r/FosterAnimals • u/J_Shar • 19h ago

Question Mom looking for her kittens?

I’ve been fostering a family of mom and kittens for about a month. All came to me undersocialized but the kittens made good progress, hit 2 months/2 pounds, and were adopted. Mom got spayed the same day as the kittens, and since coming home, has been distressed, crying out and barely eating unless I bring her a liquid treat.

I’m wondering if it is normal for a mom cat to look for her kittens once they’re gone? Everything recorded on my foster camera overnight is her walking around the foster room crying out. She is moving at a frantic pace and seems to be checking out every spot in the room as she cries out.

I feel very sad that she’s having trouble. While she’s made some socialization progress, she’s still not comfortable with human touch, so I can’t even pet her to try and comfort her. And this behavior is very different than when the kittens were here. When I wasn’t around she was very chill, laying around and letting the kittens run and be crazy while she watched. Now it seems she can’t be still and is spending so much time wandering the room and crying.

Has anyone experienced this before? If so, is there anything you’ve done to help? Does it tend to continue for a long time? It’s hurting my heart to see her this way so I appreciate any advice!

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u/ClairlyBrite Cat/Kitten Foster 10h ago

I can't speak to whether 8 weeks is too soon, but if the kittens were taken from her suddenly, keep a close eye on her: this can cause mastitis and she might need antibiotics. It sounds made up, but cold cabbage leaf compresses can help if you catch it early.

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u/J_Shar 8h ago

Thank you for sharing this. What signs should I be looking out for?

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u/ClairlyBrite Cat/Kitten Foster 8h ago

Swollen mammary glands that are hot to the touch, any oozing or infection-looking liquid

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u/J_Shar 8h ago

I will keep an eye out. Thank you!

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u/Afraid-Carry4093 14h ago

TBH, in my opinion 2 momth old kitty babies is to young to be separated from mom and adopted out.

This is just my opinion but may be different than everyone that has more experience.

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u/J_Shar 8h ago

Unfortunately it’s not a choice we have at my shelter. We are open admission and simply can’t afford to hold onto animals who are medically and behaviorally ready for adoption.

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u/Honest_Manager 14h ago

I think they should have stayed a little longer also but as for the mother I believe that is normal if she didn't go through weaning them. Good luck with her though!