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My new mom cat keeps leaving her kittens. Is this normal? What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 8 months old | 5 lbs

My cat, Tilly, had a litter of kittens 48 hours ago. She is a very affectionate girl, and she has been leaving the kittens each time I leave the room and not returning until I go back (I have set up a video call to watch kittens and see if she returns, so I know she isn't doing). What can I do to get her to stay with her kittens? Is this normal? I obviously can't stay in the room constantly until they are weaned and worry that she will leave them when I have to go to university every day. Thanks

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 15th, 2017

New moms should only leave her kittens for a few minutes at a time for a visit to the litter box or to eat and drink. The older her kittens, the more time she will spend away.

During the first week of life, new mom cats should only leave her babies for a few brief times each day. During their first few days of life, not only are the kittens both blind and deaf, but they are dependent on their mom to regulate their body temperatures, for food, and even for stimulation to be able to potty.

It is best if you confine her to one small room with the kittens and be sure keep her litter box, food and water near her babies. She should not have free roam of the house.

If you find that she is not properly caring for the kittens you may have to remove them from her and bottle feed them yourself. If that is the case she may just not be cut out for being a mom and should then be spayed so this does not happen again. I suggest you get a gram scale and weigh them daily. If they are gaining weight each day then they are probably just fine. If they are not gaining or they are losing weight you will need to take them away from her.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on July 17th, 2017

    It's normal for Bella to leave her kittens for a few minutes every now and then - she may need to eat or drink, go to the bathroom, or just stretch her legs and move around a bit. As long as she doesn't leave them alone for long periods and always comes back when they cry for her, this isn't a problem at all. It sounds like she's a good mom overall :)

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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