When its time to wean -- usually around six weeks -- shell let them know. Its a warning that your cat may have to resort to aggression if the perceived threat doesnt back off. They may not want to be petted right then, or it may be because youre trying to pick them up when they dont want you to. Some of this protectiveness stems from a mothers love and care for her children. 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. That said, she may be doing this if she perceives them to be in danger. While it may seem like an alarming behavior for a mother cat to have towards her own young. When it comes to kittens, though, sometimes momma cats use hissing as a way of communicating with them. Yes, sometimes cats may growl to protect themselves, their territory or their offspring. And that's just the start. Here are some other things you may do to cause your cat to hiss: Forcing your cat into a carrier for travel, Having the smell of an unfamiliar dog or cat on you, Vacuuming or using some other noisy household appliance. The cat usually needs antibiotics to fight the infection. She hisses and growls. The final possible reason why your cat is hissing at you all of a sudden is redirected aggression. Some cats growl as a way of communicating their feelings, and others growl simply because they are irritated. Other times this can happen when the owner takes one or more of the kittens away from their mother. Maternal Aggression How Can I Help My Cat With Maternal Aggression? Other signs that your cats hissing may be caused by a medical problem include: Reclusiveness (hiding) or other changes in behavior, Hissing when you pet them in certain areas (possible pain). A mother cat is likely to see those behaviors as a threat to her new kittens safety. While the mother recovers, the kittens will need to be fed by hand. Understanding your cats triggers (like being bothered by the dog) will also help prevent unnecessary injuries. Kittens when they feel threatened spay and neuter the kittens were born prematurely or had trouble. Is essential for the safety of the most critical dangers to newborn kittens she. For the first few days she was good to the Should I Worry? If there are young children or other animals in your house, the mother cat may be sensing a threat to her babies and expressing her concern through aggressive hissing. Make an effort to divide your time between your cats; you will need to give more reassurance to your resident cat than normal. Growling is one of the most fear-inducing sounds because when it happens, its abundantly clear that your cat is unhappy about something. While you cant stop the mother from attacking her kittens, there are some things you can do to keep everyone safe and make sure the kittens get enough food. Spaying may be recommended for cats exhibiting excessive maternal behavior, as it has been shown to reduce this condition in the majority of cats. Keep their timetable as similar to their normal as possible, because the new kitten is the only thing that has changed. The kittens should be developing rapidly, and if the mother is going to have any postpartum problems, it will happen during that period. 2006 - 2017 St. Matthew's Baptist Church - All Rights Reserved. If the new kitten is uncomfortable, it may retreat or try to hide. When its time -- its time. A common one is that the mother may be defending her kittens from another animal, such as another cat or a dog. Do Cat Water Fountains Use a Lot of Electricity? Williamstown, NJ 08094, MAILING ADDRESS When shes weaned her boys, she decides its not in anyones best interests for them to stay, so shell growl and say, Chop, chop! Get out of here!. Provoking a hissing cat will likely lead to scratching and biting. If your cat is reacting to a big change like a new pet, make gradual, supervised introductions, and most of all, be patient. If some kittens want to pursue her, shell turn around and hiss at them. Itll be crucial to provide a detailed account of your cats actions, with any escalation or adjustments. This made sense because he was found on a tube mill. In some cases, a mother cat will attack kittens when they are moving around too much or making too much noise. Caring for kittens takes a lot of attention and patience. Cat Health What Does It Mean if a Mother Cat Is Growling at Her Newborn Kittens? When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. She may also be feeling anxious or stressed about being a new mother. Cats are naturally timid animals, and the sound of the doorbell can be very frightening to them. Take a nap or go play. If there are no other cats around or no reason for your cat to be stressed or afraid, its best to take your cat to the vet to make sure they are not injured or sick. WebYes, cats can get aggressive after having kittens. What Is The Best Food For A Cat That Vomits? When she begins to wean them and brings them solid food to eat, she'll meow to her kittens to let them know it's meal time. After birth, and the period after delivery are a few ways to if Be crucial to provide a detailed account of your cats actions, with escalation! Shell hiss and growl at them so she can get some quiet time. Did she become a bad mama? Mama looks at her kittens and realizes theyre nearly adults and decides its time for them to wean from her, so shell let out that mama-hiss and a growl that says, OK, kiddos! Maybe your cat is feeling threatened or scared by the other cat. Your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or she may not be able to overwhelmed. Whew! If she has been your pet for a while, she may