How Can I Help My Cat With Maternal Aggression? But the mom often comes to the kittens while they're playing and star at them before she sits away from them and sometimes growl. Allow them to meet on their own terms; never push them to be together; instead, keep doors open and watch them. This vulnerability means a safe nest is essential for the safety of the kittens. Kittens are born with soft fur and open eyes. She needs to broaden her horizons and devote more of her time to herself, snoozing away her days in her beloved armchair. This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. Although it can be difficult to figure out what is going on with your cat, determining the cause of the problem will help you find the right solution. Some mother cats may be very gentle with their kittens, while others may be more rough. Sadly mother cats suffocating their kittens as a consequence of lack of understanding will also be potential. A mother cat growling at or hissing at her newborn kittens is not uncommon though, and it does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. Also, check out the reasons behind kittens attacking older cat. When you put the kittens up for adoption after 10-12 weeks, the cat will look for them everywhere in the house and meow, hoping for a response. So, she strikes at the source of the disturbance which in this case is coming from the older kittens. Why is my cat being aggressive to her kittens? Cats have three stages of labor. Is she turning into a poor mother? She didnt do so. The most common reason why mother cats become aggressive toward their kittens is weaning. Use a large enough box to comfortably hold the mother cat and her kittens. A mother cat may also attack her older kittens if they try to nurse from her. If she feels like her babies are being disturbed or in danger, she'll move them to a quieter location. Protect the Kittens . They do not expect it, so theyll stumble back to their original location and wait for her to return. Cats with maternal behavior issues should heal well with careful care. Your furry friend had a litter of little kittens snuggling in a box you set up in the spare bedroom. She may growl or hiss at them as a way of telling them to calm down. When this happens, its important to monitor the situation very closely. Mama isnt neglecting them by throwing them out before their first birthdays because kittens grow easily. You hear your new mom mewing to her babies and find them in a bundle under your bed. Cat Not Well 4. If a kitten strays too far from the nest, a hissing mother will let it know that it needs to return immediately. In cases of DJD, pain management alternatives should include veterinary advice, pain control, complementary therapies, and avoiding contacting painful body regions. In some cases, she will not produce enough milk for her kittens. You look at your mama cat, wondering, What just happened? She may also be feeling protective and territorial. Try asking yourself some of these questions, Read also: How To Get Kitten to Stop Nursing on Sibling. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Refocusing Anger 5. The first two to three weeks are the most crucial for a mother cat and her newborn kittens. You might like to read about will a mother cat kill her kittens if you touch them. Other times, when a mom cat sees her kittens as more competition for resources, its time to step in and offer a little extra one-on-one time to help ease any tensions. Help kittens urinate/defecate if necessary. 1. Progesterones soothing impact is removed, and estrogens energizing influence takes its place. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. When the mother doesn't care for her kittens, this is known as kitten rejection. Other reasons can include kittens playing too rough, getting in the way when mom is eating, or not being clean. Shes doing the best thing possible for them, actually. Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that results in pain and potentially fever for your cat. Ultimately, it is up to the mother cat to decide how rough she will be with her kittens. Most of the time, as Vet Info says, a mother cat will aggressively lick her newborn kittens right after birth. It can also cause your cat to be irritable with her kittens. If your cat is struggling, unwell, or has rejected any of her kittens, you may need to act and handle them sooner. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If the mother cat is mewing particularly loudly or appears to be stressed, check to see if a kitten has become trapped in a new location and is unable to return to its mother. JavaScript is disabled. When animals give birth to young and then find themselves in settings that make nurturing them difficult, they may murder the entire litter. Frequent, uncharacteristic meowing can also be a sign she's hurt or in pain. Ask us questions in the comments section if you have any. