Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/multiple pregnant cats

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Expert: - 3/27/2011


Question
Hi. I recently had two mothers give birth within the same week. One mother repeatedly tried to "kidnap" the other cats kitten. We keep them separate now. Why do they do this?  Also one mom rejected two of her kittens but cares for the third.  What causes a mom to reject her kittens, and is there anything that can be done to prevent it?  Thankyou very much for your time.

Answer
Hello Frances,
First, let me start by saying can I please urge you to spay and neuter your cats? Millions are put to sleep in out country alone each year because of overpopulation. If finances are an issue please contact your local humane society or spca for resources or help.  
People love to adopt kittens and then dump them in shelters once they are a few years old. These cats are then put to sleep because people adopt the kittens and the shelters have no room, resources, space or money, so they kill the adults often. It is very tragic, and all over the world cats and dogs are gassed, euthanized or poisoned because of over-population. I know that is heartbreaking.
The less that are born means that less will be killed as there will be more adoptions in shelters etc.

Nature has a way of weeding out the weak, sometimes referred to as survival of the fittest. Something may be wrong with the kittens for a mom to reject them. Sometimes, young cats are not ready to be moms, just like a teenager might not be ready and so they reject their litter.  I do not know how old your cat is that rejected them.
I am not clear if the kidnapped kittens were the ones being rejected?
It is fine for a cat to be a surrogate mom, many communities do this for orphan kittens, as long as the surrogate mom accepts them.
Best of luck,
Shanti

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Shanti Zinzi

Expertise

I can answer questions related to cat behavior, such as how to keep your feline happy and healthy with minimal expense but maximum commitment. I offer tips on how to touch and massage your feline to foster a good bond and direct people in how to spot and avoid overstimulation. Accurately interpreting a cat's body language, signals and cues is often not understood by many beloved feline guardians. I offer advice on alternatives to expensive veterinary bills, tell you when is it necessary to visit your vet, and how to maintain proper diet for your individualized feline's needs to avoid those astronomical vet bills down the line. I also give holistic medical and dietary advice, and hospice care tips for the aging kitty. I offer advice on how to deal with shy or undersocialized cats or feral kittens. www.thenatureofthebeast.org If you need a consultation during my vacation hours, I will unfortunately need to charge my normal fee. http://agentprovaCATeursDOGgeddetermination.blogspot.com/

Experience

I have worked with felines for 20 years both personally and professionally. Called the "queen of behavior cats" by SF SPCA's former feline behavior dept, I work with off-limit felines at the city shelter for nine years. I have onsite tech training from holistic vets and allopathic veterinarians. I have helped out rescues with behavior animals and help assist clients in problems with behavior and/or medical issues. Along with graduate studies in holistic medicines I have participated in a holistic hospice internship. Public radio show on feline behavior and holistic health.

Organizations
I currently operate my own business which site can be accessed from internet explorer, www.thenatureofthebeast.org http://agentprovaCATeursDOGgeddetermination.blogspot.com/ I am a custody feline volunteer at SF Animal Care and Control I also am part of a feral kitten/undersocialized adult feline volunteer handler program at Animal Care and Control I am a member of Allcreatureshealingnetwork.org

Education/Credentials
Masters in Somatic Psychology, on site veterinary tech training at holistic and allopathic vet offices, graduate studies in Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, herbs, eastern principles, certification in Acupressure, animal hospice internship at Bright Haven

Past/Present Clients
My clients include private clients and bay area rescues, NY Yankees, and actors from NYC and LA

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