Queens sometimes reject kittens who look like in poor health or spend much less time caring for weaker ones after they have notably giant litters and never sufficient milk to supply ample nourishment for all their infants. Mom cats typically cease giving their kittens consideration however may also actively assault them, for a wide range of causes.
As soon as kittens grow old, the explanations mom cats might go on the assault range from educating boundaries to weaning. Contact your veterinarian for recommendation for those who develop into involved about your cat’s conduct or the kittens’ welfare. Hold studying to be taught extra about 4 potential causes mom cats assault older kittens.
The 4 Causes a Mom Cat Might Assault Their Older Kittens
1. Weaning
When cats are born, they’re depending on their moms for vitamin. As kittens age, their moms encourage them to eat common meals by pushing them away after they need to cuddle up and nurse.
The method can proceed till cats are solely weaned, and most kittens want about 6-8 weeks earlier than they’re absolutely weaned. In case your cat seems to be reacting assertively, particularly when her older kittens strategy to nurse, there’s probably nothing to be frightened about because it’s in all probability simply a part of the pure weaning course of.
2. Educating Boundaries
Cats typically react aggressively when issues develop into too heated throughout playtime. Mom cats are primarily chargeable for educating their infants learn how to work together with and get together with different cats and navigate the world. Cats usually growl, chew, and use aggression to inform their feline buddies it’s time to again off.
In case your cat is biting or hitting her kittens after they get carried away whereas enjoying, she’s probably educating them their boundaries. The mom and her kittens often relax after she disciplines them.
3. Redirected Aggression
Scared cats typically assault individuals and animals that don’t have anything to do with what’s upsetting them. As an illustration, a cat who’s upset with the household canine might assault the closest bystander as an alternative of the canine; it’s referred to as redirected aggression and may also be triggered by issues your cat sees occurring exterior.
In case your cat reacts aggressively towards her kittens after a showdown with one other pet, it could be redirected aggression. Permitting cats the time and area to relax is essential on the subject of controlling this form of conduct.
4. Ache
Cats usually cover indicators they’re not feeling properly; it’s an adaptation that helped them survive within the wild. It’s notoriously troublesome to establish indicators of sickness in cats, as they’re usually delicate and marked by minor modifications. Cats that aren’t feeling properly usually withdraw and lose curiosity in interacting with individuals they often need to spend each minute with, they usually may even lash out when feeling notably underneath the climate.
Some chew and develop into aggressive when painful components of their our bodies are touched. In case your cat usually seems to be torpid otherwise you’ve noticed different behavioral modifications, make an appointment together with your vet to make sure nothing else is occurring that may very well be inflicting the conduct.
Conclusion
Mom cats can develop into aggressive towards older kittens for a number of causes, together with setting limits and weaning. Ache may also inspire this form of conduct. Mom cats can go on the offensive when kittens’ play turns into a bit too enthusiastic.
Eliminating stressors and guaranteeing cats have snug environments that meet their wants can usually go a good distance towards lowering overly assertive conduct in pets. Understand that punishing cats for aggressive conduct makes the scenario worse. Cats exhibiting indicators of sickness, comparable to lethargy, lack of urge for food, or withdrawal, ought to at all times be seen by a veterinarian in order that they are often identified and handled.
Featured Picture Credit score: Volodymyr Plysiuk, Shutterstock
