I kept 2 of them (male and female) and gave 3 away. Sometimes they won't eat for a couple of days or seem depressed after leaving the security of the nest. I suggest asking an expert’s opinion (vet, pet trainer, etc). Most cats make extremely good mothers and adore their kittens. I didn’t realize that cats don’t remember their kittens – so fascinating! Cats do not have the same emotional attachment to their offspring as humans do. All 5, regardless of where they live NH or NJ, are indoor cats only and all female. In the wild they would drive off their offspring - to prevent inbreeding. It was very kind of you to take in those kittens. the snow melted and it was time to set them loose to enjoy the yard and neighbourhood (fixed, chipped, tattooed and licensed of course). I never knew that. I … My husband is 80 and I'm in my 60's. That was enough proof for me that cats make excellent mothers. Merciful reasons are the easiest to prevent. The name of the icy ones who put the cat out and moved away needs to be stated clearly. Do cats have a sense of mother/parent/family in the same way as humans - no. No, cats do not usually remember their kittens once they move on. As long as they're together, they retain the scent and will snuggle together and groom one another. I thought she was trying to show that she was the dominant one, but what has happened is that she has remembered being on her own last summer and can’t quite place where these two cats that she is living with fit in to her life. That’s all they know and I am thankful that they have each other. Mother cats never forget their grown up kittens and most of my grown up kittens always remembered their Mother and thought of her kindness she would always give to them. I wondered if it was cruel to take the pups away and that’s the way she explained it as well! A female kitten will stay with mom and may help her raise future litters of kittens. When a mother and her kittens are nesting together, they have a unique scent, which all of them recognize. You've probably noticed her rubbing against almost everything in your home, including you. Cats depend on scent, not vision, to recognize each other. This growing aloofness is normal behavior for mother cats as their kittens begin to grow up. How could a mother just not remember these cuties? Previous: Red Velvet Ice Cream Cupcakes #recipe Smucker’s, Next: London Drugs Has Father’s Day Covered, Red Velvet Ice Cream Cupcakes #recipe Smucker’s. Much like the first 3-5 years of a child’s life are their important, formative years, I now understand that the cat’s formative time is counted in months, not years. She doesn’t remember that kitten at all. They all love the outdoors but usually stay in the yard now. When they don’t recognize that the kittens came from them, the birth-related hormones that bond mothers to their litter are not released. The environment of the nest creates a distinct scent for both Mom and kitten. Please let me know what you think?? Is it evolutionarily advantageous for cats to maintain family "bonds" and hierarchies when kept in a communal situation which may subsequently be interpreted by inquisitive humans as a sense of "family" - … We loved her all the same and she spent 20 good years in our family. A mother cat can even growl at the kitten if you keep them with her for too long. In this article, we’ll dive into the answers and everything in between. I see their confusion at times because I know they remember that they like Tess, they just don’t understand her attitude towards them. I’m really upset. They were born just before the snow flew and we had about 7 months of snow this winter. The kittens have copied their mother. This is because the act of rubbing leaves behind her scent on things. I had to find an image to replace the original one. This is a signal not only to her, but to any other cat who may enter her turf. It means Pile More Snow. For feral cats, female kittens are more likely than males to stay with Mom. Basic things kittens learn from their mother at a young age are essential before separation takes place.. An example of such things is how to provide food for themselves. I don't remember any of them being this wild but I know we got them around 8-12 weeks (guessing). 2 yes ago, a stray cat had 4 kittens on my porch in NJ. Luckily we found homes for all of her kittens and once they were out of the way she became her usual aloof, indifferent self. These include kitten sickness or deformity, large litter size, and lack of maternal instincts. When she hears their distress call, she'll come to the rescue. Before giving birth, a mother cat will scope out the area for potential dens to keep her babies in. MEOW: Do Cats Remember Their Owners After Years? And since it is Friday, here is a cute video of our kitten Oz when she first discovered she had a shadow stalking her. When it happened, my husband tried to comfort me and said “Don’t worry, she won’t remember she gave birth”. I myself took in a pregnant stray who had 7 kittens (6 survived) and have just had to rehome 5 of them. It helps to understand how cats care for their kittens to get a better idea of the best time to separate a feline from its mother. Oh, I’m a single “dude” who is sort of a jock and etc so, mess with Fred and you mess with me. They are all alive and well! The most usual way a cat can react to the situation may feel heartless to most cat owners. 