How Long Until You Can Move a Kittens Nesting Area?

If Tabby's been poking around certain areas of your house during the last weeks of her pregnancy, she may be looking for her ideal nesting spot. If she's developed a special fondness for a particular place, it may become a kitty delivery room, whether you like it or not.

  1. Nest Hunting

    • As Tabby approaches her delivery date, you've watched her eat more, gain weight and perhaps, become a bit more vocal than usual. It's normal for a cat to be restless the final week or two of pregnancy, partly because she's looking for the right place to nest. Although each cat is unique, most cats look for a quiet, secure spot to have their kittens. If there's somewhere you don't want Tabby giving birth, such as your closet, keep it inaccessible to her -- keep those doors and drawers closed. A pregnant cat is a determined nest hunter; when she's looking for "the place," the safety of her litter is at the top of her list. Tabby doesn't care what you think of her choices.

    Special Delivery

    • Some cats are fine having their kittens in the hustle and bustle of your house; other cats like the idea of delivering on your bed. The point is, Tabby may choose the most inconvenient spot in the house to have her kittens. Unless she's picked a dangerous spot, allow her to give birth in her chosen place. After she's delivered her litter, cleaned her babies up and the family's relaxed, you can move the whole gang to a nesting box in the spot you've secured for her.

    Ideal Nesting Spot

    • Generally, a new mother cat will prefer an area that's quiet and calm, where she can tend to her new babies in peace. This is especially important in a house with young children, where Tabby may be wary of little hands wanting to touch and play with her fragile new kittens. An ideal nesting spot is warm and draft-free and has a queening box large enough to accommodate the new family, lined with newspaper and soft bedding. A litter box and food and water should be close by so Tabby can tend to her own needs while keeping an eye and ear open for her kittens.

    Moving Day

    • After a few days, if it turns out Tabby's nesting area isn't the best choice, you can try relocating the family to a more appropriate spot. Make sure you choose a warm, secure spot and keep Tabby's litter box and food and water close by. It's quite possible Tabby will do it herself; a cat will often move her babies if she feels the chosen spot is unsafe or uncomfortable, or if the kittens are getting more attention than she likes. If you're happy with the nesting spot, respecting the new family's privacy is a good way to keep everyone pleased with the choice.