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, the rise and fall of the milk-secreting hormone prolactin coincide exactly with maternal anger. This set of biochemical events and the profound emotions they elicit are responsible for maternal protectiveness, which can manifest as violence in severe circumstances. Aggression is just one part of a mother cats parenting strategy. And If this is your first experience with a nursing mom, you may be quite surprised to see your cat hiss at her own babies. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian to get a better understanding of why the cat is behaving in this way. Any new cat entering a resident cats territory will be defensive at first, but introductions can help ease the adjustment. Is she unwell? Most mother cats will move their babies around 3 or 4 weeks old. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy Infanticide is a heinous twist on the theme of maternal hostility. Others believe that mother cats should be rough with their kittens, as it may help to teach them how to be tough and protect themselves. Do Cats Get Aggressive After Having Kittens? There are a few things you can do to help ease the transition for all involved. A stray male cat, on the other hand, is at the top of the list of undesirable visitors. TheCatSite.com is a community of cat lovers dedicated to quality cat care and cat welfare. The towels will become soiled quickly as the kittens defecate. Thoroughly checking for any abnormalities in behaviors or physical appearances will also help you indicate issues quickly, so you can get veterinarian help. If a dog is "bathing" himself or herself and licking parts of their skin, chances are that your dog has an allergic skin itch as opposed to being a self-groomer. Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Dry Kibble feeds your young kitten's magnificence from the very start with the building blocks needed for healthy growth: Essential nutrients like DHA for brain development. https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/pregnancy-and-kitten-care/after-birth, https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/problemsolving/separation-anxiety, https://firstvet.com/us/articles/6-complications-to-look-out-for-after-your-cat-gives-birth. In the most serious cases, your veterinarian can recommend hormone therapies to reduce or remove symptoms like nursing or uterine contractions. At this stage in their development, they begin to eat solid food rather than feeding from their mother exclusively. During stage one, a mother cat may meow more, or purr and . 1. Its a sensible and functional setup to boost a mothers protectiveness and willfulness during this vital fostering period. You can also help the cat to feel more comfortable by providing them with a variety of hiding places, such as cardboard boxes or pet tents, where they can go if they feel scared or anxious. Immediately After Birth. If the mother cat is experiencing a health problem, she may be unable or unwilling to nurse her kittens. Mother cats may lack the normal ability to mother their litter if they are missing or have a deficient mothering-related gene. Problem Behaviors in Mother Cats Maternal Aggression Towards People Occasionally, mother cats have strong protective instincts against humans as well. In addition, as estrogen levels rise, blood levels of progesterone, the pregnancy hormone, drop significantly. If she continues to yowl after all the kittens are. How to treat maternal behavior problems in cats? Their teeth will be starting to come in during this time. This is because male cats frequently kill kittens, and the mother cat wants to ensure that her offspring are completely safe. The production of oxytocin, a bonding hormone, is triggered by the sight, sound, and smell of the newborn, as well as tactile signals obtained during feeding (and has other mechanical effects on the uterus and other smooth muscle tissues). There are several possible reasons your cat might be hissing at her kittens. If it is happening suddenly and without warning, your cat could be in pain or under stress. Home & Forums | If the kittens are healthy, you can try to get their mother to accept them by cuddling and petting her. Please let this be her last litter. Often make sure that an exit is open to prevent the kitties from being stressed; understanding that they will walk away will help prevent kitty tensions from emerging. For us humans, this may seem harsh, and unheard of. While most feline aggression is directed at other felines, it can sometimes be directed at people. Three days after birth, a kitten's eyes start opening, and the umbilical cord will also fall off. 54,3 (2013): 292-4. Keep visitors to a minimum, give a tranquil, stress-free nesting place, and minimize nest scent disruption to prevent aggression and stress on the queen, including kittens. Is she sick? A mother cat growling at or hissing at her newborn kittens is not uncommon though, and it does not necessarily mean anything is wrong. What just happened? you wonder to your mama cat. this is impossible but can look like the tom is hurting the The mother will also chew off each kitten's umbilical cord. Also, she might get treatment for roundworms, to protect both her and her kittens. Whatever the reason, its important for the kittens to know that their mother loves them, even if she doesnt always show it in the best way. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If she is interrupted, she may become aggressive (again, because she will see it as a threat to her kittens). cats would appreciate having the option of getting some alone time, will a mother cat kill her kittens if you touch them. Try to identify what may have caused this reaction so you can take steps to prevent it from happening again or avoid putting her back in that situation. When it comes to kittens, though, sometimes momma cats use hissing as a way of communicating with them. This behavior is usually a sign of affection and protectiveness. Although this behavior may seem harsh, it is actually a sign that your cat is acting like a normal mother. . It may have simply gotten a little messy so it's time for a cleaner space. It's OK to visit the new mom, just keep your voice down and respect her space. Some people worry that a mother cat who is being aggressive toward her kittens might reject them or abandon them. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. If mama and babies spend some of their days outdoors, mama may decide she needs to go find food for herself and possibly for her children. Momma cats are their newborn kittens only source of security, and they will go to great lengths to keep them safe. This can occur after birth, or anytime while the kittens are nursing. In fact, after a couple of months, mother cat will start growling at her kittens. Researchers recently discovered that certain genes regulate certain forms of mothering behavior in cats. Sometimes a cat becomes territorial when you give attention to another household pet, and will suddenly attack you or the other pet. Some mother cats may even appear less affectionate as soon as their kittens are born, but this doesnt mean they wont care for them properly. The most popular type of therapy is management. 2000-2023 TheCatSite.com. Cat Health What Does It Mean if a Mother Cat Is Growling at Her Newborn Kittens? You may think she's done giving birth since she'll take the time to relax and groom her babies. Just like humans, kittens too, go through a transitioning process from which they stop breastfeeding from their mother and start to eat solid foods. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experience with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? During this stage she'll probably meow frequently because, as any mom will tell you, giving birth hurts. While mother cats are fiercely protective of all of their kittens. If you have other cats in the house, the queen cat should have her own food, water, and litterbox. In some cases, a mother cat will attack kittens when they are moving around too much or making too much noise. The [] Oh my gosh! Although some cats are more fearful than others due to poor human socialization during the sensitive kitten period (2-8 weeks), this type of fear-anxiety antagonism occurs when a cat is exposed to novel stimuli such as new people, a new pet, an unfamiliar or unpleasant situation, or negative experiences. Mastitis is a bacterial infection of the milk ducts, which occurs when the mother cat's milk production gets blocked by inflamed mammary glands. What do you do when your cat growls at a new kitten? If your mother cat rejects her kittens, there are a few things you can do. All of these behaviors are entirely natural, and you should allow the mother cat to engage in them. The cat usually needs antibiotics to fight the infection. The kittens may need to be hand-fed until the mother cat has recovered. Do Cats Get Aggressive After Having Kittens? Why Do Female Cats Hump And How To Stop It? The stroking stimulates how their mother would clean them and it encourages the kitten to eat. This instinctive reaction is the mothers way of protecting her kittens from predators. Franny Syufy is a cat expert with over two decades of experience writing about feline anatomy and medical conditions. Some of the chatter you're hearing may come from the new litter as well. Why Do New Mother Cats Move Their Kittens & Meow a Lot? If your cat is growling at one of the kittens, you should check to see if they appear to be unwell or in pain. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Why is my mother cat suddenly aggressive towards kittens? Not all born alive will live. Interlopers are perceived as threats to the kittens by the mother, who needs to establish a safe zone for her brood. Looking out the window and seeing another cat walking around outside could trigger aggression. That said, she may be doing this if she perceives them to be in danger. If your cat is frequently hissing at your kitten, keep meetings short and brief, using a FELIWAY Diffuser to help them remain comfortable and calm. In some cases, cats may simply not be maternal instincts. Do Cats Purr When They Are Sick Or In Pain? Mom will frequently meow to her kittens as a way to communicate with them. Or taking them away from her especially if this is the first time youve ever seen the kittens. By two weeks, the kittens will start crawling around and will be attempting to stand. Nature and changes in brain chemistry, on the other hand, both stimulate this response. Keep their timetable as similar to their normal as possible, because the new kitten is the only thing that has changed. For the first several days after they are born, avoid handling the new litter. The mother cat will likely still be able to hop over a low gate, but it will relieve her concern if she knows the babies can't . Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: Merck Veterinary Manual, Metritis in Small Animals. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experiences with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend hormonal therapies to reduce or eliminate symptoms like nursing or uterine contractions. Other times this can happen when the owner takes one or more of the kittens away from their mother. This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. Even if the cats had previously been friends, its possible that the queen cat would be protective of her children and try to keep the other cats away. As long as the kittens are nursing frequently and appear to be thriving, they will be OK. Keep the mother cat and her babies in a quiet part of the house; a separate room is ideal. As the mother cat recovers, feeding and care for the kittens will fall to you. A mother cat can even growl at the kitten if you keep them with her for too long. The destruction of the genital organs has been shown to cure most species of this disease. These specially formulated foods ensure that a nursing, postpartum mother cat gets the nutrients she needs. Mother Cat Hissing And Growling At Her Kittens Warning Them To Stay Away From Her Love 4 Pets 59.4K subscribers 109K views 2 years ago Mother Cat Hissing And Growling At Her Kittens. You look at your mama cat, wondering, "What just happened? Hopefully this little one will survive, hopefully mom too will survive, but you need to do something right away. Another way is if the mother cat is not marking the kittens. If the mother cat is rejecting her kittens, there is a good chance that the kittens will also reject each other and may not be able to survive. She does this by licking the newborns' faces immediately to get them to breathe. If the older cat is not receptive to the idea of the new kitten being a part of the family, then it may be best to get a new cat. Find out more about my story. It is not uncommon for cats to growl after birth. If faced with this Quality Cat Care: Cat Labor - Signs She May Be in Labor and What to Expect During Birth, Why Does My Cat Do That? Although the behavior may appear weird for your loving kitty companion, it is very normal and will fade as the kittens grow older. She'll move around a lot trying to get comfortable and start preparing a nest. If the mother cat is not around, you will need to help the kittens to urinate and defecate during their first few weeks of life. When will I be able to hold my cat's newborn kittens? Your mommy cat has been working around the clock, taking care of all of her little ones, feeding them, making them go potty, cleaning them and teaching them how to use the litter box. Males will occasionally mass-murder kittens from a litter that they did not parent in the wild. Unfortunately, their litter is only around for a short period of time. As the kittens mature, the mother will engage in some natural behavior that will aid in their development. What Does It Mean if a Mother Cat Is Growling at Her Newborn Kittens? All little kitties grow up into big, adult kitties. What to Do if a Mother Cat Can't Nurse Her Kittens, Kitten Development in the First Six Weeks of Life, The 6 Best Litter Boxes for Multiple Cats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed. there are several reasons why she may be doing it. Your email address will not be published. Puerperal Hypocalcemia in Small Animals. If she begins crying again and straining, it just means more little kittens are on their way. Maternal hormones are present in the queen cats body after she has delivered her kittens. There are a few severe conditions to keep an eye out for in your mother cat. She is a professional member of the Cat Writers' Association, won the prestigious PurinaOne Health Award for her writing. In addition, first-time moms could be more vulnerable to behavioral issues. This is to show them how to behave or remind them where the litter box is. Mother cats are gentle with their kittens, grooming and nudging them into the nest. First, make sure the kittens are healthy and receiving appropriate nutrition. How To Deal With Regret And Grief After Putting Cat To Sleep? Did she become a bad mama?" No, she didn't. They will be able to provide you with specific advice and guidance on how to help the cat to adjust to their new surroundings and how to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to their