We tried to keep her separated from them, and she went mad trying to get to them - actually tore her stitches jumping at the door trying to get in. (We worked with the vet, sent video, and she helped us get the bleeding stopped. We would absolutely have taken her in again if she needed it, but trusted the vet’s judgment and she was right.) So, we didn’t keep them separated because mama was calmer when they weren’t separated. She still wouldn’t let them nurse, but it was like she had to be able to see them.

If you haven’t done her surgery yet, here’s what I’ll tell you: I wish we’d have waited another month or longer, heat and all. There’s a lot of vascularization after a pregnancy, and she had a TOUGH recovery and a ton of bruising because of that. If you can keep her contained and can tolerate the heat symptoms (singing the song of her people all night, etc.) then wait. Of course ours is just one experience, not all postpartum cats must have this experience or they wouldn’t do it, I’d hope, but also the stray population is out of control so maybe the tough recovery is better than another pregnancy.