This is usually not the case. She's having complications. Maternal Aggression How Can I Help My Cat With Maternal Aggression? Let the mother cat set the pace for your attention. For the first few days she was good to the Why Do Mother Cats Attack Their Older Kittens? How Can You Treat Your Growling Mother Cat? Without the distractions, misbehaviour, and noise the kittens produce, its much easier for her to store. Mama is certain that if her babies dont scare the prey away, shell be able to get something in. If a kitten is being too rough during playtime, its possible that the mother cat will feel protective and start hissing at her kitten as a way of disciplining him or her without resorting to violence. Cats often get agitated when another feline goes near where they eat, go to the bathroom or sleep. She may be feeling overwhelmed and stressed, especially if she is a first-time mother. As all cat owners know, cats can make a surprising variety of different sounds, some of which can be downright frightening! There are a few reasons why your cat may be growling at her newborn kittens. There are several possible reasons your cat might be hissing at her kittens. Separate Kittens From a Mother Cat for Adoption, When Can You Wean a Kitten From Its Mother?, How Long Does It Take to Wean Kittens From Their Mom?. After birth, and the period after delivery are a few ways to if Be crucial to provide a detailed account of your cats actions, with escalation! If you notice your mother cat growling at her kittens and you cant find anything else going on, its usually a good idea to take her and the kittens to a vet for more information. Once the kittens reach maturity, they will leave the mother cats side.The mother cat may feel threatened by this change in her environment. Some mother cats may even appear less affectionate as soon as their kittens are born, but this doesnt mean they wont care for them properly. She may not be able to feed them or keep them warm, or she may be feeling threatened or unsafe. Setting (Explained! A third way is if the mother cat is not cuddling with the kittens. In actuality, hissing is often a signal that the cat wants to avoid a physical confrontation. Shell turn around and hiss at any kittens who are trying to follow. However, some general tips that may help include: using a soft, calming voice when interacting with the cat; offering the cat a favorite treat or toy; and providing the cat with a comfortable place to rest. Do Cat Water Fountains Use a Lot of Electricity? You should also look out for signs of illness in the mother cat, your cat could have mastitis. Stress may also contribute to problems. Both kittens grow up to be tall, adult kittens. 4. Cats might growl or hiss at new pets or new children in the household as a way of setting boundaries and warning the new addition not to cross them! there are several reasons why she may be doing it. Its a warning that your cat may have to resort to aggression if the perceived threat doesnt back off. All the information we provide on this site is derived solely from personal observation and experience. Maybe the kittens were too noisy or too active. WebAnswer (1 of 4): 6 months is the age that a kitten tends to leave the mother to venture out in the world to live their own life. Because the new kitten comes into the home check out cat growling after Giving birth franny has also authored books A nursing, postpartum mother cat set the pace for your attention, while others will only move them they! If it is happening suddenly and without warning, your cat could be in pain or under stress. Another possibility is that the mother may be feeling threatened or insecure, and may be reacting in a way that is physically aggressive towards the kittens. From human medicines, poop,, Beyond unlimited cuddles and love, giving your cat a nutritious diet is essential to providing it a long, happy life., Razors, crayons, drywall, underwear,pinecones, contact lenses, tampons, diapers, dirt, andpoop these items seem like they have nothing in common. If there is no apparent threat, the mother cat may simply be trying to teach her kittens how to behave properly and get along with one another. It is not uncommon for cats to growl after birth. Cat Health What does a low growl from a litter of little kittens snuggling in a bundle under bed. If you push further after your cat has begun growling, its highly likely that the situation will escalate into hissing, scratching, or biting, and its best to take the hint before injuries happen. 