Will a Mother Cat Abandon Her Kittens If Touched by Humans? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

The idea that a mother cat will abandon her kittens if you touch them is more legend than fact. Rest assured that it is very unlikely that touching the tiny furballs that your cat has just given birth to will cause her to leave them. Like many other mammals, female cats have remarkable maternal instincts. Therefore, petting newborn kittens will not cause the mother to abandon them. However, attempting to approach a feral cat's kittens might also result in the cat lashing out and attacking you (because of the same maternal instincts).

In addition, it’s possible for the mother cat to become temporarily stressed or anxious if you handle her babies, especially if she is still adjusting to her new role. So, pay attention to her behavior: She'll let you know how comfortable she is with you handling her fluffy little treasures. If she seems restless and tense, give her and her kittens more space.

Why Do Mother Cats Abandon Their Kittens?

The bond between mother cats and their offspring is strong, and moms will go out of their way to protect and care for their babies. Therefore, abandoning them is not common behavior. Unfortunately, mother cats may be forced to leave their young for various reasons, such as:

• Health issues: If a mother cat is in poor health, stressed, or anxious, she may not be able to properly care for her kittens and may have to abandon them as a result.
• Birth defects or illness: If a kitten is born sick, weak, or with a severe birth defect, the mother may reject them if she feels that they have little chance of surviving. As sad as that sounds, she needs to focus on her other kittens and let nature take its course.
• Lack of resources: This often happens with stray cats. For example, if the mother cat is unable to find enough food or water to support herself and her kittens, she will prioritize her own survival.

How Do You Know If a Mother Cat Has Abandoned Her Kittens?

A good clue that the mother cat has left the nest for good is the appearance of the kittens. For example, they may be cold to the touch, skinny, and dirty, and appear ungroomed.

Normally, mother cats keep the kittens warm and clean and stimulate them to urinate and defecate. Therefore, abandoned kittens may have urine or feces on them and may appear bloated due to constipation.

What to Do If You Find a Litter of Kittens

If you find a litter of kittens, you should first assess their condition and ensure their safety.

If you are willing to take care of the kittens yourself, you’ll need to set up a warm, safe place for them to stay, such as a cardboard box with blankets. You will also need to provide them with food and water and closely monitor their health and well-being.

However, be aware that caring for tiny kittens is a big responsibility and requires a significant amount of time, effort, and resources. It’s best to seek advice from experts and prepare for commitment before undertaking this task.

Final Thoughts

It's hard to resist petting adorable kittens, but while the mama cat is unlikely to abandon the nest if you handle her young, it's best to do so only if necessary (for example, you need to move them to a safer place in the house). In any case, always handle these delicate babies with caution and care, and pay attention to the behavior of the mother.

If you come across a litter of abandoned kittens outside and you're not sure what to do, it's a good idea to consult a veterinarian or animal rescue organization for guidance.

Featured Image Credit: hemro, Shutterstock