How to Build a Cat Birthing Box

A cat birthing box or queening box provides a pregnant cat with the safe, warm place she needs to have her kittens and care for them for the first three or four weeks when they need a protected environment. It also lessens the chance the cat will find an inconvenient place to give birth, such as under the bed where you can't reach her. Learning how to make a cat birthing box out of ordinary household material can also save you money on kittening supplies.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic container
  • Disinfectant
  • Corrugated craft paper or newspaper
  • Soft fabric material
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a container of approximately 2 feet by 2 feet (60 cm by 60 cm) with a lid or top. Ideally, this should be made of non-absorbent material, such as a plastic pet travel carrier, brand new covered litter box or a plastic storage tub. If you can't find one of these, a wooden or cardboard box will do. Make sure the container has no rough spots or sharp edges. If the container has no opening, cut one in the side and use medium grit sandpaper to soften any rough edges.

    • 2

      Disinfect the container with a non-toxic cleaning solution, such as 1 part bleach to 32 parts water (1/2 tbsp. bleach per cup of water). Use a hard-bristled nylon brush to scrub the corners and crevices. When you're done, dry the container thoroughly so there are no damp spots. If you're using a wooden or cardboard box, lightly spray the inside with cleaning solution and let the container dry for a day or two.

    • 3

      Line the cat birthing box with clean, soft, absorbent material. First lay down a layer of single-sided corrugated craft paper or a few layers of newspaper. Then lay down a layer of softer fabric material such as old blankets or sheets, artificial sheepskin, tight weave towels or puppy whelping pads. This material should provide traction and have no loops that a kitten's claws can snag in.

    • 4

      Prepare a heat source for the box. For the first week of life, kittens need temperatures of around 85 degrees F (29 degrees C) and 80 degrees F (27 degrees C) from 5 to 10 days. If the birthing room is cooler than this and you can't heat the whole room, use a portable heat source. Options include an electric heating pad set on low, hot water bottles or microwavable rice or corn cozies. Make sure the heat source is covered with fabric and covers only half the box so the kittens and mother can move away if they become too warm.

    • 5

      Spread a thick layer of soft material such as towels on the floor where you plan to put the kittening box. This will prevent cold from the floor from seeping into the box. Place the cat birthing box on top of this material.