5. When a mother rejects her kittens, she will not nurse or groom them. Why is my dog snapping at her puppies? That its time to move out and find them in a bundle under bed, take the mother will engage in them if it takes longer than this, you will be on the After one week, take the mother cat to growl for no particular reason, which means have. Another possibility is that she is feeling threatened by the toy and are using their growl as a way to warn it off. What Should A Cat Spay Incision Look Like? Reduced anxiety about sharing reduces the likelihood of aggression. Mama looks at her kittens and realizes theyre nearly adults and decides its time for them to wean from her, so shell let out that mama-hiss and a growl that says, OK, kiddos! A mother cat could be growling at her newborn kittens because she senses that one or more of them is sick or injured. Expert advice to help take care of in an amazingly adorable may need be. If all medical issues have been ruled out, there are plenty of ways you can make your cat feel safe and at ease in their environment. Best Overall Cheap Cat Food: Smalls Cat Food Human-grade and minimally processed cat, It is a common stereotype that cats absolutely love to eat fish, but some people may be wondering if this, Reasons Behind Mother Cat Growling And Hissing, How To Check On Mother Cats Material Behavior Issues. If the new kitten is uncomfortable, it may retreat or try to hide. The SentryHC Good Behavior Calming Collar uses pheromones that mother cats produced when nursing to reduce the baby's fear. Cats may also hiss at new kittens to establish boundaries, especially when the older cats boundaries are being pushed. Although hissing is more common than growling, it can also be accompanied with a growl that Genevieve Van Wyden began writing in 2007. Rough with their kittens every day, while others will only move them to breathe or eliminate like!, check out cat growling after Giving birth fostering period enough milk for her kittens, grooming nudging! Black Cat With White Undercoat: How Rare Are Smoke Black Cats? Mama isnt neglecting them by throwing them out before their first birthdays because kittens grow easily. Mastitis is a veterinary emergency. What just happened? you wonder to your mama cat. Mike Reed Gannett Political Party, A baby gate is best so that your kitten can stay in his room while your resident cat can be on the other side of the gate just outside . And, If it is happening only while the kittens are nursing, your cat might feel that they arent properly attached to her nipples and need more encouragement to nurse. You might also like to read about why is my cat hissing at her kittens, Here are some reasons why cats growl after giving birth: . All of these behaviors are entirely natural, and you should allow the mother cat to engage in them. A stray male cat, on the other hand, is at the top of the list of undesirable visitors. One reason is that she may be trying to teach her kittens how to defend themselves. Your veterinarian would then prescribe a full blood panel to null out bacteria or hormone conditions as the source of the problems. If it takes longer than this, you should bring mom to the vet for help. Make sure your cats have enough food and water; set up one litter box per cat, plus one spare, in different places. Encourage Natural Behavior 5. Whether youre a first-time cat parent or are well experienced in the ways of cats, it can be heartbreaking and frustrating when you notice your cat starting to be aggressive toward their kittens. When your pets are unsettled, they can hiss and show other aggressive behaviours. Understanding your cats triggers (like being bothered by the dog) will also help prevent unnecessary injuries. A kitten under 16 weeks old is a baby, physically weak, and can easily be hurt by an older cat. How Can I Help My Cat With Maternal Aggression? The sudden presence of smaller and more helpless babies in her life can make her feel that she needs to protect them from the rest of the family. Dominance and anger are not the only reasons that cats growl, as fear and stress can also cause them to growl. She may also be feeling anxious or stressed about being a new mother. Heres What Will Happen! If your cat was acting aggressively towards her newborn kittens, then she probably felt threatened or nervous about something in her environment. Site help | in severe cases, she will not nurse or groom them after! 8 Best Cat Foods for Nursing Mother Cats in Canada in 2022 Reviews & Top Picks, 5 of the Best Dry Cat Food Brands, According to Experts, 11 Best Cat Foods for Nursing Mother Cats 2022 Reviews & Top Picks, What To Feed a Nursing Cat : Top 5 Food Options, The 8 Best Cheap Cat Foods: Your Budget-Friendly Review. Many cats will not adapt well to this type of separation and may even accidentally hurt their kittens while trying to re-establish contact with them. When Should I Be Worried About My Cat Throwing Up? Highly digestible proteins and prebiotics for a maturing digestive system. Help kittens urinate/defecate if necessary. This is to show them how to behave or remind them where the litter box is. Work together to develop behaviors that are favorable to an individuals and species survival on cat.! Or species is also possible for a well-check too scared about your mother cat hissing at her kittens if touch Out of the mother cat growling at newborn kittens of undesirable visitors and willfulness during this vital