You are here:

Cats/Mamma Cat wrestling

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/28/2008


Question
My cat has been a great mama cat. Very protective, and loving to all 5 of her babies. They are now 6 weeks old. and they are all running around.  They seem to wrestle about and play hide and seek.. Mama cat seems to play a bit with them but then takes it to where she looks like she stalks them (mostly the one that is more ambitious) and grabs them and bites thier necks on back and in front all the while kicking them. They do let out a yell.. I guess my question is Are they just playing, or is this turning into a problem that could cause them to be killed by mama. I have homes for all them to go to when they are ready, but I was trying to follow what has been advised and that is to wait till they are 8-12 weeks.. Should I go ahead and let them go to their new homes now, Thank you
Tammy

Answer
Hi Tammy,

Don't worry. This is Momma teaching them. They are crying because it's a shock and it does hurt a little. They are little and she has to get their attention. But she won't kill them.
6 weeks is still a little young. Wait till they are at least 8 weeks old. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.