Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Agressive Mother

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 7/7/2008


Question
We have a one year old cat who gave birth to six kittens 6 weeks ago. over the past few weeks we have started to wean them and have been quite successful, even though they occasionally still go to her for a feed.
She has always been very tactile and playful with them.
Then today she has started to growl/whine at them when they come anywhere near her and is being physically aggressive toward them. She has not had a change of diet, but she has seemed unwell today spending her time upstairs and away from the kittens ( which she does not normally do). Is it because they are weaned that this behavior has started?


Answer
Lianne,

That is normal behavior. She is more than likely weaning them from nursing.

BUT...have you checked her nipples? Make sure they are not swollen, red, and hot. She could have Mastitis which is very painful and a serious health threat. If she does then she needs to go to the vet ASAP.

Tabbi

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Dear Tabbi

Expertise

My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

Experience

Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

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