We have a mama cat who had 3 kittens 3 weeks ago. All of them were kept home since. Today while the door were open mama cat took all the kittens and put them under the decking area that we've no access too. We would literally have to strip most of the decking to get there.
I'm pretty sure I know the reason why she did it. We have 3 kids and there is a lot of traffic in the room were they were kept, but we have a small house and no room to give her privacy. Is there any way to encourage her to bring the young ones back home? We just don't like the thought of them being outside in dirt and the nights are still cold. There is also many stray cats in the area. Any advice please?
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Mama cats are very protective of their babies and undoubtedly she felt her kittens were unsafe where she was staying inside the house.
Maybe someone else will have other ideas but my experience with mama cats leads me to believe she feels her babies are safer where she has them now.
I would advise you to provide food and warmth for the cat. Perhaps you can put up a temporary shelter for her.
I think your best bet is to just leave every thing alone, the mother cat will take care of her babies and one day you will see them come out from under the deck. Go ahead and put out cat food and water for the mother.
Thank you very much for all your answers and ideas. We actually had to strip some parts of the decking to get them out. I know saying goes "mother knows best" but I don't think she did in this case. The rain was pouring day and night, kittens were crying constant as she was moving them into different parts of under the decking. I don't think they had much sleep.
I am glad this worked out for you. Increasing her privacy was probably key. I have observed cats just like to be nearly enclosed to feel safe. Moving the furniture was a great idea. You might try laying a blanket over the top of the furniture surrounding the nest for even more privacy.
Mama's always think they know best but many times we have to help even if they do not like it.
You said cold outside but if it was raining then its for sure they needed help.
i'm glad it was sorted with the cats. Indeed cats do NOt always know best. One memorable experience of my childhood was when a mama cat decided to go to the roof awning of the house to deliver her litter, and one fateful day cats were raining out of the sky. True story. This was out in the country summer home.
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