Expert: Norman Auspitz - 7/9/2010

Question
Hi I am currently somewhat distressed and I am at a loss about what to do do. Three weeks ago our cat Pebbles had 4 very lovely little kittens (all of whom are to be rehomed with 3 separate family members). They are all fine my problem is with my male neutered cat Max who has been forced out by Pebbles- every time he comes in the house she hisses and chases him out of the house (and yesterday she chased him over the fence of our back garden. He won't stand up for himself and he doesn't seem at all interested in the kittens so I doubt he would hurt them. He now seems to have moved out (kind of) He comes back when he's called for food (but only eats a little bit) has lots of fuss and then starts to get anxious (even though I have shut Pebbles away with her kittens) and runs out the cat flap. He used to be such a lap cat and would always pop in and out throughout the day now he seems scared to come back.

While I completely understand that she is being a protective Mum and I will do anything to help her keep them safe, Max was bullied out of his last home by other cats in the household and I don't want it to happen to him here as he is such a great cat.

Both cats were rescued six months ago and they pretty much hit it off straight away.

How can I help Max come back in the house and be happy?

Answer
Steph,

Is Max neutered?  If not, this may be part of the problem.

At 3 weeks after birth, it is possible pebbles came in season (known as a lactation heat). Cats can behave very aggressively when they are in season, especially if they are nursing kittens.  Usually, most cats get over the protect the kittens at all costs behavior about 3 days to a week after birth. I would keep her and her kittens confined and give Max a few weeks to figure out that she is not around where she can attack him.  

Also, when the kittens are 4 weeks old, you can begin the weaning process.

With Max, I wonder if there is a pattern of behavior here, where Max is the "victim" in any cat relationship. Unfortunately, we do not understand the rules in cat inter-relationships and, it may be better, if Max and Pebbles cannot get along, for one of them to go to a new home.  Max may be better off as the only cat. You may have to wait and see if things turn around after the kittens are weaned and placed.  Cerainly spaying Pebbles may help things out a great deal.

Best regards... Norm