Q&A for How to Separate Kittens from a Mother Cat for Adoption

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Do mother cats remember their kittens?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Once the kittens are weaned, the mother cat doesn't think of them as her offspring, but just as other cats in the house. She may recognize them as individual cats, but doesn't know their relationship to her.

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Question

Do mother cats get sad when their kittens leave?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The mother cat may be sad for a few hours, and wander around looking for her kittens. This is more to do with her nurturing instincts to look after the kittens than any concept of love. This instinct quickly fades and the female settles back into her regular routine.

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Question

Do cats leave their kittens if you touch them?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The mothering instinct of most female cats is to protect her newborn kittens. If those kittens are touched, typically the mother may try to move them to a safe place, rather than reject them.

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Question

How do you separate kittens from their mother?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

As the kittens get older, they naturally spend more time away from the mother. By around 8 weeks, the kittens explore and play away from the mother. Simply remove the kitten while they are away.

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