3. Here’s why. Why do mother cats abandon their kittens? So when these cats gave birth they find a safe place to do it. She doesn’t remember that kitten at all. Tess, the orange and white Tabby took her kittens outside for the first time ever. My mom had the same thing happen and what we were told is once a cat has taught their babies what they need to know they seperate themselves they did their job and your on your own, dogs do not know their own litter once they are seperated, strange! We rescued a beautiful kitten who was only 9 months old herself when she had her own kittens. My question, should I leave it as is or should I try to reunite them all under 1 roof?? But unfortunately, some mother cats abandon their kittens. Why do mother cats leave their kittens is an age-old question that has vexed animal behaviorists for centuries.. Kudos to you on chipping/licensing/tattooing all the kittens that came into your home! This lets them know this is their safe haven. Most of the time they had to find a place in a hurry because lot of … Kittens cannot see or hear when they are born, so they are totally helpless and depend on their mother to protect and nurture them. My cat gave birth to 3 kittens. Remember that this is rare behavior for mother cats, and it’s likely that your cat will give birth to her kittens and bring them all up successfully. Remember, she wants to protect her kittens, and by entering the nest while you are watching, she is showing the location of the nest and exposing her kittens to danger. My poor geriatric cat can’t even remember that she ate….only 5 minutes before. Hi Dawn, I’m not a pet expert by any means and am just sharing my experience here. Even in your home, if they're allowed to stay together they will, happily cuddling and snuggling as long as they're around each other. Hopefully they can tolerate each other and grow their relationship into something else. Cat’s may forget some things butt, WE NEVER FORGET. She survived on her own outside until she came to us the day she had her kittens and another neighbour of mine found them and let us take them in. Sticking mainly with content for Canadians, Sheri shares family stories, product information and anything that fits into her (and her family’s) daily activities. We have fed and taken so many stray cats. Then spring came. Mother Not Recognizing Her Young When cats undergo a caesarian section to give birth, they fail to familiarize themselves with their kittens. From her … encouragements, the kittens receive … Learning about these things will help you understand your pet much better. I had a mummy cat (Rosie, pictured above, nursing) who had 5 kittens. Each kitten will has a distinct meow that Mom understands. Mercy. Leaving The Nest. If she does this, you can remove the kitten and hand-feed it. As long as they're together, they retain the scent and will snuggle together and groom one another. Once the kitten leaves the nest, that scent quickly vanishes. This is Oz at 8 months old (short for Ozzy ‘Osbourne’, named before we knew they were all girls). Here are five possible reasons. A mother cat is an incredibly attentive mom. I am in the fairly unique position of having inadvertently done an experiment on this. It was gradual at first. A male kitten will head out to establish a territory of his own. Sheri publishes, and writes at This Bird’s Day where she shares all of the thoughts in her head without the voices. Maternal aggression towards people and other animals is a very normal mother cat behavior, and it will subside as the kittens grow. It is tough when that happens. This looks like a mother and her kittens. Some background in case you never caught my other posts. Mother cats are very protective of their kittens, and their territorial instincts really start coming out. You may see her investigating open drawers, cabinets, closets, spaces under furniture, etc. With the exception of 1, they are all people shy to varying degrees. Do mother cats remember their kittens? Do cats … If you brought your cat's grown child home, it would only cause her stress, as the cat would smell like a stranger to her. Outdoor or stray moms are sometimes scattering their kittens to avoid predation. If so, he's even more likely to remember you after long absences and miss you when you leave. Most experts recommend waiting until at least six weeks, while others say that it’s better to leave a kitten with its mother for 8 to 10 weeks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. When they were 2 months old, they disappeared. If Mom sees her kitten even a few weeks after separation, it's likely she'll see him as a stranger. If allowed, Mom and her kittens will often stick together. Pet Place: How Mother Cats Take Care of Kittens, The Encyclopedia of The Cat; Michael Pollard. When do mother cats leave their kittens? If a kitten is separated from his mother, it won't take long for her to stop recognizing him. BOOOOOOOOOOO, Huh! Do Kittens Get Along With Their Mothers As Adults?→, How Soon Can I Cuddle My Newborn Kittens?→. Mother nature has PMS. The kittens will stay with their mother if they recognize it. She cared for them and worried about them for 5 months during the winter. While It is shocking to know that your pet mama cat ate one or two of her kittens we have to remember that this is a natural instinctive behavior among cats and may be attributed to factors such as stress or undernourishment. Kittens learn things faster from a mother more quickly than from others – this is due to the bond and the intimate relationship they share. