First time mum had 2 kittens Wednesday. She comes out for food, exercise and litter tray (as she won't use any of these in her cage). She is settled and kittens seem well. But now she cries to come out all the time and then goes back to her kittens and tries to take them out with her. I think she just wants to be with me and in the lounge, and wants her babies there too. I am not sure what to do. I have other pets that I put away when she wants out and so can not give her the 'free run' of the house but also would not know where she had the kittens all time. Advice needed please...

With others animal around, she may feel somewhat insecure so she may be trying to move those babies to a place of "her" choosing or she may just want to be closer to you as well. Now, how you approach this problem may depend on how much free time you have and how important it is for you to resolve this issue. However, it sounds like you have kept her in a cage routinely due to the presence of other animals; correct? If not, then she is not happy with the caging arrangement and that's why she telling you she wants out (babies or no babies). Animals generally dislike the cage thing and they are not afraid to inform their owners of that fact. I'd be curious to know what would happen if you did a test and just sat next to her cage with the door open. If she immediately moves the babies, then it's a safety concern on her part. However, if she does not move the babies, then would it be possible to move the cage closer to her friend and mentor (which is obviously you)?

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I got the cage recently and let mum walk in and out to get to know it was a 'safe' place for her to have her babies without the other cats being there. She seemed to enjoy it and had her babies in there, in the bed. She has been quite happy there and comes out for a walk, food etc. She still gets plenty of attention. She was put in the cage in a quieter room and I thought I was doing what was right for her. I do leave the cage open for her when she is out, after a while she goes back and tries to bring them into the lounge and into her favourite chair. Shall I just move the cage into the lounge again? I have had time off work because I thought she was due last week but must go back Monday, I have arranged for family that the cat knows, to come and let her out for a meal etc and to check on her. Thanks

Sounds like "mom" couldn't ask for better conditions or care. Maybe a "test" move to the lounge might be in order; however, if not, you are still doing all the right things for her and the little ones!