Mama cat behavior with new kitties

Question
My mama cat just gave birth about 3 weeks ago. She had a litter of 6, two of which were stillborn. It broke my heart. Just today she's taking one kitten and placing it under my bed. I take it out and put it back in the basket and she'll go into the basket, take out another kitten and place that one under the bed. She's also been whining and making cooing/purring noises ALL DAY! Help! I don't know what to do - is this normal behavior? Why, all of a sudden, is she feeling threatened? I'm worried that she's going to place a kitten somewhere where I can't find it...also, it's cold under the bed...please help as soon as possible.

Answer
Tracey,

Cats will usually move their kittens at least once. And alot of times if it is the same kitten she is moving away, she may know instinctively that something is genetically wrong with it.

I would put a blanket under the bed and move all the kittens under the bed. She may want to have them in a safer and more protected place. Get a little space heater and aim it towards the bed (but NOT near any bedding) to add some heat under the bed. The basket may be getting too small and the kittens need more room to move around.

She also may be in heat. Cats can go into heat again as early as 7-14  days after giving birth (some say as soon as 48 hours).

Tabbi