Why Do Siamese Cats Move Their Kittens – Explained


Siamese cats are remarkable in many ways. They have unique personalities. They are affectionate by nature. They care for their kittens and fiercely protect their safety. 

These cats have a strong drive to protect and provide for their kittens. Their actions clearly prove this fact. 

One of the things they do is move their kittens to keep them safe and ensure their survival. Why do Siamese cats move their kittens? 

Siamese cats move their kittens if they sense a threat or the current spot has become too dirty or exposed. They also move their kittens so they can experience new conditions and learn to adapt. They prefer enclosed and private spaces for the well-being of their kittens.

Moving their kittens is an entirely natural and innate behavior for Siamese cats. They have an innate need to safeguard their young. 

I was lucky enough to witness the maternal instincts of my first female Siamese cat, Lali. Lali was a protective mother. I often noticed her moving her kittens to different parts of the house. 

Lali once moved her kittens under my bed and to a side table in the kitchen. She often opted for quieter and more secluded areas. 

Lali appeared restless while carrying her kittens one by one. I was a little worried at first. I soon understood what was happening. 

I watched Lali’s maternal instincts in action for several days, and it’s indeed a moving sight. I’m amazed at how she could compare the different spots and pick the best location for her kittens.


How Often Do Siamese Cats Move Their Kittens?

Siamese cats move their kittens several times a week. They may even move their young daily based on their perceived level of safety. 

Siamese cats will move their kittens if they believe their location is too dirty. Also, they won’t hesitate to move their kittens if they sense potential dangers.


How Long Do Siamese Cats Hide Their Kittens?

Siamese cats generally hide their kittens for the first few weeks of their lives. They do this to keep them safe and secure while they are vulnerable and cannot defend themselves. 

Mother cats start to bring them out of hiding, usually at around 4-6 weeks old. They allow them to explore their environment after reaching a certain age and size.

Some cats may continue to hide their kittens for a longer time. This could be because they are still wary of their surroundings.

It is best to refrain from interrupting your cat’s decision when tending her kittens. 

Allow your Siamese cat to make decisions about her kittens without early interference.


Why Is My Siamese Cat Moving Her Kittens?

1. It’s your cat’s maternal instinct. She wants to ensure the survival and well-being of her kittens.

This instinct is biologically driven. It’s a crucial aspect of your cat’s maternal behavior. Moving her kittens helps ensure the survival and well-being of her young.

Also, this instinct helps keep her kittens safe and have the best start in life. 

Your cat fosters a strong bond of affection with her kittens by tending to their physical needs. She makes sure to ward off threats to her kittens’ safety. This behavior contributes to the well-being and joy of the sweet kitties.

2. Your cat wants to provide the best conditions for her kittens.

Siamese cats are very protective of their kittens. They do everything they can to have a nurturing environment for their young. 

They ensure their kittens have the best conditions for their growth. This is evidence of their strong maternal instincts. The extent they’re willing to go for their young is impressive.

One way they do this is by relocating their kitten’s nest. 

It is in your cat’s nature to provide a comfortable space free from danger for her babies. 

Your cat assesses her surroundings to see if new spots suit her kittens. She will move her kittens if she finds a new spot that is quieter, less exposed, or has a better temperature.

3. Your cat wants her kittens to stay safe by relocating to a new and safer place.

Mother cats want to keep their kittens safe all the time. They watch their surroundings and move their kittens to a safer place if they think it’s needed. 

Your Siamese cat has fascinating survival instincts. These instincts help her know if something seems dangerous and when to move to a safer location. 

4. It’s your cat’s protective impulse. Your cat wants to hide her kittens from threats.

Hiding kittens from predators is a crucial aspect of a cat’s natural impulse to protect her young. 

Your cat has a natural tendency to move her kittens when there are threats. These can be animals or unfamiliar people. This behavior is from her need to secure her kittens and ensure their survival.

5. It’s your cat’s nurturing instinct. Your cat wants to expose the kittens to different environments.

Mother cats do their best to expose their kittens to different surroundings. Their kittens will turn into confident and well-adjusted adult cats this way. Also, the kittens will learn how to respond to new conditions and settings.

6. Your cat wants to expose her kittens to various experiences.

Mother cats let their kittens experience many different things. They want their kittens to grow up to be agile and adaptable adults.

Your cat takes her kittens on short trips in many settings to introduce them to new textures and areas. She’s doing this to help her kittens become strong and self-sufficient adults. Also, she wants to help her kittens become more resilient against future threats.


Should I Let My Siamese Cat Move Her Kittens? 

It is best to allow your Siamese cat to move her kittens. This activity serves important purposes to her and her litter, so it is crucial to let them be. 

Interfering with this behavior can lead to stress for the mother cat. It could negatively affect both her and the kittens’ health and well-being. 

Your cat moves her kittens to protect them from threats or transfer them to a cozier spot. 

How Do I Stop My Siamese Cat From Moving Her Kittens?

Stopping a mother cat from moving or relocating her kittens is not recommended. Moving her kittens is an instinctual behavior critical for their survival.

Avoid attempting to prevent your cat from relocating her kittens. You can set aside a well-protected area for them. Ensure this area is okay and has comfortable bedding if your cat cannot find a suitable new location. 

Also, ensure they have constant access to food, water, and litter boxes. 

Seek support from the vet if you have any concerns about the health and well-being of your cat and her kittens.

Thanks for reading!


Want to immerse yourself more in the captivating world of Siamese cats? I’ve got all the information you need from their distinct color points to their fun personalities: Siamese Cats: Unique Features and Personality

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Katerina Gasset

Katerina Gasset is a seasoned Siamese cat breeder with a passion that spans over 18 years. Her love for these distinctive felines has not only led her to breed them, but also to dedicate herself to the rescue and wellbeing of the Siamese breed. Currently, she is the proud owner of two charismatic Siamese cats named Batman and Robyn, whose antics and unique personalities often inspire her work. As a well-established author and blogger, Katerina leverages her extensive knowledge of Siamese cats in her writings. She is the sole creator and owner of SiameseKittyKat.com, a comprehensive online platform that serves as a repository of practical advice and fascinating insights into the world of Siamese cats. Through her enlightening articles, she assists countless cat owners in better understanding and taking care of their Siamese companions. More than a breeder, Katerina is an advocate for the breed. Her commitment goes beyond mere appreciation; she is dedicated to educating others on the complexities and joys of living with Siamese cats, sharing her wisdom with a community of fellow Siamese cat lovers worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned Siamese cat owner or just beginning your journey, Katerina's informative and engaging content is a valuable resource.

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