Can a mother cat reject her kittens?

It’s a common myth that mother cats will reject their kittens if humans touch them. But is this really true? The short answer is no – it’s very rare for a mother cat to reject her babies just because a human handled them. However, there are some circumstances where a mother cat may reject or even harm her kittens. In this article, we’ll explore the facts around mother cats rejecting their babies, look at the reasons a mother cat might harm or abandon her kittens, and provide tips for safely handling newborn kittens.

Do Mother Cats Reject Kittens if Humans Touch Them?

Mother cats are very dedicated to their kittens and have strong maternal instincts to nurture, groom, feed, and protect their babies. A mother cat’s bond with her kittens begins right after birth, when she licks each kitten to dry it off, bite through the umbilical cord, and stimulate it to breathe. This intense mother-kitten bond usually prevents a mother cat from outright rejecting her babies just because a human touches them.

In fact, it’s perfectly safe for people to handle newborn kittens as long as some basic precautions are followed:

• Wash hands before and after handling kittens to prevent spreading diseases
• Handle kittens gently and avoid sudden loud noises or movements that might frighten the mother
• Make sure kittens stay warm and return them to the mother regularly so she can nurse them
• Try to handle the kittens in the mother’s presence so she sees they are safe

As long as the kittens are treated properly, the mother cat will not reject them simply because they have been touched by humans. She may watch closely or even sniff or lick her kittens more when they are returned to make sure they are okay, but she will not abandon them.

Why Would a Mother Cat Reject or Harm Her Kittens?

While it’s uncommon, there are some instances where a mother cat may reject or even injure her own kittens. Here are some of the potential reasons:

She Feels Stressed or Threatened

If the mother cat is in a stressful environment that makes her feel anxious or threatened, she may take this out on her kittens by neglecting or harming them. Some causes of stress that could trigger this behavior include:

• Loud noises like construction or music
• Children or dogs chasing or harming the kittens
• A lack of a quiet, safe space for nesting
• Insufficient food, water, or rest

If the cat’s stress is reduced or eliminated, she will likely begin properly caring for the kittens again. Providing her with a quiet, sheltered nursing area can help. In some cases, anxiety medication prescribed by a vet may be needed.

She Has Mastitis

Mastitis is a breast infection that causes inflammation and is usually caused by blocked milk ducts. It’s common in breastfeeding mother cats and can be extremely painful. Kittens nursing from an infected breast can cause more pain and inflammation.

Some cats with mastitis may avoid or push their kittens away when they try to nurse as it hurts. In severe cases, the pain may cause aggression and lead her to harm the kittens. Mastitis requires veterinary treatment with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and warmth therapy on the infected breast.

The Kittens are Sick or Have Birth Defects

Mother cats may intuitively sense when their kittens are ill or have debilitating congenital disabilities. If she knows the kitten is extremely unlikely to survive, she may abandon it or even kill it out of instinct. This tragic situation is more common with stray or feral cats than house cats.

Some signs a kitten may be rejected for health reasons include:

• Obvious physical deformities
• Abnormal vocalizations or movements
• Weakness, lethargy, or inability to nurse
• Labored breathing
• Not eliminating waste properly

A vet should examine any kittens showing these symptoms right away to determine if treatment can help them. Sometimes euthanasia may be the most humane option if the prognosis is very grave.

She Has Postpartum Depression

Though rare, mother cats may suffer from postpartum depression just like human mothers. Signs include withdrawal from the kittens, not caring for them properly, lack of appetite, and lethargy. This requires prompt veterinary care and may include medications or supplemental feedings for the kittens until the cat recovers. Removing stressors from the cat’s environment also helps.

How to Safely Handle Newborn Kittens

To ensure minimal risk of rejection, here are some tips for safely handling newborn kittens:

• Wash hands before and after handling each kitten
• Keep the nesting area warm and draft-free
• Only handle for short time periods and keep interactions quiet and gentle
• Hold the kitten cupped in your hands against your chest to feel your heartbeat, which is calming
• Return kittens to their nest after handling so the mother can nurse
• Consider wearing a bulky sweater or coat so kittens can nestle into it when holding them
• If possible, have the mother cat in view as you handle so she sees her kittens are safe
• Avoid handling newborns until they are 2-3 weeks old unless urgent medical care is needed

Following these best practices will help minimize stress for both the mother and kittens during handling by people. Monitor the mother’s reaction when returning kittens to her – as long as she accepts them back and cares for them, human handling is not a cause for concern.