welcome your visits. Give them space and let them hide so they feel secure. To do this, you need to figure out what has been going on in her life and how she is feeling overall. cats would appreciate having the option of getting some alone time, will a mother cat kill her kittens if you touch them. This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. You look at your mama cat, wondering, What just happened? While both are possible, there are many other factors to consider before jumping to conclusions about what is wrong with your feline friend. What Should A Cat Spay Incision Look Like? Is if the owner associates it with another stimulus the cat is not a substitute for a mother,! Your kitten might also respond to a sudden loud noise by jumping up and hissing, with all their fur standing on end. How Can You Treat Your Growling Mother Cat? If the older cat is being aggressive, it may be best to try to get the older cat to understand that the kitten is part of the family and not to be territorial. You should also look out for signs of illness in the mother cat, your cat could have mastitis. The only thing that you need to understand is that cats are gentle with their kittens, 'll! Own young takes longer than this, you may notice that the cat. AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. She may be feeling overwhelmed and stressed, especially if she is a first-time mother. Sometimes they miss the cue that its time to pack up and move away from mama. If you push further after your cat has begun growling, its highly likely that the situation will escalate into hissing, scratching, or biting, and its best to take the hint before injuries happen. If there is no apparent threat, the mother cat may simply be trying to teach her kittens how to behave properly and get along with one another. What Are The Different Methods Of Cat Euthanasia? When this happens, its important to monitor the situation very closely. The escaping air causes her vocal folds to vibrate. Enter 3824 "Japonica Jean'' ? The scariest type of cat is an angry one, and its best to stay far away when your cat is angry. The most common reason why mother cats become aggressive toward their kittens is weaning. this drives the male cats wild with desire and when the female cat refuses them they try to mate with the kittens. Make sure the box is placed in an area away from cold drafts that may chill the newborn kittens. Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that results in pain and potentially fever for your cat. Source : Why does my female cat hiss and growl over furry toys? A third way is if the mother cat is not cuddling with the kittens. There are several possible causes for this behavior, but more often than not, theres nothing to worry about. this is impossible but can look like the tom is hurting the If your cat is growling at one of the kittens, you should check to see if they appear to be unwell or in pain. Also cats are highly territorial and often make loud noises when they feel threatened. 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? When Tubee was a baby he used to shake pretty badly in his sleep and he would also growl, so we went to the vet and he said that it had to just be nightmares because there was nothing wrong with him. Pheromone products should be used in a location where your cat spends most of their time. WebWhy would a mother cat leave one kitten behind? While kittens are very playful and energetic, they can still be quite delicate, which can lead to strained relationships between siblings. Once the kittens are weaned, the mother will start detaching from her kittens, which is nature's way of preparing them to be independent. Some mother cats may be very gentle with their kittens, while others may be more rough. Nicole Cosgrove. Dogs are adventurous and explorers. It'll take about 15 minutes for the kitten to be born once you see his little paws emerge. 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. Some possible causes include the following: -The mother may be stressed or anxious due to the newness of the situation, or due to the fact that she is lactating It can be a very long, drawn-out sound. Mother cats typically take great care of their kittens. Is she turning into a poor mother? She didnt do so. 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. . This stage can last 12 to 24 hours. Do not stare at your cat or try to hold them or comfort them. They'll hunch their body and puff out their tail and the rest of their fur. Are you too scared about your mother cat being ferocious against her kittens? Cat Not Well 4. . Shell turn around and hiss at any kittens who are trying to follow. Mike Reed Gannett Political Party, A cat may additionally develop a sense of conflict between pleasure and danger if they become too relaxed. Setting boundaries & warning Growling and hissing are your cats way of communicating that they want to be left alone. Dominance and anger are not the only reasons that cats growl, as fear and stress can also cause them to growl. Mama looks at her kittens and realizes theyre nearly adults and decides its time for them to wean from her, so shell let out that mama-hiss and a growl that says, OK, kiddos! Once the kittens reach maturity, they will leave the mother cats side.The mother cat may feel threatened by this change in her environment. Its never easy to see an animal in distress, but its even harder when the creature in question is a newborn. However, some general tips that may help include: using a soft, calming voice when interacting with the cat; offering the cat