Cleaing the kittens box

Question
My cat has just delivered to 5 kittens. I covered the bottom of the birthing box in newspaper and would like to change it and clean the box out for them and put blankets down etc.  Can I move the newborn kittens into a cat basket temporarily while I do this or shall I just leave it for a couple of weeks?  The mother seems very placid and doesn't mind me going near her litter.

Answer
Mandy,

Congratulations to you and the new mama!!!!!

I would wait at least 3-5 days, and, assuming mama lets you, yes, put the kittens in a basket and put some clean bedding down, maybe some old sheeting or toweling.  You may have to put mama in a carrier while you do this as she will really want to get to those kittens. BTW, the more the kittens are handled by people, the better socialized they will be.  Mama will always be glad to get her babies back.

If mama does object after the fact and wants to move the babies, put her back in the carrier for about 2 hours and then let her get to the kittens.  Usually, she is so glad to get back to the kittens, she forgets about the idea of moving them.

Best regards... Norm.