Why Do Cats Move Their Kittens – 5 Explanations

Many people who have seen a mother cat with her kittens have also seen her move them from one spot to another. It may seem like an odd thing to do, but there’s actually several reasons for that. So, why do cat smoke their kittens?

There are many potential reasons for a mother cat to do this. It is possible that the spot has suddenly become uncomfortable for her to stay in, and a cat may also move her kittens if there is too much noise and general activity around her nest. Similarly, a mother cat will move her kittens if she senses that the area is no longer safe.

This article will explain everything that cat lovers need to know about mother cats moving their kittens. 

5 Reasons Cats Move Their Kittens 

There are five main reasons why a cat will move her kittens. Most of the time, mother house cats will move their kittens because their spot has suddenly become too uncomfortable for the mother cat. However, cats will also move their kittens if there’s too much activity around their nest or if they sense that their kittens may be in danger. Here are five reasons why cats move their kittens. 

Her Nest Is Dirty 

A cat will move their kittens if its nest becomes dirty. This is an instinct for mother cats. As a result, it is a good idea to keep a mother cat’s nest as clean as possible if you do not want her moving her kittens. 

There Is Too Much Activity Around Her Kittens

Mother cats prefer to keep their kittens in quiet and secluded places because they are usually safe. As a result, a cat will not like to have their kittens around a lot of noise and activity. It is a good idea to keep a mother cat and her kittens in a quiet part of the house that does not get a lot of foot traffic. 

There Is A Change In Temperature 

A mother cat may also move her kittens if there is a sudden temperature change. For example, if the temperature suddenly drops, a mother cat will likely seek a warmer place for her and her kittens to stay. 

She Senses Danger 

Cats will often move her kittens if she senses that it is no longer safe for her kittens to stay there. Most of the time, cats do this when they sense potential predators in the area. Predators could include wild animals like coyotes, foxes, and wolves. However, a mother cat will also likely view domesticated dogs and cats as a threat as well, even if they know them. 

She Feels Too Exposed 

Cats also like to keep their newborn kittens in tight and covered areas. This protects the kittens from the elements and from potential danger from other animals. As a result, a cat will often move her kittens if she feels that an area is too exposed. 

Why Does My Cat Keep Separating Her Kittens? 

If a cat has a large litter of kittens, then she may separate them into smaller groups. This makes it easier for her to properly care for all of her kittens. However, if a mother cat separates just one kitten, she may suspect that the kitten is sick or has some deformity. 

Should I Let My Cat Move Her Kittens? 

Yes, you can let your cat move her kittens. In fact, it is a better idea to let your cat move her kittens than for you to move them yourself. It is still a good idea to watch where she moves the kittens. This way, you can still check in on them from time to time. 

How Often Do Feral Cats Move Their Kittens?

Feral cats will move their kittens as often as they feel that a nest is unsuitable for them. They may do this as a way to keep their kittens from danger, to find a cleaner or warmer spot, and for some other reasons as well. As a result, the number of times mother cats move their kittens depends on their situation and varies greatly. 

How Do I Stop My Cat From Moving Her Kittens? 

The best way to stop your cat from moving her kittens is to help her set up the best possible nesting environment. You can do this by allowing her to go to a quiet and secluded area that is warm and safe from other animals and strange people. From there, you can keep the area around your cat and her kittens clean, warm, and secluded. 

Will Cats Move Their Kittens If You Touch Them? 

A cat will not move their kittens simply because you touched them, especially if you are the cat’s owner. However, a cat may move her kittens if you are fussing over them too much. This is because cats like to keep their kittens in calm and quiet environments. Additionally, a mother cat may move her kittens if she views a person as a danger or threat to them. 

Can A Cat Forget Where She Put Her Kittens? 

It is incredibly unlikely for a cat to forget where she put her kittens. Even if she cannot see where they are, she can smell them due to their very strong sense of smell. As a result, if a mother cat does not return to her kittens after a few hours, then it is unlikely that she forgot where she put them. Rather, it is more likely that something else has occurred and is preventing her from getting back to them. 

Things To Consider

You may want to consider some additional things when it comes to cats moving their kittens. These include whether outdoor cats move their kittens more often than indoor cats and if dogs move their puppies. Here are some other things to consider about cats moving their kittens. 

Do Outdoor Cats Move Their Kittens More Often Than Indoor Cats

Outdoor cats tend to move their kittens more often than indoor cats. This is because outdoor cats are more likely to encounter potential threats to their kittens and changes in their environment. For example, there are a lot more threatening animals and strange people outdoors than are in a home. Similarly, outdoor cats are more likely to experience things like drastic changes in temperature and activity. 

Will Dogs Move Their Puppies? 

Dogs do not tend to move their puppies in the same way that cats do with their kittens. However, a dog may bring their puppies to their owners or move them in extreme cases. When given a comfortable place to give birth and raise their puppies, dogs tend to stay in one spot.