It is an exciting time for many when your cat has kittens, and you are probably keen to see them and check that they are healthy. You know that your cat trusts you, but you cannot find the kittens anywhere when looking for the litter. If this has happened to you, you will likely ask yourself; do cats hide their kittens?
Cats will often hide their kittens to protect them. If a cat feels that her kittens are uncomfortable or unsafe, she will move and hide her babies to a new nest. Newborn kittens are blind, deaf, and immobile, which means that they are very vulnerable to predators.
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In this article, we will be explaining why cats hide their kittens. We will also be answering other frequently asked questions about why cats move and re-hide their kittens and advise what you can do to prevent your cat from hiding her kittens.
Reasons Why Cats Hide Their Kittens
We have given seven reasons that your cat will hide her kittens. As kittens are so vulnerable when they are born, the mother will constantly be alert for any predators that might harm her babies. Also, queens prefer a clean, warm, quiet, dark environment for their kittens. Here are seven reasons to explain why your cat hides her kittens.
For Protection
Primarily, cats hide their kittens to protect them. When a cat is preparing for kittening (the term to describe a cat giving birth), she will usually prepare one or more nests.
The nest is concealed so that the kittens can be safe from predators. Worldwide predators include dogs, other cats, rodents, and birds. Regional areas have their predators, such as reptiles, dingoes, or coyotes.
Queens are instinctively protective of their young and constantly alert to any possible dangers to their kindle (the collective noun for a litter of kittens). If your cat has another nest prepared, she will quickly evacuate if she senses any danger.
When kittens are born, they are defenseless. Newborn’s eyelids and ear canals remain sealed for over a week after being birthed, making them blind and deaf.
Additionally, kittens cannot regulate their body temperature, so they rely on their mother for protection, heat, and nutrition.
The Nest Is Too Noisy
Queens like peace and quiet for their kittens and find it easier to protect them in quiet areas. If the environment surrounding the nest becomes too noisy, the queen will start to feel nervous that she may not detect predators approaching.
When kittens are born, they sleep for about 22 hours each day, the equivalent of 90% of the day. The sleep of a kitten is essential to the development of its muscles and immune system.
If sleep is disturbed, the kitten can get sick, and the mother is liable to abandon or cull it in favor of its healthier siblings.
While you may not have any predators in your home, a noisy child or loud TV can disrupt the sleep of your cat’s newborns. Do try to ensure that the nesting area is kept as quiet as possible.
The Nest Is Too Busy
Your cat may move and hide her kittens if she feels the nest she first selected is busy with activity. It could be that the area was secluded when she picked it, but after spending time there, your cat felt it became stressful, and there is too much traffic.
Queens like privacy for their kindle. While it is natural to be excited to see your cat’s new brood, showing respect to your cat and allowing her some privacy after first giving birth will help her feel reassured and safe.
If you do not want your cat to take her kittens and hide again, try to keep children and other pets away from the nest. Being a distanced observer yourself will help her remain where you can easily monitor her health and kittens. If you can, cordon off the area.
The Nest Becomes Uncomfortable
Your cat may move and find another hidey-hole if the first one selected becomes uncomfortable. If her nest is in your home, it could have become draughty or hot and stifling.
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Should your cat have made her nest somewhere else on your property, it could be that rains have flooded the nest or there is an invasion of ants.
Remember, kittens cannot regulate their body temperature, so they need their mother’s body heat. If the mother has gone to find food, she will want a warm, but not stifling, nest for her babies while she is away.
If you know the whereabouts of your cat’s nest, be aware of anything that could change the family’s comfort level there. Monitor your cat for signs that she is seeking a new nest and watch if she relocates.
That way, you know where your cat and her kittens are and can still discreetly observe whether they are in good health.
The Nest Is Too Bright
Queens prefer to have a dark nest and will move and hide again if they find their nest has become too bright. Your cat ensures that predators cannot see her litter, and tucking them away into a dark, quiet spot is her way of providing better protection.
While cats do not have ‘night vision,’ they can still see in the dark better than humans can, so a dark nest not only provides cover for the kittens, but your cat can remain an effective sentry.
If your cat chose a space in your home such as a closet or cupboard to make her nest, constantly opening the door and shining a flashlight in, there could disturb her.
Additionally, as the eyelids gradually unseal in kittens and they begin to open their eyes, it can be tremendously uncomfortable for kittens if bright lights are shone on them. Their new eyes are sensitive to bright lights.
The Cat Is An Inexperienced Mother
Inexperienced cat mothers may change nests and hide more than experienced cat mothers.
