It is not a pleasant sight when it comes to your cat laying on her kittens. You might wonder whether or not something is off and if there’s something you can do about it. If you are saying, “my cat keeps laying on her kittens!” then it is best to figure out what the root cause is.
Some cats will lay on their kittens because they are inexperienced mothers and/or unhappy about potential threats nearby (i.e. predators, weather).
This is why it’s important to create a welcoming environment for your cat in this type of situation. Otherwise, she might end up killing her kittens if it is not on purpose.
Key factors include:
- Experience of the Mother
- Number of Kittens
- Potential Threats
It’s important to pay attention to what is happening with the mother cat at all times. If you are saying “my cat keeps laying on her kittens!” then it is best to consider what can be done to stop her.
Without the right steps, she may end up hurting the kittens and that is the last thing you want to deal with!
This article will help those saying “My cat keeps laying on her kittens!” by offering helpful tips on what works and what doesn’t.
Table of Contents
Best Birthing Box for Cats (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
- Cozy nap pad and private cat lair in one – and it sets up in seconds!
- Fabric side walls create a sturdy perch for your cat, yet fold flat for storage
- A cushy polyester pillow and a fleece base mat are removable and washing machine safe
Last update on 2023-09-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tips For Stopping Cat From Laying On Kittens
1. Use a Birthing Box
Look for a good birthing box that is warm and fully protected.
When saying “My cat keeps laying on her kittens!” you have to realize this is one of the main reasons cats lay on their kittens. It simply comes down to them not having a convenient or safe spot to raise their young and that causes the cat to panic.
Some may just become apprehensive but others are going to harm their kittens. This is why it’s important to care for the mother cat during the first few days including setting up the birthing box.
A good birthing box for cats will be one that is warm and is going to provide ample space. This is good as they will have no trouble laying with their young and focusing on nursing the kittens.
This is the only way to make sure the cat doesn’t keep moving with her kittens in a bid to keep them safe. You have to realize her instinct is going to be to stay safe and that can lead to some interesting decisions that are not always ideal.
2. Create a Quiet Environment
When saying “My cat keeps laying on her kittens!” you also have to think about the cat’s perspective in this type of situation.
For example, are you setting up the birthing box in the middle of the living room?
This is not ideal as there is too much foot traffic and it could potentially cause the cat to become anxious. You have to be careful when it comes to something like this.
You will want to create a welcoming, quiet environment that is perfect for your cat over the long-term as she raises her kittens.
This includes finding a warm room that is away from the traffic in the house.
3. Supervise Litter
Your role is going to be important.
You shouldn’t bother the cat or her kittens but it is important to supervise. This is all about making sure a cat that has just given birth to kittens is safe and comfortable.
This is going to go a long way in making sure the cat doesn’t hurt her kittens.
This is especially important with a first-time mother.
She might not know what to do and that can lead to mistakes being made. You can prevent these mistakes from happening by being vigilant during the first few weeks.
Related Questions
1. Why Is My Cat Hurting Her Kittens?
Cats can start hurting their kittens because of inexperience and/or they don’t believe the kittens are safe from potential threats around them.
2. Why Does My Cat Keep Moving One Of Her Kittens?
It’s common for cats to move their kittens to safer spots. This includes picking kittens one by one and taking them to the new spot before coming back for the rest.
Final Thoughts
“My cat keeps laying on her kittens!”
It’s likely going to involve inexperience with a first-time mother and/or frustration with the environment around her. This includes potential predators and/or dangers.
It is important to focus on keeping the cat and her kittens safe due to this reason.
Here is more on cats – reasons cats love running water, how to introduce two kittens, tips for stopping cat from spraying, and how to help a cat that fell.