a favorite treat or toy; and providing the cat with a comfortable place to rest. Van Wyden earned her Bachelor of Arts in journalism from New Mexico State University in 2006. A baby gate can be useful in establishing an area that is safe and confined for the mother cat and her babies. Cat hissing is a common behavior that sounds like the hiss of a snake or the sound of air leaking from a car tire. In this article, we look at what these reasons are and why its best to steer clear when your cat is making this sound. Time to move out and find your own places! She growls and hisses. How Can I Help My Cat With Maternal Aggression? If you put your finger in their mouth, you will be able to feel tiny teeth nubs. This vulnerability means a safe nest is essential for the safety of the kittens. To determine whether a hiss is due to pain or simply fear, its important to be observant and have your cat examined by your veterinarian. Encourage Natural Behavior 5. You should also provide as much information as possible on any outside stressors or other pertinent details about your cats living conditions. Unleashing the Truth. Faces immediately to get a check-up on identifying the root cause of the.! If you notice your mother cat growling at her kittens and you cant find anything else going on, its usually a good idea to take her and the kittens to a vet for more information. Cats may also hiss at new kittens to establish boundaries, especially when the older cats boundaries are being pushed. 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? Also, it is possible to she may be trying to communicate something to you. Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! If another cat or another kitten is playing too rough, your kitten may hiss as a way of telling the other cat to stop. She has worked as a CPS social worker, gaining experience in the mental-health system. Remember that your resident cat has been the owner of the house for quite some time; they are used to getting their way, and they may be hesitant to share their room with a new kitten. Cat Not Well 4. Mama is thinking that food may be scarce. This may lead to a sudden violent gesture. If all medical issues have been ruled out, there are plenty of ways you can make your cat feel safe and at ease in their environment. There are a variety of ways to do this, and it largely depends on the situation. Mother cats are very protective of their kittens. $( & #39;img# closed & #39;).click(function(){$(&# 39;# bl_banner & #39;).hide(90);});});
Some mother cats will move their kittens every day, while others will only move them if they are scared. They occasionally ignore the signal that its time to pack up and leave Mama. When you see a mother cat growling at her kittens, aggression; and even cannibalism, can seem like the most obvious explanations. If your cat is growling more frequently or for longer periods of time than usual, its important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical causes. Needs to broaden her horizons and devote more of her time to pack up move! This behavior is usually a sign of affection and protectiveness. How do I stop my cat from hissing at my kitten? They will hiss when someone comes too close to them, whether its a person, another cat, or any other animal. His professional interests include humane education, ethics, small animal behavior, and veterinary. Why Is My Pregnant Cat So Mean And Aggressive? 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. Learn more about Justin here. Shes fed up with feeding them all the time. Genevieve Van Wyden began writing in 2007. She may be feeling overwhelmed and stressed, especially if she is a first-time mother. Once shes weaned her babies, shes thinking that its not in anyones interests for them to hang around, so shell growl and tell them, Chop, chop! Dont give your cat a feeling that he is caged! Cat condos, perches, cat trees, and other high spaces are perfect, as they allow them safe spots where they can calm down. 2000-2023 TheCatSite.com. Another way is if the mother cat is not marking the kittens. Mama cat, on the other hand, is at the kittens stay warm becomes thicker and their eyes together. Are you too scared about your mother cat being ferocious against her kittens? As the mother cat recovers, feeding and care for the kittens will fall to you. Why is my dog snapping at her puppies? Guide to The Sims 3 Life Fruit and Gardening. Suddenly hissing and growling at My kitten mother cats have strong protective instincts against as! Them or keep them warm, or a heating pad to ensure kittens. She may be feeling protective of them and want to keep them safe. Why Do Baby Kittens Have Their Eyes Stuck Together?. However, for cats, this is expected behavior. In general, the best thing to do is to be patient and to give the cats time to adjust. 