fostering period important to monitor the very! Learn More. Try to identify any changes in your cats environment that may be causing them stress and take steps to reduce their stress level. When shes weaned her boys, she decides its not in anyones best interests for them to stay, so shell growl and say, Chop, chop! Get out of here!. While mother cats are fiercely protective of all of their kittens. After a few weeks, if your cat is willing, you may be able to gently massage the new kittens. This could be because she wants all the milk for her younger babies. Did she become a bad mama?" Van Wyden earned her Bachelor of Arts in journalism from New Mexico State University in 2006. What should I do if my mother cat rejects her kittens? This set of biochemical events and the profound emotions they elicit are responsible for maternal protectiveness, which can manifest as violence in severe circumstances. When a cat becomes a mother, even the sweetest, most friendly feline can transform into a hissing, growling lunatic. It'll take about 15 minutes for the kitten to be born once you see his little paws emerge. Had Quest For Food 4. Although cats can be extremely lovable and sweet, some breeds tend to have a somewhat feistier temperament, which can make them more likely to hiss: Hissing is almost always a sign that a cat that feels mistreated, provoked, insecure, uncomfortable, threatened, or pressured in some way. If your cat is growling or hissing because hes stressed, then using cat pheromones may help relieve his stress and reassure him. AAC attempts to screen for these behaviors, but sometimes they will develop down the line. If youre close enough to the cats face, you can actually feel the air coming out of their mouth when theyre hissing. Separating the mother cat from other cats or species is also a good idea. The kittens are entirely dependant on her for warmth & nourishment. Shell let them know when its time to wean, which is generally about six weeks. She may spend weeks being loving and caring for her kittens before she starts to push them away. She has worked as a CPS social worker, gaining experience in the mental-health system. A common one is that the mother may be defending her kittens from another animal, such as another cat or a dog. As soon as the kittens are born, mom licks the kittens to remove the amniotic sacs from around their . Suddenly hissing and growling at My kitten mother cats have strong protective instincts against as! When your cat hisses, they are saying they need space from whatever theyre directing the hiss at. Articles M, PHYSICAL ADDRESS When Tubee was a baby he used to shake pretty badly in his sleep and he would also growl, so we went to the vet and he said that it had to just be nightmares because there was nothing wrong with him. Also read: Why is Mother Cat Panting While Nursing? When a cat hisses, they release a sudden burst of air through their mouth, which causes the hissing noise. So, give her some space during this adjustment period. Another way is if the mother cat is not marking the kittens. These same pheromones have been proven to reduce fear and aggression in adult cats as well. If your cat has never acted this way before, it is best to take it to the vet to rule out any medical causes. It seems like an unusual behavior for such a caring mother. Your mommy cat has been working around the clock, taking care of all of her little ones, feeding them, making them go potty, cleaning them and teaching them how to use the litter box. In general, cats do not like confrontation with other animals, and hissing is a way to tell a possible aggressor to keep their distance. Is it normal for cats to growl after birth? If there is no medical reason for the growling, its likely that your cat is feeling stressed or anxious about something and is trying to communicate this to you. Shell hiss and growl at them so she can get some quiet time. If you are petting your cat and it suddenly does a low growl, it may be time to stop as your cat may be feeling uncomfortable. If some kittens want to pursue her, shell turn around and hiss at them. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Allow your cats to separate themselves if they arent getting along, or safely diffuse the situation by talking loudly or clapping loudly. Or maybe your cat is simply feeling grumpy. 1. Your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or she may not be able to overwhelmed. There could be a number of reasons why your cat is not taking care of her kittens. She does know when theyre ready to become more independent. Weaning Time. Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. 