Breather for new Kittens?

[VenalWinfrey]

Dear all

My Dad's cat has just had kittens. He's thrilled, - as am I! Thing is, the mother has hibernated in his wardrobe, and now he's fearful to go in there, in case he disturbs the young ones, and causes problems. He rang me tonight and asked me, what the window is, roughly, for looking in on the newborn. I said I thought four weeks, but best to wait until the mother actually surfaces with them. Does anybody know any hard and fast rules (timewise) for when it is acceptable to inspect the newborn chappies?

Any help greatly appreciated!

[brittanyh]

The eyes of the kittens should open at about 2 weeks. It should be fine to handle them then, but always look for signs from the mother. It is usually fine to look at them whenever unless the mother hisses at you then get back. They usually don't leave the babies. I touched all of my cats kittens and she didn't care. I think it depends on how well your cat likes you and how well she knows you. I raised my cat from a kitten. If she does leave the babies, that usually means there is something wrong with it. There are usually a sickly one or even a few out of the litter. I hope this is helpful and if I find out anything else I will write again. Good luck. Brittany

[lankeela]

My cats both had kittens in the wardrobe, and they didn't mind me looking in on them. Maybe offer her a bit of food on a saucer as she may be reluctant to leave them and you can see them while she moves over to eat. You will soon know if she is not happy, but cats are usually good mums and will want you to share in their pleasure. Just don't let lots of strangers in, keep it to family that she is used to, and you will soon find she is starting to leave them more and more as they grow.