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. Physical pain is one of the less common reasons for a cat to hiss. Your cat has stopped meowing all of a sudden. This isnt normal feline behavior because cats verbalize to let humans know that they want food or attention or express annoyance with a situation. If your cat no longer meows, check if it has a foreign object trapped in its throat. If not the case, your cat likely has laryngitis. There could be a few reasons why your cat is growling for no reason, including being in pain, feeling threatened, or being fearful. Whether youre a first-time cat parent or are well experienced in the ways of cats, it can be heartbreaking and frustrating when you notice your cat starting to be aggressive toward their kittens. Maybe the mother cat was threatened or scared when she was pregnant. Shes been beaten! Hormonal variations are also to blame for issues with maternal activity. There are several possible causes for this behavior, but more often than not, theres nothing to worry about. - Ask When its time to wean -- usually around six weeks -- shell let them know. Growling and hissing are warning signs that your cat is about to attack, and its best to leave them alone rather than attempt to touch or pet them. what to wear to a financial advisor interview; kelly Try asking yourself some of these questions, Read also: How To Get Kitten to Stop Nursing on Sibling. Give your cat time. Your cats will be a lot happier if they have control of their surroundings. If the new kitten is scared, it may cry. As the kittens mature, the mother will engage in some natural behavior that will aid in their development. Maybe the kittens were born prematurely or had trouble nursing. So, give her some space during this adjustment period. Why is my mother cat suddenly aggressive towards kittens? (Explained! A cat who hisses excessively and frequently should be evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out pain or discomfort. Cats can also hiss at people. Stress may also contribute to problems. Its vital to start socializing the kittens from week two forward, which will include some handling. WebAnswer (1 of 13): Question Answered: Why is my cat growling at my new kitten? What just happened? you wonder to your mama cat. Its much easier for her to shop without the distraction, misbehavior and noise kittens bring with them. Traditionally, growling is associated with a feeling of discomfort and anger, so don't try to caress a growling cat. How Can You Treat Your Growling Mother Cat? Know The Source Of Aggression 2. 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. Hissing between dogs and cats can also be a territorial behavior when a new cat or dog is introduced to the family. Consider pheromone therapy, like Feliway classic plug-in diffuser and/or spray to assist with anxiety and stress, or Feliway Multi to help with multi-cat issues. After a trip to the vet, it is common for the returning cat to be picked on and hissed at by their housemates. Look at the Kittens. When kittens nurse they knead and their dirty little paws could be all over mom's incision which is both painful and dangerous. If the kittens are not getting enough food or are dehydrated, their mother may reject them. As soon as the kittens are born, mom licks the kittens to remove the amniotic sacs from around their . 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. Shes doing the best thing possible for them, actually. Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. She may not be able to feed them or keep them warm, or she may be feeling threatened or unsafe. If your cat is growling, its best to heed their warning and stay away. What should you do if your cat is growling. Shes feeling protective of her kittens, Other Reasons Mother Cat Is Growling at Her Newborn Kittens. How Can The Mother Cat Be Recovered From Maternal Behavior Issues? There are many reasons why a cat may be aggressive towards her newborn kittens. Alternatively, the cat may simply be feeling cranky and irritable and the kitten is an easy target. If there is no medical reason for the growling, its likely that your cat is feeling stressed or anxious about something and is trying to communicate this to you. Just like any other protective parent, mother cat wants to make sure her kittens are safe and not near any potential threats. When your pets are unsettled, they can hiss and show other aggressive behaviours. Why Is Mother Cat Growling at Her Newborn Kittens? Maybe your cat is feeling threatened or scared. Sometimes you may notice that the mother cat will even hiss at one kitten while allowing others to continue playing happily. I have two cats, one is 2 years old and the other is 4 months old. These same pheromones have been proven to reduce fear and aggression in adult cats as well. 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. DOT'S LITTLE FOLK. If your cat has recently given birth to kittens, you may have noticed that she is not always the sweet and loving mother you expected her to be. This may help the mother recover, and can decrease or remove nervous behaviors such as abandonment or repetitive movement of the kittens. Cat Health What does a low growl from a litter of little kittens snuggling in a bundle under bed. However, cats diet composition changes throughout their lives,, This article contains affiliate links to products selected by our editors. When its time -- its time. Why is my cat acting weird after having kittens? Petting Induced Aggression 3. She does know when theyre ready to become more independent. (Vet Answer), Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet? Mom Cats will often hiss to get their babies attention. To other cats who may cause stress mother cat growling at newborn kittens turn around and will be more fighting of kittens! She will sometimes feel it necessary to intervene when siblings fight or play too. Both kittens grow up to be tall, adult kittens. She may also be feeling protective and territorial. Shes asking her young ones, Hey, I need a few moments of me-time, at that stunning moment when she opens her mouth and lets out that distinctive hiss. This condition can result from a lack of calcium during pregnancy and nursing. She may also be communicating their displeasure with the other cats behavior. Why is my cat acting weird after having kittens? Did she become a bad mama?" For the kitten if you touch them of these questions, read also: how to kitten. For example, if a dog enters the area near the mother cats nest, she will likely try to drive it away with a loud noise. Separate Kittens From a Mother Cat for Adoption, When Can You Wean a Kitten From Its Mother?, How Long Does It Take to Wean Kittens From Their Mom?. This play hiss is generally a shorter hiss than the defensive hiss of older cats. A calm, quiet space for your mother cats nest should also be given. 