Why do cats go for walks after giving birth? - briefly
After giving birth, cats may go for short walks to stretch, relieve stress, and ensure the safety of their environment before returning to care for their kittens. This behavior is instinctual and helps them maintain physical and mental well-being during a demanding period.
Why do cats go for walks after giving birth? - in detail
After giving birth, cats often engage in short walks or movements away from their nesting area, driven by a combination of instinctual behaviors and physiological needs. One primary reason is the need to stretch and relieve physical tension accumulated during the birthing process. Giving birth is physically demanding, and these brief walks help the mother cat relax her muscles, improve circulation, and regain some level of comfort. Additionally, cats are naturally clean animals, and they may leave the nest temporarily to groom themselves or eliminate waste, ensuring that the nesting area remains hygienic for their newborns. Another factor is the instinct to scout the surrounding environment for potential threats or changes. Even in a safe, domestic setting, a mother cat’s instincts compel her to assess her surroundings periodically to ensure the safety of her litter. Furthermore, these walks can serve as a brief mental break from the constant care required for the kittens, allowing the mother to recharge and reduce stress. It is also possible that these short outings are linked to the cat’s need to mark her territory subtly, reinforcing her presence and deterring other animals from approaching the nest. While these walks may seem unusual, they are a natural part of a mother cat’s post-birth routine, balancing her physical recovery, environmental awareness, and caregiving responsibilities.