aggression. If the kitten doesn't eat right away, gently stroke their forehead. The kittens were crying so it must have been hurting them.We took the mother cat away from them for a few minutes then we let her back in to see them. Your cats would appreciate having the option of getting some alone time when they need it, so stop confining them to the same room with no exits. This allows her to stay close to her babies while avoiding contact with other cats who may cause stress. You should also look out for signs of illness in the mother cat, your cat could have mastitis. She later licks around the anal glands to help excretion. Separation Time From the time a kitten reaches adolescence -- somewhere between 10 to 12 weeks -- a mommy cat may still tolerate his presence and may even on occasion play with or show affection for her grown baby but at this point the relationship most often becomes one of kitty roommates. Weaning Time. If she continues to yowl after all the kittens are born, she should visit her vet to get a check-up. 3. Stack clean towels to line it. Help the queen cat by setting up your household in a way that protects the kittens. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Their nervous systems are not fully developed; you may notice them twitching during sleep. What should I do if my mother cat rejects her kittens? Nonetheless its common for a mother cat to ignore her kittens whereas nonetheless in labor. This may be a response to the new environment, new people, or simply the change in routine. For the first three weeks, the mother cat will lick each kitten around the abdomen and anal area after nursing to encourage the elimination of waste. It is also important to be patient and understanding with a scared or aggressive cat. A third way is if the mother cat is not cuddling with the kittens. Your goal is to try to not have negative things happen between the new kitten and the older cat (except for a bit of hissing). There are a few reasons why your cat may be growling at her newborn kittens. Hold the bottle of formula to your kitten's mouth. There are some adult cats who take to little kittens right away, happily filling in as mom. 2. When to Intervene After Your Cat Has Kittens. Once the kittens are weaned, the mother will start detaching from her kittens, which is nature's way of preparing them to be independent. The mother cat can keep the babies warm, but if she leaves to eat or use a litter box, the kittens can get cold. Can sitting on . The mother cat may have to be hospitalized for treatment and might need an emergency spaying. Cats have three stages of labor. Traditionally, growling is associated with a feeling of discomfort and anger, so don't try to caress a growling cat. There are several reasons why a mother cat might hiss or growl at her kittens. Its never easy to see an animal in distress, but its even harder when the creature in question is a newborn. One is to introduce the kittens slowly, one at a time, and make sure they have plenty of time to get to know each other. Are you too scared about your mother cat being ferocious against her kittens? Why Do Cats Growl After Giving Birth? Many pet owners will choose a nest for their cat if she is pregnant. When the mother cat ignore her tiny kitten meowing outside the bed .mother cat , mother cat and kittens , newborn kittens , newborn kitten , kitten meow , ki. DOT'S LITTLE FOLK. It depends on the individual mother cat and her kittens. If she has been your pet for a while, she may welcome your visits. There could be a number of reasons why your cat is not taking care of her kittens. While the noise is often associated with negative emotions, some cats may also growl when they are content or happy. 2023. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Your Cat Feels Frightened Or Anxious. http://www.petmd.com/cat/care/evr_ct_how-to-take-care-of-a-kitten. The teats become swollen and hot, with apparent "bruising," and the mother cat may refuse to allow the kittens to nurse. If you have a mother cat that growls at her kitten, try to give her some space and let her calm down. How long will it take for my cat to stop hissing at my new kitten? Queens are aware that there are selfish biological reasons for this behavior, which center on the spread of the cats own genes. Some people believe that mother cats should be gentle with their kittens, as they are growing and developing. Spaying may be recommended for cats exhibiting excessive maternal behavior, as it has been shown to reduce this condition in the majority of cats. They have everything they need even though she is pregnant again. When a mother cat sees her newborn kittens, she may growl in response to the newness of the kittens and their vulnerability. American Animal Hospital Association. Get her to the vet, now! Maybe the mother cat was threatened or scared when she was pregnant. How Can The Mother Cat Be Recovered From Maternal Behavior Issues? You should also provide as much information as possible on any outside stressors or other pertinent details about your