Signs a Mother Cat May Reject or Harm Kittens

While outright rejection caused by handling newborns is extremely rare, it’s helpful to know the signs that could indicate a mother cat may reject or harm her kittens:

• Avoids returning to the nesting area or resists kittens trying to nurse
• Shows aggression like swatting, biting, or scratching when kittens come near
• Does not groom, nurse, or care for the kittens
• Moves kittens out of the nesting area
• Acts anxious, distressed, or depressed
• Kittens seem underweight, dehydrated, dirty, or ill

If any of these behaviors are observed, the kittens may be in jeopardy and need intervention. Seek veterinary help immediately to determine if there is an underlying medical reason causing this. Be prepared to supplement feed the kittens and provide warmth until the mother cat can properly care for them again. Monitor closely in the meantime.

What To Do if a Mother Cat Rejects Her Kittens

If you suspect or confirm that a mother cat has rejected her kittens, swift action is required to save the kittens:

1. Separate the mother and kittens in different rooms so she cannot harm them.
2. Place the kittens in a warm nesting box lined with soft bedding.
3. Use a heat lamp or heating pad set to low to help maintain their body temperature.
4. Gently bottle or syringe feed kitten milk replacer formula every 2-3 hours.
5. Gently stimulate genitals after feeding to help them urinate and defecate.
6. Keep them clean by wiping with damp, warm cloth between feedings.
7. Take rejected kittens to the vet right away for assessment.

Veterinary examination and treatment is vital to determine why the mother cat rejected them and if any interventions like medications can improve her mothering instincts. If that fails, the kittens will need attentive supplemental feeding and care until they are weaned. Their best chance of survival is in the care of an experienced foster parent or rescue organization.

Fostering Orphaned Kittens

Caring for newborn, orphaned kittens that have been rejected is very demanding but also extremely rewarding. Here are some tips for fostering orphaned kittens:

• Prepare a nesting area with warm bedding, food/water bowls, litter box.
• Bottle feed kitten formula every 2-3 hours, including overnight.
• Gently stimulate genitals after each feeding with warm cloth.
• Keep kittens warm with heating pad or lamp; monitor temperature.
• Weigh kittens daily and record weights to ensure they are growing.
• Clean kittens with warm damp cloth and dry thoroughly after each feeding.
• Talk/cuddle kittens frequently so they socialize well with humans.
• Expect to continue intensive care until kittens are 5-6 weeks old.
• Get guidance from veterinarian, rescue organization, or experienced foster parent.

While the workload is heavy, it’s incredibly rewarding to nurture orphaned kittens and give them a chance to survive and thrive. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help and support from veterinary and rescue communities.

Can a Mother Cat Adopt an Orphaned Kitten?

In some cases, a mother cat who has lost kittens or taken on a mothering role may adopt an orphaned newborn kitten. The key is introducing them carefully and watching closely:

• Choose a friendly, nurturing mother cat who seems open to kittens.
• Rub a blanket on the orphaned kitten then on the mother’s own kittens.
• Present the orphaned kitten to the mother cat while she is feeding.
• Watch her reaction closely – withdrawal means she may not accept.
• If she allows nursing, stay nearby to monitor interactions.
• Have supplemental kitten formula on hand until acceptance is certain.
• Keep a close eye on interactions for several days to ensure bonding occurs.

While not guaranteed, a patient introduction can sometimes facilitate adoption of an orphan by a mother cat who has a strong maternal drive and may welcome another kitten to care for. This can give the orphaned kitten the nurturing it critically needs.

Preventing Future Rejections

If a mother cat has rejected kittens, there are steps cat owners can take to help prevent it from happening again:

• Spay the mother cat so no future accidental litters occur.
• Determine and address the underlying cause, like mastitis or postpartum depression.
• Reduce stressors in her environment before next scheduled heat cycle.
• Ensure she has a secure, comfortable nesting area away from noise or dangers.
• Ask your veterinarian about supplementing with synthetic pheromones.
• Work with an experienced breeder or veterinary behaviorist if issues persist.
• Do NOT place the rejected kittens with the mother again once weaned.

While there are no guarantees, thoughtful preparation and prenatal care can help minimize rejection risks in the future. However, the safety of the rejected kittens should come first – they should be placed in caring adoptive homes once weaned.

Conclusion

While it’s quite uncommon, mother cats may reject or even harm their kittens in certain circumstances like mastitis, postpartum depression, or birth defects. However, healthy mother cats will not reject kittens simply because humans have touched them. By using proper handling techniques, providing a safe and low-stress environment, and getting prompt veterinary care for any issues, mother cats can be encouraged to properly care for their litters. If rejection does occur, immediate foster care and supplementation are needed to save the kittens. While challenging, dedicated foster parents can successfully raise orphaned kittens rejected by their mothers.