My Cat Moved Her Kittens, and Can’t Find Them. What to do?
Cats
If you’re a cat owner, you know how protective a mother cat can be of her kittens. Sometimes, however, even the most attentive cat can lose track of her litter (especially if she has been moving them around a lot). If you’ve found yourself in the situation where your cat has moved her kittens and can’t find them, don’t panic. In this article, we’ll explore what you can do in this scenario from two perspectives: when the mother cat can’t find her kittens after she has moved them, and when both you and the mother cat can’t locate them.
If the Mother Cat can’t locate the Kittens
In many cases, a mother cat may move her kittens to a new location if she feels the current location is not safe or comfortable for her kittens. However, if she can’t find her kittens in the new location, she may become stressed and agitated. Here are some steps you can take to help her find her lost kittens:
- Stay Calm
The first thing you should do is stay calm. The mother cat will be able to sense if you are agitated, and this may cause her to become more stressed. Speak to her in a soothing voice, and let her know that you are there to help her.
- Search the Immediate Area
The next step is to search the immediate area where the mama cat was last seen with her kittens. Look for any signs of the kittens, such as paw prints, fur, or meowing sounds. Mother cats like to place their kittens in enclosed and secure places. You may also want to check any nearby hiding places, such as under bushes or inside sheds.
- Use Food as Bait
If you know where the kittens are, but the mama cat can’t find them, you can use food as bait to help her locate them. Place some food near the area where they are hiding, and wait for the mama cat to come and investigate. Once she is in the vicinity, she will likely pick up on their scent and find them herself.
- Follow the Mama Cat
If the mother cat is actively searching for her kittens, you can follow her and see where she goes. However, make sure you keep a safe distance, so you don’t scare her away from her kittens. It’s possible she isn’t comfortable with you being near the kittens. So try and keep your distance, or setup a camera to watch her movements.
When both You and the Mother Cat Can’t Find the Kittens
If both you and the mother cat can’t find the kittens, the situation becomes a bit more complicated. If you suspect that your mother cat has can’t find her kittens after having moved them to a new location, you may notice that she is restless, constantly meowing, and appears to be searching for something. She may also exhibit signs of distress, such as pacing, panting, or even becoming aggressive towards you or other animals in the household.
Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of finding them:
- Search the Area Thoroughly
The first thing you should do is search the area thoroughly. Look for any signs of the kittens, such as paw prints, fur, or meowing sounds. You may also want to check any nearby hiding places, such as under bushes or inside sheds.
- Use Your Senses
Try to use all of your senses to locate the kittens. Listen for any sounds they may be making, such as meowing or crying. Look for any signs of movement or rustling in the grass. You may also be able to smell the kittens, as they have a distinct scent.
- Set Up a Trap
If you are unable to find the kittens, you can set up a trap to capture them. Place a box with some of their food inside, and wait for the kittens to come and investigate. Once they are inside the box, you can safely move them to a new location where the mama cat can find them. Of course, this only works if they are old enough for their senses to actually be developed enough for them to smell the food.
- Ask for Help
If you are still unable to locate the kittens, you may need to ask for help. Contact your local animal shelter or rescue organization, and let them know about the situation. They may be able to provide you with additional resources and support to help you find the missing kittens.
Conclusion
Remember to stay patient and persistent in your search, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed. With time and effort, you can help the mother cat and her kittens be happily reunited once again. Just be careful not to let too much time pass. Newborn kittens need constant feeding every few hours,, and going without food for a long period of time will impede their growth. Worst case scenario, they could die. No pressure though!
