How soon after birth can you touch a kitten?

There is no fixed rule, but avoid touching newborn kittens to prevent leaving a scent that makes the mother reject or refuse to nurse them, or even harm them.

A strongly maternal mother may see touching as danger and attack the kitten or you. If the mother shows no resistance to your touching, it is fine to touch the kittens, but first glove up and pet the mother, then the kittens.