How do I handle a momma cat who doesn't want me near her babies?

[Lisa0825]

Momma Michelle doesn't mind me coming in with food and water, and she'll let me pet her, and she'll rub up against me and purr when i do, but I best not even look at the closet door, or her eyes get wide, and she backs off from me! If I try to pet her again after the noticeable change in demeanor, she'll hiss at me or swat at me with claws in (so at least I know it's just a warning swat!LOL)

I don't think she'd try to hurt me if I touch her babies, because she didn't on previous occasions, but it does definitely distress her. Should I try to get her used to seeing me touch the babies, or should I try to give her more time with me in the room without being near the babies and hope she gets more at ease?

Keep in mind that this was a feral cat who has had at least 2 litters on her own outside, so she is not accustomed to having her kittens handled.

[BrklynLiberal]

1. I would just hang out, make sweet noises, give her lots of food.

Let her get used to you being there. Let her learn to trust you and slowly first pet her, perhaps with food in your hand. Then make moves to the kittens.

[Lisa0825]

2. Thanks.

I do prefer to wait and let her get more comfortable with me being in the room with her before making a move on the kittens, but I wasn't sure if that was the best plan. Thanks for the input:-)

[demnan]

3. You're probably the first decent human she's had contact with

Just hang in. She's not stupid or you wouldn't have her. By the time the kittens are three or four weeks old I think you'll be trusted around them all the time.

She looked pretty happy and trusting in those pictures. I've never had a Momma cat so I can't talk from experience.

[Lisa0825]

4. Thanks.

I tried again this morning, and she scratched me. She had her ears back and pupils wide open, hissing at me. She's perfectly fine with me being in the room away from the closte, and she'll let me pet her, but if I make a move toward the kittens, she turns wild. I talked to one of the other volunteers today, and we decided it would be best to wait, like you said. By that time, the babies may be coming out to explore the room on their own anyway. As long as I can get the babies socialized, I am fine, and from what I read, as long as you start within 6 weeks, it shouldn't be a problem.

So, I may not have any more new pics for a while, since momma is being so protective! But I will post more when I can. IN the meantime, we got 5 more babies from another momma, so I will have pics of them soon too! I think 3 are manx, and 2 have tails, or maybe I have it backwards. They are 10 days old too.

[Orsino]

6. At six to eight weeks, expect the debut.

Momma will probably trot out the kittens to present to you officially. Have a camera ready, 'cause the cute will be thick on the ground then.

[Lisa0825]

5. OK, here's a new pic of one of our new babies.

Only one pic came out good, but I am sure we will have more later. The momma cat hasn't been captured yet, so these kitties are being bottle fed.

[legally blonde]

7. aaawwwwww!

Look at the little baby! Soooo cute! :loveya:

[BrklynLiberal]

8. What a sweetie......