Inside the house:
* Under furniture: Couches, beds, dressers, and tables are all good places to hide.
* In closets: Especially dark, unused closets.
* Inside boxes: Cardboard boxes, laundry baskets, or even storage bins.
* Behind appliances: Washers, dryers, refrigerators, and ovens.
* In drawers: If they're big enough, a mother cat might choose a dresser drawer.
Outside the house:
* Under bushes: Dense foliage provides good cover.
* In sheds or garages: Especially if they're unused or have piles of clutter.
* Inside hollow logs or tree trunks: These offer natural shelter.
* Underneath porches or decks: These areas offer shade and protection.
* In abandoned burrows: A mother cat might take advantage of a hole left by a groundhog or other animal.
Factors influencing the choice:
* Safety: The mother cat will prioritize safety and seclusion.
* Warmth: She'll look for a warm, draft-free spot.
* Accessibility: She needs easy access to the kittens to nurse and care for them.
* Security: She'll choose a place where she can keep an eye out for potential threats.
It's important to note that a mother cat might choose a place that seems unexpected or even inconvenient. If you suspect a cat might be hiding kittens, it's best to be patient and observant.