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My cat just gave birth and won't move from her spot. Is she okay?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 6 lbs

My cat gave birth to 6 kittens last night but hasn’t moved from her birthing spot (under our bed) for 18 hours. Kittens appear to be nursing fine now but during the night wandered off and she didn’t retrieve them. I put them on her and they’ve stayed and are nursing now. She eats when i put food within reach but hasn’t drank or pottied. She’s changed positions but in the same spot. Should i be worried?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 10th, 2017

What sweet little kittens! Those pictures are so adorable!

I would not be too concerned about the mama cat just yet. She is probably exhausted from giving birth and nursing.

You may want to move her to a location where you can keep a better eye on her so you can check on her regularly. Place a litter box within easy reach so she doesn’t have to travel far away from her kittens to use the bathroom.

Try palpating her abdomen as well. It should be soft and doughy, not firm or hard or painful. If it feels abnormal you should probably take her in to the vet to make sure there are no kittens remaining inside of her.

You can also try taking her temperature at home. If it is greater than 103 or less than 99, she needs to be seen by a vet.

Finally, continue offering her fresh food and water. Keep in mind she will need a lot of extra calories since she is nursing 6 kittens. Feeding her a kitten food would be best. You can also try feeding her canned food or moistening her food with water to ensure she is getting enough.

If your cat still refuses to move after 48-72 hours there may be something wrong and you should take her in to be checked out.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Good luck with the kittens!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Stormy looks like a very content mother, although she seems to be a bit inexperienced. It is not unusual for a kitten to wander off & mother not retrieve it. This is to protect the rest of the litter. When Stormy is ready, she will come out to use the litter box. Just keep it close along with the food & water. If she is happy nursing the kittens, she will give up practically all else to stay with them. she should be fine. Take care.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 8th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

    Cats are easily stressed during labor and afterwards. She maybe looking for a safer place to move her kittens. I would move her to a spare bedroom and provide a box or something else for her to hide herself and the kittens in. I wouldn't worry about her not urinating or defecating right now. Be sure there are not a lot of people staring at her or touching the kittens. Make sure all other animals are put away. Be sure to feed her kitten food. Cats can also delay labor for up to 24 hours. She may still have a kitten to deliver. Remember she is a stray cat and she is used to being outdoors and doesn't know you that well. She is used to eliminating outside.

    I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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