Is it Okay for Humans to Touch a Baby Kitten While its Mother Is Nursing?

If Tabby presented you with a new family, it's an exciting time. Newborn kittens are quite vulnerable, unable to see or hear, or even walk very well. However, they're still precious and it's natural to want to hold and caress them. Follow Tabby's cues for interacting with her babies.

  1. Tiny and Vulnerable

    • A newborn kitten is totally dependent on her mother for survival. She can smell and feel, but her eyes are still closed and her ears are still folded down; it'll be a couple of weeks before she can see or hear anything. A new kitten will spend most of his time in his early weeks eating and sleeping. Given a kitten's vulnerability, it's easy to understand why a new mother may be reluctant to allow people to get too close in the first few days, or even weeks.

    Let Tabby Decide

    • Before you touch Tabby's kittens while she's nursing, consider your relationship with her. If you have a history of affection and trust between you, chances are pretty good she'll be fine if you want to lightly stroke her nursing babies. However, if she was aloof or stressed during her pregnancy, she may feel different. Spend some time sitting with her while she nurses, gently rubbing her head and talking to her. If she seems relaxed, try lightly rubbing her kittens, just a stroke or two on their backs. Make sure you include Tabby in your attention and don't overdo it. If you sense Tabby's anxious about your interaction, back off and wait a bit. Give her a day or two before you try again.

    Handling Kittens is a Good Thing

    • The ASPCA recommends handling kittens early to ensure they're properly socialized. The organization notes that the more a kitten interacts with people before 7 weeks of age, the friendlier she'll be when she's an adult. As well, human interaction hastens kittens' physical development, with some opening their eyes earlier and exploring their world sooner. If you sense Tabby's not thrilled with you handling her kittens, spend time interacting with them when she leaves the nesting area to eat.

    Handle With Care

    • If the kittens are actively nursing on Tabby, limit your interaction to light strokes on the back; don't interrupt their dinner. If they're not eating or sleeping, or Tabby's left them to have her own dinner, it's a good opportunity for socializing with the new arrivals. Working your way through the litter, pick up a kitten one at a time, gently stroking her and turning her over, then returning her to her littermates. If you're able to visit with Tabby and the family once or twice a day, they'll be comfortable with more interaction when they get older. Remember to practice good hygiene when you interact with Tabby and her new family. Thoroughly wash your hands before and after handling her kittens to ensure everyone stays healthy.