A mother cat will normally leave her kittens when they are around 6 to 8 weeks old. By this time, the kittens should be able to fend for themselves and no longer need their mother’s milk or care.
However, there are circumstances where a mother cat may not leave her kittens even when they are old enough to be on their own.
If the kitten is sick or injured, the mother cat may stay with them until they recover. In some cases, the mother cat may become attached to her kittens and decide to remain with them permanently.
How to Tell If a Mother Cat Has Abandoned Her Kittens?
Many new cat owners are surprised to learn that their feline friend may not be as maternal as they thought. Though cats are known for being independent creatures, when it comes to kittens, most mother cats are very nurturing and attentive.
However, there are some instances where a mother cat may abandon her kittens.
If you’re wondering how to tell if a mother cat has abandoned her kittens, there are a few key signs to look out for.
- One of the most obvious indicators that a mother cat has abandoned her kittens is if they are crying or meowing excessively. Kittens will typically cry when they’re hungry or in need of attention, so if you hear them crying more often than usual, it’s likely because their mother isn’t taking care of them.
- Abandoned kittens will often appear dirty and unkempt since their mom isn’t cleaning them regularly. If you notice that the fur on your kitten’s body is matted or caked with dirt, it’s a sign that their mom isn’t taking care of them properly.
- Additionally, abandoned kittens will often have trouble regulating their body temperature since their mom isn’t there to keep them warm.
- If you notice that your kitten is shivering more often than usual or seems cold to the touch, it could be an indicator that they’re not being cared for properly by their mother.
- Another sign that a mother cat has abandoned her kittens is if she suddenly starts acting aggressively toward them.
Will Momma Cats Leave Their Kittens?
No, momma cats will not leave their kittens. They are very protective of their young and will stay with them until they are old enough to fend for themselves.
How Long Will a Mother Cat Stay Away from Her Kittens?
A mother cat will typically stay away from her kittens for short periods of time, usually no more than a few hours. However, if the kittens are in danger or if the mother cat is sick or injured, she may stay away longer.
How Do I Know If My Mother Cat Has Abandoned Her Kittens?
There are a few things to look for when trying to determine if your mother cat has abandoned her kittens.
One is whether or not she is still nursing them. If she has stopped nursing them, it’s possible that she has lost interest in them and may have abandoned them.
Another thing to look for is whether or not she is spending time with them. If she doesn’t seem to be interested in playing with them or grooming them, it’s likely that she has lost interest in them and may have abandoned them.
If the kittens seem to be neglected and are not being properly cared for, it’s possible that your mother cat has abandoned them.
His professional interests include humane education, ethics, small animal behavior, and veterinary. As a pet lover from school life, having grown up with two cats and a dog. If he isn’t spending time with his friends and family, Justin enjoys traveling. Learn more about Justin here.