Why Does a Mother Cat Carry Puppies to You?

Many cat owners have encountered a situation where a mother cat brings her newborn kittens to them, mistakenly thinking it's a sign of trust. But is that really the case? There are other reasons at play as well. This article aims to delve into the possible reasons why a mother cat might bring her kittens to you.

Why Might a Mother Cat Bring Her Kitten to You?

1. Misidentification of Her Offspring: During pregnancy and after giving birth, a mother cat's body produces oxytocin, which stimulates her instinct to care for her kittens, often referred to as motherly instinct. However, there are instances where a mother cat may not recognize her own kittens. This can happen if the mother has had a cesarean section or if the kittens have picked up a foreign scent, leading her to mistake them for someone else's. In such cases, the mother cat might bring the kittens to their owner, or even treat them as enemies. So, the reason she brings the kittens to you might not be trust, but rather a belief that they are not her own children.

2. Seeking Your Help: Newborn kittens are fragile and susceptible to illness. If a mother cat notices a kitten is acting abnormally and feels she cannot help, she may turn to you for assistance. If a mother cat brings a kitten to you with a worried expression, it's crucial to pay attention. Check the kitten's health promptly, and seek medical attention if any issues are found to prevent complications.

3. Relieving Her Burden: Not all mother cats exhibit strong maternal instincts. Some may even find the care of their kittens to be a hassle, especially firsttime mothers who might feel overwhelmed by the responsibility. In such cases, a mother cat might bring her kittens to you, acting as a 'handsoff' parent. Therefore, the reason she brings the kittens to you might simply be to ease her own discomfort, not necessarily out of trust.

4. Abandoning a Kitten: Cats, like many other animals, follow the survival of the fittest principle. If a mother cat has a large litter and feels she cannot care for all the kittens, or if her milk supply is insufficient, she might choose to abandon the weaker kittens, focusing her energy and resources on the healthier ones. While this can be cruel, it's a strategy to increase the survival rate of the kittens. If you find a mother cat bringing some kittens out, it's important to help care for them to ensure all the kittens have a chance to survive.

5. Hoping You'll Adopt Her Kitten: Cats are intelligent creatures that understand the comfort and security of a loving home provided by their owners. They want their kittens to have a good life, so they might bring some kittens to trusted individuals, hoping they will adopt them.

6. Seeking Your Assistance in Caring for the Kitten: Initially, a mother cat is eager to nurse her kittens, as the young ones have not yet developed teeth and do not cause any pain. However, as the kittens grow and start teething, nursing can become painful for the mother. At this point, the mother might bring the kittens to you, not only to prevent them from nursing but also to seek your help in ensuring they are wellfed.

Understanding these reasons can help you interpret your cat's actions and provide the appropriate care. It's essential to be aware of these scenarios to ensure the wellbeing of both the mother and her kittens.