while you put the kittens in a new place. The mother cat should be allowed to follow her kittens into a new shelter.
Some mother cats will get angry when they learn that their kittens have been touched, and may become aggressive. If you suspect the mother cat is trying to protect her kittens when you move them, it's a good idea to wear long sleeves, long pants and thick gloves
Step 4. Keep the kittens and mother in one place
As soon as the kittens and mother are in their new shelter, close the door to the room. Check their condition every now and then to give the cat family a chance to adjust to its new environment.
- Chances are the mother cat will not like the new place, and will try to move and hide the kittens again. Keep this in mind, and choose a place where the mother cat can prevent this from doing so by closing the door.
- Giving your mother cat a delicious treat once or twice a day for a few days may make her more receptive to your new chosen spot.
Step 5. Leave the cat family for a few days to adapt
Isolate the area. The mother cat may be eager to remove her kittens at the first opportunity and again put her family at risk. Make sure the mother cat and her kittens have everything they need and that the mother cat can take good care of her kittens.
