Here's why:
* Natural instinct: A mother cat's instinct is to keep her kittens clean and safe, and this includes keeping their nest hygienic.
* Weaning process: As kittens start eating solid food, they become more independent and start learning to use the litter box. The mother cat may start to wean them from nursing around the same time, which also coincides with the decrease in cleaning their waste.
* Social cues: Kittens learn by observing their mother and other adult cats. Once the kittens start using the litter box, the mother cat will stop cleaning their waste.
Important note: While mother cats generally stop cleaning kitten waste around this time, there can be variations depending on the individual cat's personality and the size of the litter.
If you are concerned about your mother cat's behavior or your kittens' hygiene, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian.