* Instinct: Cats are naturally protective mothers. Their primary instinct is to care for and nurture their young.
* Scent: While cats have a strong sense of smell, human scent isn't usually seen as a threat.
* Handling: If you handle kittens gently and with clean hands, the mother cat is unlikely to be alarmed.
However, there are some factors that could make a mother cat more likely to reject or harm her kittens:
* Stress: If the mother cat is stressed or disturbed, she might be more likely to reject her kittens. This could be due to loud noises, unfamiliar people, or a lack of safe space.
* Inexperience: First-time mothers may be less confident and more prone to reacting negatively to outside influences.
* Illness: A sick or injured mother cat might be less able to care for her kittens and might even view them as a threat.
What to Do:
* Minimize Disturbances: Keep the mother cat and kittens in a quiet, safe environment with minimal human interaction.
* Wash Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling kittens to minimize the transfer of human scent.
* Supervise: If the mother cat seems anxious or aggressive, supervise interactions between her and the kittens.
If you have any concerns about a mother cat's behavior towards her kittens, consult with a veterinarian or a cat behaviorist.