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Why is my cat moving her newborn kittens after giving birth?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 1 month old

My cat had her kittens last night. She has only had three. All night last night and all day today she has kept them in the same spot. About an hour ago she has started moving one. First she brought it to me and meowed. So i put it back. Then she got it out again so i put it back. And then she moved it again and i just watched her. The kitten meowed and then she returned it back to her nest. Why is she doing this?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 8th, 2017

This is not uncommon behavior from cats that have just had kittens. I recommend you interfere as least as possible and just monitor that the kittens are gaining weight daily, or eating/nursing off her mom and that mom is doing well.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 18th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is normal cat behavior for the mother to move the kittens frequently. If left alone and provided some quiet, dark places, she will likely move them one at a time. Get a gram scale to measure the kittens weight. As long as they are gaining weight and seem active, that means Penelope is feeding them and I would not worry. If the kittens ever seem lethargic/weak or are not gaining weight, it’s time to intervene with kitten milk replacer and a bottle. Best of luck to you, Penelope, and the kittens!

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