Is it okay to pick up or handle kittens just a few days old?

It is fine to handle the kittens, cats do not generally reject their young if they are handled by an outside source. It may also just look like mama is smothering them when in fact she might just be providing them with heat and/or the ability to nurse. Unless you actually see the babies actually struggling to move or crying out, they are probably not being smothered. The kittens are waking up a lot because they have to nurse. When they are this young, the tend to nurse upwards of every 2-3 hours. If you are not seeing the kittens nursing that often, they might need supplemental care in the form of bottle feeding. You can pick up some kitten milk replacer at a pet store or a big-box store as well as the bottle. Hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petcoach! I am sorry that you are going through this! It is common for mother cats to move their kittens, especially if stressed and they feel that their kittens are at risk. I wold try to leave her be and try not to stress her. You can check on the babies once-twice a day. Her laying on them is some what normal. Unfortunately there is no way for me to tell based on the picture if the kitten will survive. Sadly some kittens don't make it and we don't know why. It is called "fading kitten syndrome." If Tinkiee left him/her behind she may know it is sick. You can try to hand raise the kitten by bottle feeding it with Kitten Mild Replacer (KMR). You have to bottle feed it every 3 hours and stimulate it to urinate and defecate by gently wiping it's anus and genitals with warm wash cloth after feedings. Below is a link to the milk replacer. It is also sold in pet stores or at Veterinary hospitals. https://www.chewy.com/petag-kmr-kitten-milk-replacer/dp/125389?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=f&utm_content=PetAg&utm_term=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1b-Q66bt1QIVRDaBCh1xgwYyEAQYASABEgIBmPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds I wish you the best of luck!

Spend time handling them each day. This will help to get them use to humans. Also look into resources to get the mother spayed. One female cat can have up to 27 kittens in a year...that's a lot of kittens! have the mother spayed when the kittens are 12 weeks old. Here is a link about aging young kittens: https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/telling-kittens-age-four-steps I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

That is very kind of you to want to help this cat and her kittens! Yes, it is fine to touch them, but I would be careful around Momma. Some female cats can be very possessive of their kittens, and she may act aggressive if you try to move them. I would recommend giving the Humane Society a call, they will have the tools to trap her and her kittens safely.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! In this case, it would be best to have him removed. You can continue nursing him with kitten formula until he is about 6-7 weeks old at which point you may switch him to a kibble or canned food diet. I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian who can check him and see if he needs any therapy and they can then recommend a preventative plan including vaccines. Best of luck!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Depending on her age, the kitten may not be able to break down the milk sugar called lactose much like people with Lactose Intolerance. I wouldn't advise giving milk since it can cause cramping, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal upset. I would advise getting her to your veterinarian right away for an examination. Depending on her age they will advise you on pertinent testing (Feline Leukemia, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), vaccinations, and deworming to get her off on the right track. Great job saving her and good luck

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If mother cats feel threatened or nervous they will frequently move the kittens to other locations. Be sure she is in a quiet place with no children or other animals. Only check on her a few times per day. Mother cats also will move only one baby if they feel it is sick or not doing well. If you can post a picture of the wound I can help you better. If it is small then the kitten should be fine. Clean it will water and a mild soap daily. If you are concerned about the wound have a vet examine the kitten before the weekend. I wish you all the best!