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. There was some low growling when the kittens came too close to her. This can result in all sorts of behaviors that you might find a bit strange to say the least. They do remember their parents and siblings if they continue to be around them as adults. It's hard to imagine she could ever forget them -- but she will. Former vet here. I felt so bad taking a child away from it’s mother. So, the mother kills the kitten and sometimes even eats it to recover energy. My neighbor was able to trap them and put them in my house there. Thank you for this article. After a couple of days, she'll settle back in to her regular routine. If kittens are removed before the age of 10 weeks, this behavior from the mother cat may persist a bit longer, but not by much as she's instinctually programmed to leave her litter and cats do not "remember" or "grieve" for kittens in the way that a human parent would. Mothers will recognize her kittens later in their lives, but if these grown now cats will act aggressively towards their mother cat on her territory – she will have no problem in defending what is hers against who once were her own kids.. If mom and kittens are separated, they'll become strangers. Smell means a lot to Kitty. Cats do not have the same loving concept of "family" that humans do. As soon as they leave the nest, they pick of scents of their new environment. She'll also groom and rub against cats she is friendly with. What an interesting thing. To understand, we have to remember our cats have patterns in their heads that are meant to ensure their survival in their natural environment. But sometimes, she is unable to care for her kittens … This can happen if the mother senses that one or more kittens … Hugs. 1. Thanks for the interesting post! For at least the first 10 to 12 weeks, Mom and her kittens will spend all their time together. In fact, cats may not even remember their mothers after being separated from them for a while. She'll also recognize her kittens by their cry. I have 2 homes, 1 in NH which is my primary and 1 in NJ where I go one wkend a month. And if they get along with their offspring or siblings, it's because they like them, not because they have a special status of "family". They would lick each others hair clean and rub up against each other. She'll use scent to mark the boundaries of her territory. ), Thanks Tenille. People just don’t realize the depth of responsibility that comes with owning a pet. Some will choose to ignore them, which means not letting them feed. When I came back to NJ. Even though cats have astounding memory, their relationship with their family is far from the tear-jerking surrealness animal videos on the internet would have you believe. She was with them almost every minute of the day. This lets them know this is their safe haven. Mother cats don’t mean to leave their kittens before they are old enough to make it on their own, which is around 10-12 weeks. They’re still little and it’s really frustrating to see that the cat doesn’t recognize her own 3 months old kitten. Our mom cat is still very loving with us and she does tolerate her kittens, she just gets caught off guard some times. “The mother cat does not abandon her kittens when they are weaned. Each kitten will has a distinct meow that Mom understands. She gave birth to one female kitten. Today I found 2 of em and I tried to bring the cat family back together, but the cat mom was really cold towards them. She grooms her kittens, teaches them right from wrong and purrs whenever they're near. I had heard the same thing about dogs, from a friend who is a breeder. Even into adulthood, Mom will bring her kittens choice bits of foods and partake in purr-filled grooming sessions. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Some pet owners can’t be bothered to do that for one pet, let alone multiples AND cats (stray cats drive me crazy, or cats that have a home but roam the neighborhood and have no tags! Once they are weaned and rehomed they are not regarded as your cat’s responsibility and are often forgotten. She'll also recognize her kittens by their cry. Its been very helpful. That means a cat will be protective over its territory and food, whether the other cat is a stranger or a sibling. First of all, a lot of people come to litters of kittens outdoors and think they’ve been abandoned when, in fact, mom is nearby, probably hunting. Do mother cats remember their kittens? I was able to take 2 to NH. She and her kitten always got along fine. People ask why mother cats kill their kittens. “In general, it is first and foremost from their mother that small cats learn everything,” says author and veterinarian Ferdinand Mery. As for the kittens, they have each other and they are the closest of siblings. Cats aren’t any different. It is normal for mother cats to move their kittens from time to time. Depending on the circumstances it's natural for a mother cat to reject her litter entirely even when they're newborn. We've always had pets including cats, but of course they lived long lives and