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Cats/Momma Cat and Sister behavior
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Question
We rescued two cats that we believe are sisters based on the way they act and they appear to be the same age. One of the cats was pregnant and just had 4 kittens and the other cat is acting like a surrogate or something. She helped the mom during birth today and want to stay with mom and the kittens. We are concerned that when the mom gets off to eat and take a break that the kittens are getting confused and we are worried that the mom won't be as interested in her babies since the other cat is so interested in them. The one acting as a surrogate is trying to be a good mom and is cleaning them and everything. Have you ever heard of this and what should or shouldn't we do. Looking for some advise.
Ken & Dana,
I'm happy to inform you that it's completely normal for related female cats to care for each other's kittens. It's not unusual for the kittens to nurse from both mothers - if one cat isn't pregnant and has never had kittens it's quite possible that she'll start producing milk for the babies and there's absolutely no reason to interfere and stop mom's helpful sister from caring for her nieces and nephews. I've seen two queens caring for a single litter of kittens or mixing kittens from two litters in many different situations including feral/stray cat colonies, barn cats and even queens that aren't related but are close friends with each other prior to the arrival of one girl's kittens. I believe that this behavior originated to ensure the survival of more kittens because two moms mean that the kittens aren't left alone and vulnerable to predators at any point, they always have someone to feed, clean, cuddle with and protect them.
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.
Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.
Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.
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