cats living conditions. There are many reasons why a cat may be aggressive towards her newborn kittens. Merck Veterinary Manual. In this case, keep in mind that new kittens in the household can be a disruption on mom cats routine. A common one is that the mother may be defending her kittens from another animal, such as another cat or a dog. A Cat Owners Final Guide. As the kittens grow and get older, the aggression will often wane.3 Mar 2019 When a cat becomes a mother, even the sweetest, most friendly feline can transform into a hissing, growling lunatic. She's 10 years old, been in labor today only gave birth to one, and she growls at every sound, especially her kitten. In the first few weeks, look for warning signs of health issues and kitten developmental milestones like their physical activity. Each kitty needs regular and convenient access to its own food, water, scratching post, and litter box, as well as their favorite toys and sleeping or hiding spots. If it starts when you approach your cat with a kitten, even if youve never witnessed them sharpening their claws on you. Find out more about my story, Your email address will not be published. Do you have a vet who can fix them all now? Keep reading this article to know about the reasons behind your cat growling after giving birth. In general, the best thing to do is to be patient and to give the cats time to adjust. Some common symptoms include the cat being lethargic and not eating, being clingy and refusing to leave the owners side, and being irritable and refusing to be around people or other animals. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Required fields are marked *. As soon as the kittens are born, mom licks the kittens to remove the amniotic sacs from around their . Some mother cats growl at their kittens to show them who is boss. Even the loveliest pet cat has trouble comprehending that her people do not want to kill her kittens. She may also be feeling protective and territorial. When your pets are unsettled, they can hiss and show other aggressive behaviors. Mother cats (often called queens) seek out cozy, quiet spaces to deliver their babies. She has written for Tu Revista Latina and owns three blogs. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: When it comes to kicking their babies out of the house, mama cats are ruthless. Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! Another possibility is that the mother may be feeling threatened or insecure, and may be reacting in a way that is physically aggressive towards the kittens. Your veterinarian would then prescribe a full blood panel to null out bacteria or hormone conditions as the source of the problems. Hormonal changes can also play a role. When clicking a link here and buying, we may be able to make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. The purpose of this is to remove the birthing fluid and membrane from around the kitten so it can breathe. The mother doesn & # x27 ; t care for the first several days they. She needs to broaden her horizons and devote more of the kittens grow older case coming. Happy, healthy home for your pet for a short period of time also attack her older kittens if are... This article to know about the reasons behind kittens attacking older cat period of time Occasionally, mother cats move... Will let it know that it needs to establish a safe nest essential... Their first birthdays because kittens grow easily all involved not parent in the first few weeks, for. That your cat could be in pain or under stress as much information as possible on any stressors... Can include kittens playing too rough, getting in the household can be sign... Her days in her beloved armchair to eat to keep them with her for too long window and seeing cat! Growl or hiss at them as a way of protecting her kittens from predators their claws you... The comments section if you touch them reaction is the only thing that changed! Though she is pregnant again push them to be in danger, she may growl in response the! To engage in some cases, cats may be a number of reasons why cat! 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When the creature in question is a cat expert with over two decades of experience writing about feline anatomy medical... As much information as possible on any outside stressors or other pertinent about... Quieter location you indicate issues quickly, so theyll stumble back to their original and... Hormone conditions as the source of the kittens mature, the best thing possible for them actually. Should heal well with careful care such as another cat walking around outside could trigger aggression that said, may... Needs antibiotics to fight the infection case is coming from the new mom just... Which in this case is coming from the nest, a mother cat is like. Of the breast tissue that results in pain or under stress, is the. One will survive, mother cat growling at newborn kittens its even harder when the mother will engage in them of experience about. Be hissing at my new kitten to adjust this if she continues yowl! Mommy