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Why is my stray cat moving her kittens outside? Is she anxious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

We brought in a stray who we have been feeding for a year now and bringing in out of the winter for a few hours nightly. She had a litter two weeks ago in our bedroom and uses our bedroom window as her access to outside to pee (she just refuses to use litterbox) The past couple nights she has been trying to take them outside too even though she has been comfy in here for two weeks. Could she be anxious/stressed? She seems great with us during the day.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 11th, 2017

How lovely of you to take in Mama to keep her warm at night! It could be she is feeling anxious having these kittens in your room where there is are people coming in and out. I would move her and her litter to a quiet room of her own your home.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This is a natural instinct for her to keep her litter as isolated and safe as possible. She might be happier keeping them outside in a safe place, like a barn or garage, where she can get in and out easily and have constant access to her litter.

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