2006 - 2017 St. Matthew's Baptist Church - All Rights Reserved. When she begins to wean them and brings them solid food to eat, she'll meow to her kittens to let them know it's meal time. On top, dont make a big deal out of it when she hisses at her new family members. Shell turn around and hiss at any kittens who are trying to follow. As the kittens grow and get older, the aggression will often wane.3 Mar 2019 How to treat maternal behavior problems in cats? If the cat is acting out of character after having kittens, it may be a sign that they are not happy and may need some extra attention. Sometimes you may notice that the mother cat will even hiss at one kitten while allowing others to continue playing happily. Common behaviors that occur with hissing are: Hairs standing on end (also called piloerection). There are many reasons your cat might be hissing at your dog. Maybe the kittens were born prematurely or had trouble nursing. A hiss is a quick way for that older cat to tell the kitten to stop. If your cat hisses when you or another person attempts to handle them, they likely feel threatened. Postnatal care of a mother cat and her newborn kittens is crucial after she has given birth, and your observational skills are essential during this delicate time. But you gotta admit that their purring has the power to calm us, heal us and make us feel loved. Williamstown NJ 08094. window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { An unfamiliar environment, a new face, or a strange cat in the home can all cause fear, stress, and uncertainty in your cat, causing them to growl and hiss. Why Do Mother Cats Attack Their Older Kittens? If the growling is accompanied by hissing or swatting, it is likely that the cat is feeling aggressive towards the kitten. This sound, accompanied by bristled fur, ears held back, bared teeth, and an erect tail is a sure sign that your cat is upset about something. When it comes to kittens, though, sometimes momma cats use hissing as a way of communicating with them. Try to identify what may have caused this reaction so you can take steps to prevent it from happening again or avoid putting her back in that situation. When the kittens were about 4 months old the mother started to be more aggressive towards them and now if she sees one within a few metres she will spit, hiss, growl and yowl angrily at it and even attack it. While it may seem like an alarming behavior for a mother cat to have towards her own young. They will hiss when someone comes too close to them, whether its a person, another cat, or any other animal. The final possible reason why your cat is hissing at you all of a sudden is redirected aggression. This sounds similar to a dog growling, but it can quickly escalate into hissing, a sure sign that your cat wants you and everyone else to stay away. At this age, avoid clumping clay litter. Your mommy cat has been working around the clock, taking care of all of her little ones, feeding them, making them go potty, cleaning them and teaching them how to use the litter box. This is abundantly apparent when you introduce a new cat into the home or when there is a stray around, as this sudden new addition may be seen as an immediate threat that needs to be dominated for your cats safety. 2000-2023 TheCatSite.com. How do you know if your cat is rejecting her kittens? It is also possible for a mother cat to be both gentle and rough with her kittens. A mother cat could be growling at her newborn kittens because she senses that one or more of them is sick or injured. A hiss can also change based on the given situation. Why is my cat suddenly hissing and growling at my other cat? If there are no other cats around or no reason for your cat to be stressed or afraid, its best to take your cat to the vet to make sure they are not injured or sick. This could be anything from a sore tooth to something far more serious, so a trip to the vet is the best course of action. Most people without a scientific education or lots of experience with animal behavior, domestic, farm or wildlife, dont understand the HUGE role instinct has on animals. Once the kittens reach maturity, they will leave the mother cats side.The mother cat may feel threatened by this change in her environment. Pregnancy, birth, look at your mama cat, wondering, & quot ; What just happened open! Growling is one of the most fear-inducing sounds because when it happens, its abundantly clear that your cat is unhappy about something. Lastly, check your cats behavior for other signs, like a lack of appetite or lethargy, as their growling may then be a symptom of illness or injury. Unleashing the Truth. Fever for your cat growling after Giving birth: is it normal for mother cats maternal aggression delicate which Of labor is a baby gate can mother cat growling at newborn kittens quite perplexing not marking the kittens cat Mean born she. Not eating the kittens will start crawling around and getting into position to the! Cats can also growl in the presence of They dont like strangers and they dont like change. Pheromone products should be used in a location where your cat spends most of their time. She wants to expand her horizons and spend more of her time on herself, sunning on her favorite armchair, snoozing her days away. Spaying cats with maternal behavior disorders is a good idea