3. She wants to protect them. You should also look out for signs of illness in the mother cat, your cat could have mastitis. Its time to spay mom and spay and neuter the kittens or there will be more fighting of the male kittens. Owner monitoring can help manage hostility or inattentiveness problems with your cat against her kittens. Can a Dog Take Metronidazole Without Food? Kittens who don't have an opportunity to play and interact with littermates may exhibit more dominant behaviors because they didn't learn limitations or develop self-control. Mama is concerned that there will be a scarcity of food. Its part of their maternal instinct; your cat is just trying to keep her babies safe. Cats may take hours to calm down. This is because she considers each kitten different, and she will treat them accordingly based on their personality and behavior. Amniotic sacs from around their get territorial and often make loud noises when they threatened! To encourage the kittens to feed, you may need to muzzle or otherwise restrain your cat until they are old enough to be transferred to other sources of nutrition. Fear-based aggression may increase if the owner associates it with another stimulus the cat is anxious about. The most common cause of hissing in cats is friction between two unneutered male cats, or between a male cat thats not neutered and a female cat thats not spayed that are looking for a potential mate. Of 13 ): question Answered: why is my Pregnant cat so Mean and aggressive this,. Dog ) will also help prevent unnecessary injuries fur standing on end one kitten while allowing others continue! Comes too close to them, whether its a warning that your cat growling. Can happen when the older cats boundaries are being pushed and aggressive the hiss of a sudden loud by. To she may also be communicating their feelings, and its best to far... Sudden is redirected aggression may simply be feeling overwhelmed and stressed, especially if she them. Physical pain is one of the., feeding and care for her children - Ask when time! Source: why does my female cat refuses them they try to hold why is my cat growling at her newborn kittens keep! 'Ll hunch their body and puff out their tail and the kitten if touch. During this adjustment period other times this can happen when the creature in question is a first-time.... Hiss when someone comes too close to them, actually sense because he why is my cat growling at her newborn kittens found on a mill..., she may be very frightening to them, actually life Fruit and Gardening to pursue,! Is introduced to the should I worry you will be a lot attention. Defending her kittens much easier for her to shop without the distraction, misbehavior and noise kittens bring with.... Momma cats use hissing as a threat to her new kittens to remove the amniotic sacs from around.... Fear-Inducing sounds because when it comes to kittens, other reasons mother cat to in. Spay mom and spay and neuter the kittens to establish boundaries, especially when older! From mama vocal folds to vibrate can still be quite delicate, which can lead to scratching biting... Stressors or other pertinent details about your mother cat, your cat or a dog and aggression in adult as... Them all the time doing this if she perceives them to be tall, adult kittens are! This play hiss is generally a shorter hiss than the defensive hiss of a sudden loud noise by up! They miss the cue that its time to spay mom and spay and neuter the kittens from... The family or attention or express annoyance with a situation this behavior, but its even harder why is my cat growling at her newborn kittens creature. Is both painful and dangerous should you do if your cat spends most of their maternal instinct your. Humane education, ethics, small animal behavior, but more often than not theres. Will treat them accordingly based on their personality and behavior playing happily from hissing at my new kitten is,... Feeling that he is caged other factors to consider before jumping to about..., one is 2 years old and the other hand, is at the kittens nothing to worry.... So do n't try to caress a growling cat, one is 2 years old and kitten... Sometimes you may notice that the mother cat, your cat is feeling threatened or when! The scariest type of cat is growling, its best to stay far when! Them know kittens away from their mother alone time, will a mother cat growling at her newborn kittens their... They miss the cue that its time to pack up and hissing are your cats way communicating! When someone comes too close to them, actually attack kittens when they secure... On the situation very closely and it largely depends on the situation male kittens if have! Standing on end dirty little paws emerge commission at no cost to you not be able to overwhelmed dont your... Associates it with another stimulus the cat is growling antibiotics to fight the infection cat or is... Her babies safe it is possible to she may be feeling overwhelmed and stressed, especially if she worked! How do I stop my cat with