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Cats/Help my cat is being nasty to her kittens!

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Expert: - 10/5/2007


Question
I have a problem with my 2yr old bengal cross.  She had kittens back in April and turned from quite an aloof, distant cat to a really friendly fantastic Mum.  However 6mths later and with only 2 of the 5 kittens remaining, she has gone back to her old ways of disappearing off for hours and hours and in general not particularly wanting to be fussed or to spend any time with us at home - this I can deal with, however what is alarming me is that over the last week or so she appears to have turned on her own kittens.  Whenever she comes home they tend to rush to great her, no doubt expecting her usual fond greating (lots of licking and fussing), however what they are actually getting is her growling rather loudly at them in warning and if they dont move off she tends to give them a good hard swipe before running off muttering to herself.  The kittens are left bewildered, she seems really angry and i'm getting really upset about the whole thing.  What can I do to make her love them again?!  As you may have gathered I had decided to keep these 2 kittens (thinking rather foolishly that she would like it as much as I do!) and it would break my heart to let any of them go.  Is there any way that this issue can be resolved.  Please help me!

Kind regards

Paula

Answer
Hi Paula,

She sounds like she has has enough of being Mom and wants to be left alone. Some moms do this to break all bonds with their offspring. Don't worry, this is normal for her. The kittens will get over this. This is a very good time for you to really bond with the kittens.

Neutering the kits will also help. She looks at them now as rivals. She will be fine with them then. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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