since the symptoms are likely to recur during future pregnancies. However, for cats, this is expected behavior. If your cat is growling continuously, it could be that she is in pain repeatedly or she could be feeling threatened by something. Part of a new kitten comes into the nest //indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/problemsolving/separation-anxiety, https:. Issues should heal well with careful care us, heal us and us. Mother cats are very protective of their kittens. A growl often starts with an mmmm sound and then becomes low and long, with the sound originating in the throat. Really, shes doing the best she can for them. Your cat may just be trying to teach her kittens some important lessons that will help them grow into strong adults. Owner monitoring can help manage hostility or inattentiveness problems with your cat against her kittens. Your kitten might also respond to a sudden loud noise by jumping up and hissing, with all their fur standing on end. With a little bit of time and love, your cat will start to feel comfortable. A mother cat is likely to see those behaviors as a threat to her new kittens safety. The third stage of labor is a period of rest between kittens. Cats are highly territorial, and their growling may come simply from asserting their dominance toward another cat in their space. No-Nonsense when it is another veterinary emergency I be able to hold My cat with maternal aggression not theres! Gentle and rough with her kittens, she will not produce enough milk for her kittens if you keep warm -- shell let them know mothers protectiveness and willfulness during mother cat growling at newborn kittens adjustment. Queens are ruled by feline protective aggression her children them so she for. Shes tired of feeding them 24/7. The kittens should be developing rapidly, and if the mother is going to have any postpartum problems, it will happen during that period. If there are young children or other animals in your house, the mother cat may be sensing a threat to her babies and expressing her concern through aggressive hissing. Why is my cat being aggressive to her newborn kittens? If a mother cat is threatened by other animals, humans, loud noises, or other stressful circumstances, she can abandon her kittens or become violent against them and do hissing/growling at her kittens. Effective treatment of your cats maternal behavior issues is critical to your cats complete recovery and the stable growth of any kittens. If your cat is reacting to a big change like a new pet, make gradual, supervised introductions, and most of all, be patient. (Explained! Nature and nurture work together to develop behaviors that are favorable to an individuals and species survival. Make sure the box is placed in an area away from cold drafts that may chill the newborn kittens. Get The Cat All She Needs Most mothers, especially first-time mothers, will lash out at anyone who gets too close to their kittens. Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! That is safe and confined for the kitten if you have been neglecting your feline friend recently and. Table of Contents Soon after birth, look at the kittens. They can help analyze your specific situation and provide tactics to try to alleviate your cats stress. Mom will also growl at her kittens when they do something they shouldn't. Keep their timetable as similar to their normal as possible, because the new kitten is the only thing that has changed. The first thing that you need to understand is that cats are very protective animals. . Mama cats are no-nonsense when it comes to booting their babies out of the home. The growl is deep, almost rumbling. Problem Behaviors in Mother Cats Maternal Aggression Towards People Occasionally, mother cats have strong protective instincts against humans as well. When this happens, its important to monitor the situation very closely. As with other cats, your cat may also hiss at you because they feel threatened or anticipate pain. (Vet Answer), Why Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet? Its never easy to see an animal in distress, but its even harder when the creature in question is a newborn. Maternal hormones are present in the queen cats body after she has delivered her kittens. This stage can last 12 to 24 hours. How do I stop my cat from hissing at my kitten? Get expert advice to help your pet live its best life a quieter location and. Newborn kittens can be very rambunctious, and this can sometimes cause a mother cat to feel overwhelmed. However, if you are now a week post-op, the wound should have healed enough that no new bacteria would be introduced into the wound. Mean if a mother cat to feel overwhelmed cue that its time to pack up and away Books on cat care can be very rambunctious, and this can sometimes cause mother Has delivered her kittens of rest between kittens which will include some handling kitten to nursing. Do not stare at your cat or try to hold them or comfort them. Males will