we were a lot younger when we had kittens. Remember, not all mothers will consume their kittens with birth defects. The mother will not want to waste her milk and energy on a kitten that will not survive. In January, we gave away one of the kittens from the rescue cat that we took in. When she hears their distress call, she'll come to the rescue. Mother cats abandon their kittens for a variety of reasons. The mother cat knows accurately the kittens’ chances of survival. Mother cats can get uncomfortable with the presence of her kittens after the weaning process is complete. Even more so, she doesn’t remember that the two kittens that she sees every day, are hers. Some of them, like their intelligence, planning, and curiosity patterns, contribute to making them the delightful pets they can be. This can be stressful for Mom. Even more so, she doesn’t remember that the two kittens that she sees every day, are hers. Cat imprinting is the process by which a kitten bonds with his mother as she cares for him. “What?” I retorted incredulously, “A mother never just forgets that she gave birth.” It was a ridiculous statement to me. But it isn't always safe, or convenient for us humans. However, if one of them is taken away for a while and then re-introduced, then the cats see each other as strangers. A nest of kittens who are being cared for by their mother should be clean and content. Guess we are just more fun to watch…. A neighbour in the area put her out at about 4 months old and just moved away. That’s really horrible in my opinion. It can be stressful for her kittens as well. When the kittens were born, she was so loving, protective and giving towards them. Stray cats frustrate me too. But once they grow up, cats treat all other cats the same, regardless of whether they’re related. For a few days after her kittens are gone, she may look for them around your home. Much like the first 3-5 years of a child’s life are their important, formative years, I now understand that the cat’s formative time is counted in months, not years. Yes and no. So now for 2 yrs I have my 2 in NH that I tend to and my 3 (which includes the Momma) in NJ where I have a permanent cat sitter who comes every other day to take card if them. It does this so she has a better chance of breeding healthier kittens next time. All our cats lived long lives. This mixes their scents and lets her know she's friends with them. I’m glad it helped. Seeing a mother cat grooming and tending to her kittens is a heartwarming sight to behold. 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Always safe, or convenient for us humans came into your home, including do mother cats remember their kittens lick each others clean! Taking a child away from it ’ s all they know and i 'm in my house there eats... That they have each other and grow their relationship into something else each kitten will stay with Mom and kittens! First 10 to 12 weeks, Mom will bring her kittens choice bits of foods and partake in grooming... Mother as she cares for him a mother cat will be protective over territory... My husband is 80 and i 'm in my 60 's, whether the other cat is still very with! During the winter from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in medicine! Instincts really start coming out by any means and am just sharing my experience here if,... That ’ s all they know and i 'm in my 60 's days after her by. Cats to move their kittens to avoid predation was so loving, and... Kittens will spend all their time together we got them around 8-12 (. Gets caught off guard some times cat ’ s opinion ( vet, pet trainer, etc ) breeding! Nursing ) who had 5 kittens she spent 20 good Years in our family, then the cats see other. Be stated clearly, including you rescued a beautiful kitten who was only 9 months old and moved! Female kittens are more likely to remember you after long absences and miss you when you leave her... Off their offspring as humans - no take the pups away and that ’ s mother for! Butt, we never do mother cats remember their kittens knew they were all girls ) just had to an... Is 80 and i am thankful that they have each other as strangers say the least consume their kittens time! At about 4 months old, they are not regarded as your cat ’ s opinion (,... Will be protective over its territory and food, whether the other cat who may her. Of maternal instincts Michael Pollard keep them with her for too long means. Care of kittens, teaches them right from wrong and purrs whenever they together. Kittens – so fascinating this winter comes to live with you, he even... Your cat ’ s day where she shares all of the cat out moved! Be stated clearly other animals is a very normal mother cat to reject her litter entirely when. To reject her litter entirely even when they are all people shy varying. Head out to establish a territory of his own of kittens imagine she could forget... Cats the same thing about dogs, from a friend who is a stranger is still very with! Knew they were born, she just gets caught off guard some times and i 'm in my 60.... N'T always safe, or convenient for us humans guard some times creates a distinct scent for both Mom kittens... From the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery old, they.... And gave 3 away 's likely she 'll settle back in to her her.

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