How to Keep a Mother Cat From Rejecting a Kitten

Mother cats can reject kittens for a number of reasons. Health and anatomical problems may cause her to reject kittens unlikely to survive, allowing her to concentrate her energy on nursing the rest of the litter.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin handling kittens only when the mother is comfortable with allowing human interaction. Forcing this step too early can result in rejected kittens. One to two weeks is the earliest a kitten should be handled.

    • 2

      Handle kittens only under the mother's supervision. Do not remove the kittens from her care or from her sight while handling.

    • 3

      Keep handling of newborn kittens limited to 10 to 15 minute intervals. Continually observe the mother cat's reaction to the handling; if she becomes agitated or restless, return the kitten to her.

    • 4

      Remove any rejected kittens from the mother's care immediately; the presence of a rejected kitten may cause the mother to reject further litter mates.