Mother cat generally chooses a safe place to give birth to her kittens. To do this, take several factors into consideration and look for a place that is quiet, dark, dry, warm, and away from predators, male cats, or meddling humans. Sometimes, however, cats do not make the wisest choice due to inexperience, because circumstances may change or just because they are wrong. If you are faced with this situation, you may be forced to make the decision to move the puppies to a place more suitable for their safety.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparing to Move the Cubs
Step 1. Choose a new place for the mother and kittens
Ask yourself questions before moving animals; consider for example if you can close the new area to prevent the cat from relocating the kittens again, if the place you have chosen offers enough space to place the mother's litter box, if there is a safe area away from the litter box itself, in to arrange the bowls of food and water.
- The "nest" must be in a quiet environment; this means that it must be away from the noise of the house, away from the noise of the television, telephones and radios.
- It must not be exposed to drafts and, if the weather is cold or the air conditioner is on, the ambient temperature must be within acceptable values, between 24 and 26 ° C. Closets in a guest room or a room that is rarely used are perfect, as is a quiet corner of the laundry room or anteroom. Basements, as long as they are dry and warm, are a perfect solution for relocating puppies.
Step 2. Make another nest after choosing the new place
A sturdy cardboard box is fine, as long as it is long and wide enough to hold the mother as well. Laundry baskets are only suitable if they have openings smaller than 2-3 cm; if they were wider, the puppies could slip through and run the risk of getting injured or cold.
Step 3. Line the container with a clean, thick towel, blanket, or clothes you no longer use
Place the new nest in the quiet place, arrange the litter box, water bowl and food bowl. You need to make the new shelter as inviting for the mother as it is safe and warm for the kittens.
Part 2 of 2: Moving the Pups
Step 1. Get mother cat out of the current nest by luring her with an irresistible treat
A small piece of cooked chicken meat or a tablespoon of canned tuna should work. You have to lure her out of the shelter without letting her go completely; it is important that he sees what you are about to do, but from a short distance.
Step 2. Lift the kittens from the old nest by handling them carefully to prevent them from falling to the floor
Cubs may cry to get their mother's attention; don't let their meowing discourage you from your intent and take them to the safe place.
Step 3. Have the cat follow you to the new nest
Allow her to observe you placing the cats in the container of your choice.
Some mothers may be bothered by this gesture and may become aggressive. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and thick gloves if you are concerned that the cat might try to protect the litter when you move her
Step 4. Leave the cats and their mother in the new nest
When all the animals are in their new "home", close the door to the room. Check them rarely during the day to allow the little family to get used to the new environment.
- The mother cat will probably not like the new place and may try to relocate and hide the kittens again; for this reason, choose a place that can be closed with a door, to prevent the mother from behaving in this way.
- Give the cat some tasty food once or twice a day to help her accept the new nest.
Step 5. Leave the family alone for a few days to get used to the environment
Keep the room closed, as the mother may be tempted to transfer the kittens at the earliest opportunity, exposing them to risk again; at first, she might be angry, but she should calm down over time. Make sure the animals have everything they need and that the mother takes care of the kittens.
