Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat moved her kittens but left one behind. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

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

hey, last week my roomates cat had kittens, shes had a few litters before so shes not new to being a mother. last night i caught her moving the kittens into the roof. i plan on getting them out asap but i realized that shes left one behind. im not sure if theres something wrong with this one or if she notices me seeing her and got spooked or something. what should i do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 30th, 2017

Return it to the litter. Monitor her and the litter if she moves them again. She may move the litter to keep them "safe" or if she is stressed. If she leaves the same kitten, it may need to be handraised. This will require an appropriate kitten milk replacer and bottle feeding. Consider having the mother spayed in a few weeks to prevent further litters.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 22nd, 2019

    Take the one she didn't move and put it where she has moved the other kittens. if you see that she keeps ignoring him you will have to separate him and feed him yourself with kitten milk replacer every 2-4 hours.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 9th, 2018

    Give her a few hours to see what she does, if she seems to not return to the other two bring them to her and see if she is ok with that. if she reject them you will need ti feed them yourself with kitten milk replacer every 2-4 hours.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Bloody brown liquid from my cat. Is it pee or poop? Vet help?
Is brown liquid with blood from your semi-feral cats a concern? A certified vet explains how to determine if it's pee or poo and what steps to take.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My cat is chunky. What food and steps can I take to help him lose weight?
Is your cat overweight? A certified vet offers guidance to help your tubby tabby lose weight. Get essential diet and food recommendations to slim down your cat!
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Cat sick and still has fleas after vinegar treatment. What now?
Cat still scratching and not eating after vinegar flea treatment? A certified vet reveals why it fails and offers effective solutions for your cat and home.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My kitten had ringworm. Vet says in blood, untreatable, no meds?
Confused about your 6-month-old kitten's ringworm diagnosis, oral meds, or vaccinations? A trusted vet offers a second opinion on your pet's health concerns.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My cat has a weepy wound she keeps licking. Does it need stitches?
Is your cat's weepy wound concerning you? A certified vet offers guidance on home care, when to disinfect, and signs to watch for before seeking professional help.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored