So, my cat lays on her kittens.
She’s a pregnant calico, so three kittens were expected. However, only two were born.
She’s still laying on her two kittens, and since they’re both still so tiny, it’s hard to tell if one of them is alive.
My cat keeps laying on her kittens, and I’m not sure what to do.
Let’s dive in.
Why Does the Mother Cat Keep Laying on Her Kittens?
Premature Kitty
A young mother who lacks colostrum will have trouble caring for her litter.
Her increased attentiveness and anxiousness will cause (and help cause) her to be unable to break away from nursing long enough to feed herself.
These young mothers also tend to miss some feedings, which can create problems. If she misses one or two feedings, the kittens may not be terribly affected.
However, if she misses too many, their chances of survival decrease. The mother cat may miss feedings because she is simply engorged, or she may have health issues.
Maternity may be hampered by many other problems, such as dental disease, intestinal parasites, or metabolic disease.
Give these cat parents the same love, 24/7 care, and support you would any mother cat.
Litter Size
Make use of a large box to compartmentalize the kittens. However, if you’re fostering or raising them, don’t throw one out.
They’ll grow, and it’s possible one of the babies will turn out to be a deaf, blind, or otherwise “special needs” cat.
Cats with these problems are usually cared for by people with a great deal of experience.
There are many such cats in shelters, but you’d be surprised how many special cats end up in new homes.
Pack towels that are suitable for soaking up urine.
When the kittens defecate, bury the feces immediately.
It is easy to remove meconium with a damp cloth.
Keep the mother cat’s (and the kittens’) food separate from the litterbox.
These specifically designed meals guarantee that 5 to 6 meals a day of kitten food are available.
Any excessive litter will bury the kittens, which can lead to suffocation.
Hypocalcemia
When a cat is pregnant, her blood calcium levels drop.
This can cause the mother cat’s bones to weaken. It can also make it harder for her to nurse her kittens.
The weaker the mother cat’s bones, the harder it is for her to care for her kittens.
While their mother recovers, colostrum-fed kittens that are bottle-fed can gain weight faster.
Metritis is a dangerous pus-filled infection that can kill a nursing mother cat.
Mastitis
When a cat is pregnant, her mammary glands can become infected.
This infection is called mastitis. Mastitis can make it harder for a mother cat to nurse her kittens.
It can also hurt her kittens. Mastitis can also hurt the mother cat.
She can lose milk production, and her kittens can lose nutrition.
Experienced Illness
When a cat is pregnant, she’s more likely to develop illnesses.
She may catch a cold, for example. She may also develop a urinary tract infection.
When a cat is pregnant, she’s more likely to have parasites, such as fleas. She may also develop anemia.
Kittens are the most vulnerable to disease for the first 3 weeks of life.
A fading kitten syndrome can be a sign of illness.
Pregnancy, birth, and post-partum care can all stress out a mother cat. Stress can make her more susceptible to illness. Dehydration is another risk factor.
The Nesting Issue
When a cat is pregnant, she’s more likely to have a nesting issue.
She may rub against objects, such as furniture and walls. She may also rub her face against objects.
She may also rub her body against objects. She may also urinate and defecate on objects.
She may also chew on objects.
New To Motherhood
She is innocent, a new mother, bored, and concerned about the kittens, 24/7. Give her lots of reassurance, hugs, and pats.
Don’t try to separate her from the kids. She’s gotta love on them, and they need her.
She wants to suckle them, she’s doing it, whether she likes it or not.
Cats like to keep their kids apart, and they pick nits out of their fur.
How to Stop Your Cat From Laying On Your Kittens
When a cat is pregnant, she’s more likely to lay on her kittens. She’s more likely to lay on her kittens for a prolonged period of time.
She’s more likely to lay on her kittens frequently. She’s more likely to lay on her kittens continuously.
Control Litter
Your contribution will be important.
You should not harass the cat by poking or pulling at her to get her off the kittens.
This is all about ensuring the safety (and well-being) of the kittens. Provide her with a quiet, warm, clean, and protected area where she can relax.
You can provide her with her own space, such as a corner or a room. Provide her with a comfortable spot where she can rest.
You can also give her her own food. When a cat is pregnant, she’s more likely to have fleas
This will go a long way toward placating your cat.
Create a Quiet Environment
This is not ideal since there is a higher risk of the kittens getting lost.
When it comes to anything like this, you have to be 100 percent sure before you do anything.
The kitties need to be kept warm and safe. Make sure you provide an environment that ensures their safety. The kittens need to be kept warm and safe.
Quiet areas inside the home would be best for feeding.
It enables her to concentrate on gestating the litter.
Make Use of a Birthing Box.
Look for an excellent birthing box that is safe and warm.
Simply said, they don’t have a hand, safe place to give birth.
Some may feel frightened, so don’t rush them.
A excellent cat birthing box will able you to save money and effort.
This is the only method to ensure that the gestating cat is comfortable.
Also Read: How Long Can A Kitten Go Without Eating?
Final Words
It’s likely to include inexperience with gestating cats and the fear of having another litter of kittens.
Potential predators and/or gestating cats frightens many owners.
Because of this, it is critical to have a cat birthing box and keep the kittens safe.