How does a cat take care of kittens?

Cats can be called almost exemplary mothers, so reverently and selflessly they take care of their cubs. How do cats take care of kittens and does every cat need to know the “joys of motherhood”? 

Photo: flickr.com

Should a cat give birth?

If a cat lives in your house and you are not going to breed these animals (and for this you need to have a huge amount of knowledge, skills and abilities, so it is better to leave breeding to specialists), it should be sterilized in order to prevent the appearance of unplanned offspring, which is then extremely difficult will find “good hands”.

Unfortunately, two harmful myths are still extremely tenacious among cat lovers and owners:

1. Every cat needs to give birth at least once in their life “for health”.
2. Spayed cats are prone to obesity.

This has nothing to do with reality.

In the photo: kittens. Photo: goodfreephotos.com

How do cats take care of kittens?

Pregnancy of cats lasts 63 – 65 days, and by the time of birth, the expectant mother is looking for a suitable place for the “nest”. And when all the kittens are born, they begin to master the process of nutrition: each finds a nipple and receives a portion of the “first milk” (colostrum). At this time, it is important that the cat eats well – in this case, there is a chance that there will be enough milk.

It is important that the “nest” is in a quiet secluded place, because if the cat decides that the kittens are in danger, she will drag them to another place, and frequent “relocations” do not benefit the babies and unnerve the mother.

In the first three to four weeks after the birth of kittens, cats usually show themselves as extremely caring mothers. They rush to every squeak of the cub and go out of their way to satisfy all the needs of the kids.

It is advisable that the kittens stay with the cat for at least eight weeks before they go to new homes.