This is mainly attributed to anxiety issues. As cat mothers are instinctively protective, inexperienced cat mothers may try to overcompensate their fear of predators and ensure their kittens’ comfort.
If this is your cat’s first litter, closely monitor her for signs of nervousness and apprehension. But be aware that she may become easily distracted from her babies, so try not to engage with her too much, remaining a distanced observer.
The Nest Is No Longer Clean
A queen may move and hide in a new nest if she feels that their nest is no longer clean. More specifically, the nest has begun to smell. The pungent odor of kittens and birthing can attract unwanted attention, so your cat could choose to hide elsewhere if she feels exposed.
Her primary concern is to keep herself and her kittens safe, so your cat will always be aware of anything that could alert predators to her family’s presence.
Is It Normal For Cats To Hide Their Kittens
It is perfectly normal for cats to hide their kittens. All cats, whether feral or domesticated, are intuitive creatures. Their ancestors were wild cats, and young wild cats have many natural predators.
Historically, wild cats would change nests and hide their young again two or three days after birth. This was to throw any predators off their scent. The pungent odor of a recent delivery can attract hungry predators.
Although your pet trusts you, do not be offended if they reject your advances or even the nest you have prepared. They are reacting to their instincts and will come around to you again.
Where Do Cats Hide Their Kittens
Cats hide their kittens in various places, including closets, under cars, or at the back of wood sheds.
Solo wild or feral queens will usually find a difficult place to get to and has one entrance, so it is easier to defend. A small cave or under tree roots is common.
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Domesticated cats will find somewhere that is usually within their territory. It could be in the laundry basket, under a bed, or behind a set of drawers inside the home. If it is outside, queens have been known to give birth in attics, under a porch, or in a crawl space.
How Long Will A Mother Cat Hide Her Kittens
A mother cat will hide her kittens for about two weeks. Each mother cat is different, and one mother cat may ‘present’ her babies to you after only a few days while others may wait beyond two weeks.
Once the kittens can see and hear, it is easier for them to sense danger, although they are still pretty defenseless. At this point, your mother cat may bring them to you.
One of the main reasons your cat will bring her kittens out of hiding is that she is tired from feeding and guarding them constantly. She is looking for a babysitter she trusts so she can take a break and recoup her energy.
How Can I Stop My Cat From Hiding Her Kittens
It is an instinctive trait for a mother cat to hide her kittens, so it can be difficult to stop this habit. However, there are some things you can do to stop your cat from hiding her kittens.
The best thing to do is keep your distance once you are sure they are in a secure, safe place. Be on-hand for any problems; your cat is an intelligent animal and will ask for help if she thinks she needs it from you.
You also can aid your cat by providing the nest for her, like a warm, cozy box with one entrance lined with close-woven materials and newspaper. Try not to use terry towels as the fibers can snag the kittens’ claws.
If you avoid interfering with the new family, there is a great chance that your cat will stay put. As mentioned earlier, your cat may hide her kittens if she feels she has no privacy.
Try to ensure that there is little noise or traffic by the nest. Keep any children or other pets away from your cat. While your cat may not usually have an aggressive nature, too much attention can make a protective mother aggressive for a short while.
Things To Consider
A cat hiding their kittens is normal, but here are some things you’ll want to consider about why they do it, and what your response should be.
Do Not Be Offended
It is instinctive for queens to hide their young. If your cat hides her kittens from you, do not take it personally. She is doing what comes naturally as a mother, and the trust she has for you has not wavered. Give her time and space; you will soon be able to share the joy of the kittens.
Keep Your Cat Well Nourished
Queens use many energy feeding and hiding their babies; give your cat high-quality wet and dry food. She needs to provide a high protein diet to her kittens as they develop, giving her good quality food to help the kittens.
Ensure clean and fresh water so that your cat does not become dehydrated while feeding her kittens.
Hygiene And Handling
Always wash your hands before and after handling the kittens. Although we encourage you to leave the kittens alone, there may be times that you have to assist your cat.
Remember, the kittens are still developing their immune system and are vulnerable to infections and parasites. You need to maintain a clean environment, which includes your hands!
Fleas
Although your cat may be hiding her kittens away from home, she will still visit for food and water. This is the time to monitor her health and check that she has not been infested with fleas that she can transmit to her hidden brood.
Fleas are parasites that feed on the blood of their host. If kittens become infested with fleas, it can cause anemia. Anti-flea products are harmful to young kittens.
If you find your cat is infested, you will need to locate the nest and gently wash the kittens in warm water and un-fragranced washing up liquid. Be sure to thoroughly dry the kittens so that they do not become chilled.
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