Cat is having her kittens in litterbox

[EBoley]

We have 1 set of kittens (both cats were fixed so actually in a lawsuit about that). So since the other kittens are 5 weeks old, I have Smokey and those 5 kittens in the living room. So tonight I knew that Oreo was close to having babies. So I put her in the second bathroom with some blankets in the tub (small bathroom). Well she is now having them, but she refuses to leave the litter box. She has 1 that was just born. The litterbox was cleaned less than 3 hours before she had the first one. I’m just worried with where she is having them. But every time I moved her, she went right back to the litterbox. In that litterbox there is non clumping litter (same with all of them except the kittens litter box that has kitten attract non climbing litter). Anyone else deal with something like this that can give some insite?

 

[bear]

I have not dealt with this.
However, what would happen if you dumped the litter, quick cleaned the box and put a couple soft towels in the bottom for her.

Some cats find fresh litter cool and comfortable. Yet with kittens, it is best to keep things clean.

 

[EBoley]

I am afraid to move the kitten so soon after born. Is it safe? My other cat I didn’t have to move them until the morning time

 

[EBoley]

I have not dealt with this.
However, what would happen if you dumped the litter, quick cleaned the box and put a couple soft towels in the bottom for her.

Some cats find fresh litter cool and comfortable. Yet with kittens, it is best to keep things clean.

Cause I mean she’s actively having them now. Just had the second one.

 

[bear]

I have not read this article, yet it may be a good reference.
Help! My Cat is Having Kittens!

 

[bear]

Just maybe this will call attention from a west coast and a person in another country with more experience than I have.
tarasgirl06 StefanZ

 

[BellaGooch]

Also going to tag Sarthur2

 

[Jewely]

EBoley I found this from another website. Can you get a box for her? She’d probably feel more comfortable and private with a nesting box instead of just the tub.

 

[bear]

Is mom cleaning her kittens? This helps them breath easier.
Could you place a couple wash cloths/towels near her and kittens, so the litter stays more controlled?

 

[Jewely]

As to your question, it’s safe to move them. Handle them as little as possible but this is very important you get them out of the litter box. Tuck something under them until you can.

 

[lutece]

It's fine to handle and move the kittens. The screenshot that Jewely posted has good info (although I'll add that a heating pad is not strictly needed unless the kittens must be alone in the box for a while). Clean all the litter off the kittens and mother, and move the kittens to a safe place. Usually if you move the kittens to a safe nesting box, mom will go there and continue the birthing process there. If mom continues to be very attached to the idea of having her kittens in the litter box, you can try swapping a better nesting box into the same location where the litter box currently is, or if all else fails, you can try cleaning the box and replacing the litter with towels as bear suggested.

 

[StefanZ]

Also, do prepare a second litter box for doing her poo and pee, so she does have somewhere to do her things.

Although I presume, after the birthing is done, she will soon be ready to be moved to a more comfortable nest.
Many cats do avoid to give birth in the self nest; they dont want to get it soiled.

Having them in a litter box with cat sand in, isnt ideal, but I suppose in nature this is common. After all, cat sand, cat litter, is anyways much cleaner, practically sterile, compared with having them in the earth dirt, or dust, under some bushes...

 

[Sarthur2]

How are mom and kittens today? How many kittens are there? Did you move them?

 

[Sylvia Jones]

Would love an update Please

 

[tarasgirl06]

We have 1 set of kittens (both cats were fixed so actually in a lawsuit about that). So since the other kittens are 5 weeks old, I have Smokey and those 5 kittens in the living room. So tonight I knew that Oreo was close to having babies. So I put her in the second bathroom with some blankets in the tub (small bathroom). Well she is now having them, but she refuses to leave the litter box. She has 1 that was just born. The litterbox was cleaned less than 3 hours before she had the first one. I’m just worried with where she is having them. But every time I moved her, she went right back to the litterbox. In that litterbox there is non clumping litter (same with all of them except the kittens litter box that has kitten attract non climbing litter). Anyone else deal with something like this that can give some insite?

Hello EBoley and family and welcome to TCS! Jewely has an excellent post that should help you. I am just reading this at 0922 hrs PDT on Friday so I didn't see your post before. I would recommend following those instructions if you have not already and please do keep us updated! *PRAYERS* for your little feline family!

 

[EBoley]

How are mom and kittens today? How many kittens are there? Did you move them?

She had all 4 kittens safely. As soon as she finished I put a blanket inside the litterbox and made her a new one

 

[IndyJones]

The two tortis are most likely girls. They will be spunky little things too.

Make sure you have a bottle or syringe and milk replacement on hand for any that fail to thrive.

 

[EBoley]

I’m not sure I understand.

 

[Jcatbird]

Torties refers to the colors. Failure to thrive means to help feed any kittens that aren’t getting enough nourishment or doing as well as they should be. Having some kitten milk replacer on hand is a precaution just in case mom cat needs a little help feeding the babies. Most moms do fine but having supplies to help out is a safety net if you find it is needed. Beautiful family there!