Cat gave birth inside. Why does she want to move her kittens outdoors?

Hello, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Oh my, they are cute! Congratulations on your new kittens! It's pretty common for cats with new litters to have a different idea of where they'd like to nest from what we planned for them! You may not be able to make her stay in her box, but you can make it as appealing to her as possible. Make sure it's in a quiet, private corner where she feels safe and protected, and have clean soft bedding inside. She may or may not choose to use it. You will probably need to physically keep her out of your room with a barrier if she's not allowed in there, and beyond that she will decide where she's going to be comfortable keeping her kittens. Once she chooses a spot, make sure she's got access to fresh food and water nearby. Hope this helps! :-)

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She could very well be moving the kittens- it’s quite common for them to move their kittens frequently. A hands-off approach works best. Provide access to quiet dark areas (open an empty cabinet, closets, etc). Keep an eye on her and know where she is currently nesting but don’t hover. She’ll take care of things. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Mino!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I wouldn't allow the other cats in the room during labor. Despite them all getting along under normal circumstances doesn't mean their presence during labor won't stress Lovely. When cats are stressed during labor they can delay delivery of the kittens. She should be in a quiet room that is familiar to her. The number of people should be limited. With one person checking on her every few hours. As for after the kittens are born I wouldn't allow the other cats in the room without you. Again just because they get along doesn't mean that one of the cats won't hurt the kittens. It's best to be safe than sorry. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!

Hello, it may be hard to get her to change her nesting location. They ideally want a private, quiet, location where they feel safe. It’s probably why she preferred your closet, therefore, providing her with a close alternative may change her location. Alternatively, you can put something in your closet to prevent her from coming in or keep the closet doors shut. Ultimately, you may not be able to fully avoid this and could maybe get her a basket or some other form of container where she can have her kittens that whay your closet could remain clean. Hope this helps and best of luck

If she is underneath a closed in cupboard and the clothes are not piled on top of her directly it may be best to leave her be unless you have any indication of distress; if you do need to disturb her then I would move her completely to a safer space such as an ensuite or small, quiet room where she can be observed but not disturbed. Lying a cardboard box on its side and leaving two of the flaps down so she can tuck in and hide creates an enclosed, temporary nesting area for her to hide and settle - provide some soft bedding so she can create a nest for herself

How lovely of you to take in Mama to keep her warm at night! It could be she is feeling anxious having these kittens in your room where there is are people coming in and out. I would move her and her litter to a quiet room of her own your home.

She is trying to find a safe and quiet place to take care of them. I would suggest providing her with a box in a dark area of the home with little to no traffic. Once she feels secure, she should not try to move them as much.