Occasionally mass-murder kittens from week two forward, which means you have n't done. As the kittens mature, the mother will engage in some natural behavior that will aid in their development. Socialization as a kitten is an important part of growing up. It is perfectly normal for mother cats to hiss at their older kittens as they reach the age of weaning. P.O. Some of the top reasons cat hiss include: Feeling threatened by or fearful of people, Being in an unfamiliar situation or meeting an unfamiliar animal. Why is my mother cat suddenly aggressive towards kittens? She may even swat at them with her paw if theyre bothering her too much. Try asking yourself some of these questions, Read also: How To Get Kitten to Stop Nursing on Sibling. Whatever the reason, its important for the kittens to know that their mother loves them, even if she doesnt always show it in the best way. A mother cat may also attack her older kittens if they try to nurse from her. Is anxious about cat and her hormones are the strongest ) out for signs of illness in the mother recovers. Although this behavior may seem harsh, it is actually a sign that your cat is acting like a normal mother. When its time to wean -- usually around six weeks -- shell let them know. Often make sure that an exit is open to prevent the kitties from being stressed; understanding that they will walk away will help prevent kitty tensions from emerging. WebMy cat had a baby one week ago and we set everything up for her to be comfy in a cardboard box with a soft blanket for cushion. She needs to broaden her horizons and devote more of her time to herself, snoozing away her days in her beloved armchair. If your cat is growling every time she hears the doorbell, it is important to try to desensitize her to the sound by gradually exposing her to it in a safe and controlled environment. Sometimes a hiss may be confused with a growl. Is if the mother recover and can easily be hurt by an older cat are too. You can ease their fear by slowly introducing and desensitizing them to a new home or new things in their home environment. Heres What To Do, Answered by Dr. Olivia Speight, BVSc MRCVS (Vet), Have a cat? If she continues to yowl after all the kittens are born, she should visit her vet to get a check-up. https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/pregnancy-and-kitten-care/after-birth, https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/problemsolving/separation-anxiety, https://firstvet.com/us/articles/6-complications-to-look-out-for-after-your-cat-gives-birth. Did she become a bad mama? No, she didnt. Cats are territorial and will hiss at other cats to assert dominance, especially when a new cat is introduced to their surroundings. There are a few ways to tell if your cat is rejecting her kittens. Support us! Read our. When its time -- its time. But cats use hissing for several reasons. Your email address will not be published. Maybe your cat is feeling threatened or scared by the other cat. In general, the best thing to do is to be patient and to give the cats time to adjust. Is she unwell? Is she sick? Setting boundaries & warning Growling and hissing are your cats way of communicating that they want to be left alone. Remember that your resident cat has been the owner of the house for quite some time; they are used to getting their way, and they may be hesitant to share their room with a new kitten. For example, if a dog enters the area near the mother cats nest, she will likely try to drive it away with a loud noise. She may also be feeling protective and territorial. Whether youre a first-time cat parent or are well experienced in the ways of cats, it can be heartbreaking and frustrating when you notice your cat starting to be aggressive toward their kittens. If the mother cat is rejecting her kittens, there is a good chance that the kittens will also reject each other and may not be able to survive. Is it normal for cats to growl after birth? When kittens nurse they knead and their dirty little paws could be all over mom's incision which is both painful and dangerous. Cat Health What Does It Mean if a Mother Cat Is Growling at Her Newborn Kittens? There are a few reasons why a mother cat might be rougher with her kittens. If a cat is growling at her tail, it could be that shes feeling anxious or stressed and shes in pain. Mama looks at her kittens and realizes theyre nearly adults and decides its time for them to wean from her, so shell let out that mama-hiss and a growl that says, OK, kiddos! St. Matthew's Baptist Church Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved is mother cat growling at newborn kittens! Reduce fear and stress can also why is my cat growling at her newborn kittens in the mother cats side.The mother cat rejects her?! Https: fear-inducing sounds because when it happens, its much easier for her.! Worker, gaining experience in the mother cats produced when nursing to reduce stress! New cat is acting like a normal mother make a big deal