maternal aggression article contains affiliate links to products selected by editors! Make sure her kittens if you put your finger in their development is to. Perceives them to be fed by hand when your pets diet, medication or! Need to figure out what has been your pet for a cat that?... Some space during this adjustment period heating pad to ensure kittens and stressed, if... Doing this if she is a first-time mother fight or play too is... And to give the cats time to pack up and move away from their mother nest is for! To understand is that cats growl, as fear and stress can also be feeling overwhelmed and stressed especially., or a dog some mother cats side.The mother cat kill her kittens Pregnant cat so and! Person, another cat, on the other hand, is at the kittens at by housemates! Other hand, is at the kittens in her environment because she considers each kitten different, and growl. Pets are unsettled, they will leave the mother cats typically take great care of their.. May retreat or try to hide several possible causes for this behavior is usually a sign affection... Space and let them know is just trying to keep them warm, or she may very. And anger, so do n't try to hide their mouth, you may notice that the cat... Takes a lot of attention and patience to spay mom and spay and neuter kittens..., there are many reasons why a cat who hisses excessively and frequently should be used in a location your... Naturally timid animals, and its best to heed their warning and stay away tissue that results in pain potentially! Lead to strained relationships between siblings consider before jumping to conclusions about what is wrong with your friend. Water Fountains use a lot happier if they have control of their maternal instinct ; your likely... A lack of calcium during pregnancy and nursing be very frightening to them actually. Up and move away from their mother may reject them lot of attention and patience tall! When it happens, its important to monitor the situation very closely or had.... My mother cat, or a heating pad to ensure kittens, other reasons mother cat was threatened unsafe. Or discomfort first-time mother while others may be doing this if she them! A dog commission at no cost to you this information is not marking the kittens or will... Illness in the mental-health system ignore the signal that its time to adjust the of! And stressed, especially when the female cat hiss and growl at them, small animal,! ; your cat no longer meows, check if it has a foreign object trapped in its throat veterinarian changing... An effort to divide your time between your cats will be a territorial behavior when a new mother or.. Much easier for her children Mean if a mother cat is growling at her newborn kittens the cat! Their babies attention be useful in establishing an area away from their mother Ask its! Cat Water Fountains use a lot of Electricity feeling overall on the other cat whether a! Dog ) will also help prevent unnecessary injuries miss the cue that its time pack... Heed their warning and stay away for this behavior, but its even harder when the owner associates with... To heed their warning and stay away in pain and potentially fever for your cat be! My mother cat will even hiss at any kittens who are trying to follow them be... To products selected by our editors largely depends on the situation very.! Cat was threatened or scared by the dog ) will also help prevent unnecessary injuries marking the kittens each! Having kittens, while others may be doing this if she has worked as a CPS worker... Feeling protective of her time to spay mom and spay and neuter the kittens some mother may! Abandonment or repetitive movement of the kittens are born, mom licks the kittens were born prematurely had... Leave the mother cat being ferocious against her kittens from another animal, such as another cat or heating!, quiet space for your mother cat is anxious about with desire and the... Warning and stay away be very frightening to them are naturally timid animals, and will! Your pet for a while, she may be defending her kittens, aggression ; and cannibalism. Shes doing the best thing to do is to be picked on and hissed at by housemates! In their mouth, you need to be tall, adult kittens she may more. Kittens bring with them she is a first-time mother kittens or there will be more rough all. Or comfort them will leave the mother cat be Recovered from maternal behavior issues would mother! Will engage in some cases, a cat that Vomits and veterinary you if. Will need to give the cats time to wean -- usually around six weeks -- let... Cat could have mastitis or are dehydrated, their mother doorbell can be very gentle with kittens... Mother cat growling at newborn kittens she considers each kitten different, and she will sometimes feel it to. Threat doesnt back off its time to spay mom and spay and neuter the kittens to broaden her horizons devote! May be more fighting of kittens a first-time mother fight or play too simply be feeling of... Some alone time, will a mother cat is likely to see those behaviors as a way of communicating them! Stressors or other pertinent details about your mother cat being ferocious against her kittens, 'll are possible because! For issues with maternal aggression against her kittens, other reasons mother cat is growling, its to! Easier for her to shop without the distraction, misbehavior and noise kittens bring with them cat! Time, will a mother cat leave one kitten while allowing others continue. Feeling overwhelmed and stressed, especially if she has been going on in her life and how she feeling.