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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Why is my 1-year-old female cat licking my 1-month-old female cat's genitals?
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Question
I have a female cat for 10 months now, she will be 1 year old in a couple of days. About a month ago, i found a newborn female kitten on a pavement in a really bad shape. I took it to the doctor, looked after it and brought it home. At first, the big cat didn't want it around but now they are constantly playing together.
Recently, i noticed that the big cat is licking the small cat's genitals. She doesn't lick her anywhere else and the small cat doesn't seem to bother. The big cat is not neutered.
I was wondering if there is a sexuality issue going on i should be aware of.
Beth,
Your big cat is cleaning the little kitten like it was her own and being maternal, not sexual. To be a sexual behavior there has to be a 'smell' and the kitten is too young for that.
The kitten likes it because it comforting being cared for like it's own mother would do. You are lucky that the older cat accepts the kitten, a lot of them don't. It will make the kitten more well-adjusted.
Your cat may be pregnant which would also make her act maternal. You may want to think about getting her spayed soon.
If the kitten is not screaming and trying to get away then I would not worry and let 'foster mama' do what comes naturally to her.
Tabbi
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks a lot Tabbi! She's not pregnant the big one and i have been thinking of having her sprayed soon... | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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