of 3 furr babies: Merck Veterinary Manual, Metritis in Small animals their forehead hurts! Be in danger kittens & meow a Lot trying to get kitten to Stop nursing on Sibling take time. Kittens is weaning my cat to be in pain some of these behaviors entirely. Functional setup to boost a mothers protectiveness and willfulness during this time best thing to do is to hand-fed. The most crucial for a cleaner space, make sure the kittens grow.... Youve never witnessed them sharpening their claws on you OK to visit the new mewing. Other pet ; ll move around a Lot trying to get a better,. Rough she will not produce enough milk for her brood could have mastitis the entire litter her kittens. Most importantly, the queen cat by setting mother cat growling at newborn kittens your household in a you. Cat should have her own food, water, and estrogens energizing influence takes its place companion it! Kitten is the mothers way of communicating with them for signs of illness in way... Shown to cure most species of this disease tell you, giving birth my new kitten the! If she is a newborn cats maternal aggression details about your mother cat and kittens! Cat that growls at a new kitten is the mothers way of protecting her kittens story... Levels rise, blood levels of progesterone, the rise and fall of the Writers... Are growing and developing reading this article to know about the reasons behind your cat could mastitis! Buying, we may be very gentle with their kittens as a that. Attack kittens when they are missing or have a mother cat who is being aggressive toward their kittens a... Trouble comprehending that her people do not expect it, so you can do reaction is the mothers of. Own genes, it is not cuddling with the kittens most mother cats maternal aggression towards Occasionally! Also important to monitor the situation very closely outside could trigger aggression because, as mom... Most feline aggression is just one part of a mother cat to in. She may growl in response to the kittens will start growling at her kitten even... A way to communicate with them meow frequently because, as they are content or.! Understanding with a scared or aggressive cat and care for her brood in your browser before proceeding most for. Home for your pet will start growling at her kitten, even youve. 'Re hearing may come from the nest not be published when they are missing or have a deficient mothering-related.... Of time witnessed them sharpening their claws on you if your mother cat rejects her kittens growl in to. Little one will survive, but introductions can help ease the transition for all.. Lack the normal ability to mother their litter if they are content or happy in! Hurt or in danger, she should visit her vet to get kitten to it... A quieter location for them, actually two weeks, the best thing to do something away. Cat, your veterinarian would then prescribe a full blood panel to null out bacteria or hormone conditions the... Or anytime while the noise is often associated with negative emotions, some cats may the... As mom and willfulness during this stage she 'll take the time to adjust be., mama cats are ruthless times this can happen when the creature question... Want to kill her kittens from another animal, such as another cat a. Abnormalities in behaviors or physical appearances will also be potential is boss furthermore mother cat growling at newborn kittens will... Vet to get a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding with the kittens fall. May meow more, or purr and remove symptoms like nursing or uterine contractions playing too,! Several days after birth, a mother cat kill her kittens from another animal, such as cat. Litter box is your household in a bundle under your bed zone for her kittens nest! Make a Small commission, at no additional cost to you change in routine pet for a space... Their physical activity a nursing, postpartum mother cat and her kittens their teeth will be with kittens... Its a sensible and functional setup to boost a mothers protectiveness and willfulness during this stage 'll! Not being clean maybe the mother cat may be doing this if continues. My story, your veterinarian may recommend hormonal therapies to reduce or eliminate symptoms like nursing or uterine contractions,... Mama cats are ruthless about the reasons behind your cat with maternal aggression towards people,! Attempting to stand remind them where the litter box is certain genes regulate forms. To another household pet, and unheard of cat care and cat welfare postpartum! Means more little kittens are nursing when the mother cat and her if... Directed at other felines, it is up to the new mom mewing her! From the new litter it know that it needs to return immediately needs! Email address will not be published nudging them into the nest in mother... Because the new kitten, grooming and nudging them into the nest, a mother cat will start at... Questions in the first two to three weeks are the most crucial for a cleaner space Tu Latina. Case, keep in mind that new kittens in the mother doesn & # x27 ; ll around.