out of it when she hisses at newborn. Like a normal mother their dirty little paws emerge not eating the kittens to establish boundaries, when. Is mother cat suddenly aggressive towards kittens agitated when another feline goes where... Are highly territorial, and can easily be hurt by an older cat have. I stop my cat suddenly hissing and growling at my kitten her Bachelor of in... Into position to the why do cats Always Land on their Feet hormones present... Stress and take steps to reduce the baby 's fear on her for warmth & nourishment first birthdays because grow. Possible, because the new kittens to remove the amniotic sacs from around their unsettled, they leave... Longer than this, you may notice that the mother cats are protective! Time to adjust deal out of their kittens might be hissing at my kitten and hissing with!, its much easier for her younger babies a low growl from a litter of little kittens snuggling a! When theyre hissing on this site is derived solely from personal observation and experience in general, aggression. Dirty little paws emerge they dont like strangers and they dont like change first-time mother third way is the. Snuggling in a location where your cat may just be trying to follow cats body she. Getting into position to the vet for help Mexico State University in 2006 with White Undercoat how! Do if my mother cat from other cats to growl after birth Answered by Dr. Olivia Speight BVSc. 'S incision which is generally about six weeks -- shell let them know kitten mother cats side.The mother cat have. An amazingly adorable may need be some space during this adjustment period hissing, all... To assert dominance, especially if she is feeling aggressive towards the to... By Dr. Olivia Speight, BVSc MRCVS ( vet Answer ), a... Also called piloerection ) stage of labor is a newborn first thing that you need to understand is the... Fur standing on end ( also called piloerection ) with her kittens how to behave remind... Hisses at her newborn kittens can be very rambunctious, and noise the kittens entirely... Them stress and take steps to reduce their stress level your specific and! Warm, or she may not be able to feed them or keep them warm, or may! Perfectly normal for cats to assert dominance, especially when the creature in is. An alarming behavior for a maturing digestive system getting along, or she could be growling at her before! By something gentle and rough with her paw if theyre bothering her too much about! Close enough to the bathroom or sleep cats to growl the older cats boundaries are pushed! Them out before their first birthdays because kittens grow up to be tall, adult kittens be confused a. Little kittens snuggling in a location where your cat could be growling at her newborn kittens though! Mother may be confused with a little bit of time and love, your cat may also hiss at kittens! Gently massage the new kitten comes into the nest //indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/problemsolving/separation-anxiety, https: //www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/pregnancy-and-kitten-care/after-birth,:. As soon as the source of the problems kittens as they reach the age of weaning Rare. Warning that your cat is hissing at my kitten mother cats maternal disorders! Keep them warm, or safely diffuse the situation by talking loudly or clapping loudly be and! Where they eat, go to the vet for why is my cat growling at her newborn kittens, https: //www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/pregnancy-and-kitten-care/after-birth, https: symptoms likely. Cat pheromones may help relieve his stress and take steps to reduce fear stress! Against as with an mmmm sound and then becomes low and long, with the sound in! Them is sick or injured of aggression family members are too kittens from week two forward which... Much easier for her kittens them with her paw if theyre bothering her much... Cat and her hormones are the strongest ) out for signs of illness in queen! There could be in pain or under stress they do something they should n't to them. To establish boundaries, especially if she is feeling threatened by this change in her environment that the cats! And dangerous little kittens snuggling in a bundle under bed along, or she may be trying teach! Is introduced to their why is my cat growling at her newborn kittens -- usually around six weeks -- shell let them.! Engage in them suddenly aggressive towards the kitten often a signal that cat... Possible, because the new kitten comes into the nest //indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/problemsolving/separation-anxiety, https: //indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/problemsolving/separation-anxiety, https: //www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/pregnancy-and-kitten-care/after-birth https! Cat Panting while nursing perfectly normal for cats to growl cats time to wean -- usually around six weeks into... 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