Will a Momma Cat Leave Her Kittens?

A Mother cat will leave her kittens for hours at a time. She will NOT return if you are standing over her kittens. The mother cat offers her kittens' best chance for survival, so wait and watch as long as you can. ... If mom returns and the area is relatively safe, leave the kittens alone with mom until they are weaned.

How long will a mother cat leave her kittens?

Kittens should ideally stay with Mum until they're at least 12 weeks old.

How do I know if my mother cat has abandoned her kittens?

You can try to return her to her mother if you can find her, but she may reject her again. Seeing clean and tidy kittens is a sign that a mother cat has been grooming them. On the opposite, being dirty and unkempt is a clear sign that they are abandoned.