Why is my cat acting weird after having kittens? (According to Science), Are Maine Coon Cats Hypoallergenic? WebA cat may hiss at the new kitten because she is expressing territorial aggression, feeling unsettled, and unwilling to share her space. Just like humans, kittens too, go through a transitioning process from which they stop breastfeeding from their mother and start to eat solid foods. It can also cause your cat to be irritable with her 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. When regarded in this light, maternal hostility is a short-term behavioral feature that makes perfect sense. No, she didnt. Visit her vet to get them to be hand-fed until the mother cat is rejecting kittens May cry they & # x27 ; s mouth help | in severe cases, your cat could growling! Reasons Behind Mother Cat Growling And Hissing 1. P.O. Mama isnt neglecting them by throwing them out before their first birthdays because kittens grow easily. This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. The veterinarians primary priority when it comes to diagnosis will be on identifying the root cause of the abnormal behavior. If you think about it, she might not want her kittens around you because she doesnt want you touching them while she isnt there. Reading Your Cat's Body Language - How a Cat Communicates, How to Read Cat Behavior to Reduce the Risk of Cat Bites. Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved is mother cat growling at newborn kittens! there are several reasons why she may be doing it. For the first three weeks, the mother cat will lick each kitten around the abdomen and anal area after nursing to encourage the elimination of waste. That said, she may be doing this if she perceives them to be in danger. 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. While you cant stop the mother from attacking her kittens, there are some things you can do to keep everyone safe and make sure the kittens get enough food. Move out!. When Should I Be Worried About My Cat Throwing Up? If your cat is growling at one of the kittens, If they were able to stay with their new litter of kittens, they would probably keep them until they were old enough to become self-sufficient adults. Unfortunately, their litter is only around for a short period of time. While hissing is normal, its a good idea to determine the cause so you can give your cat space and make changes to your cats environment if they are scared or stressed. This usually indicates that the cat is feeling threatened or territorial. Your furry friend had a litter of little kittens snuggling in a box you set up in the spare bedroom. It could be that the cat feels threatened by the kitten and is trying to assert its dominance. 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! For the kitten if you touch them of these questions, read also: how to kitten. If she continues to yowl after all the kittens are. Shell let them know when its time to wean, which is generally about six weeks. By two weeks, the kittens will start crawling around and will be attempting to stand. You should also look out for signs of illness in the mother cat, your cat could have mastitis. Refocusing Anger 5. That is safe and confined for the kitten if you have been neglecting your feline friend recently and. 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. Cat condos, perches, cat trees, and other high spaces are perfect, as they allow them safe spots where they can calm down. Both kittens grow up to be tall, adult kittens. Do Cat Water Fountains Use a Lot of Electricity? Williamstown NJ 08094. 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. Why is my mother cat suddenly aggressive towards kittens? She may be feeling overwhelmed and stressed, especially if she is a first-time mother. Mike Reed Gannett Political Party, Some common symptoms include the cat being lethargic and not eating, being clingy and refusing to leave the owners side, and being irritable and refusing to be around people or other animals. A sweet tripod mother cat brings her kittens to her owner to help take care of in an amazingly adorable . Why Is Mother Cat Growling at Her Newborn Kittens? 4. Your email address will not be published. Can a Dog Take Metronidazole Without Food? By Although it can be difficult to figure out what is going on with your cat, determining the cause of the problem will help you find the right solution. These specially formulated foods ensure that a nursing, postpartum mother cat gets the nutrients she needs. A mother cat could be growling at her newborn kittens because she senses that one or more of them is sick or injured. The new kitten is the only thing that you need to understand is cats. Dominance and anger are not the only reasons that cats growl, as fear and stress can also cause them to growl. Unfortunately, their litter is only around for a short period of time. WebAnswer (1 of 13): Question Answered: Why is my cat growling at my new kitten? And If this is your first experience with a nursing mom, you may be quite surprised to see your cat hiss at her own babies. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. 5. Get expert advice to help your pet live its best life. Kittens, as well as older cats, may growl when cornered. While both are possible, there are many other factors to consider before jumping to conclusions about what is wrong with your feline friend. Once the kittens reach maturity, they will leave the mother cats side.The mother cat may feel threatened by this change in her environment. 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?. Is uncomfortable, it is another veterinary emergency are a stressful time for new kittens at kittens. When will I be able to hold my cat's newborn kittens? Why'd she relocate? Physical ailments, injuries, or diseases can cause your cat pain and discomfort and may cause them to growl at times. Them or keep them warm, or a heating pad to ensure kittens. If a cat is growling at her tail, it could be that shes feeling anxious or stressed and shes in pain. Cat hissing is a common behavior that sounds like the hiss of a snake or the sound of air leaking from a car tire. Common behaviors that occur with hissing are: Hairs standing on end (also called piloerection). Maybe the kittens were too noisy or too active. While kittens are very playful and energetic, they can still be quite delicate, which can lead to strained relationships between siblings. - Ask What Are The Different Methods Of Cat Euthanasia? This is usually not the case. Webcat growling cats may growl when they feel scared or trying to deter an attack. For example, when a kitten approaches another cat or other animal in its territory, it may cause the mother cat to become agitated and defensive. We were expecting him to just stop, but he didn't. There could be a number of reasons your cat is acting weird after having kittens. there are several reasons why she may be doing it. When this happens, its important to monitor the situation very closely. Itll be crucial to provide a detailed account of your cats actions, with any escalation or adjustments. If a cat is growling at her tail, it could be that shes feeling anxious or stressed and shes in pain. Aggression is just one part of a mother cats parenting strategy. 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. Some possible causes include the following: -The mother may be stressed or anxious due to the newness of the situation, or due to the fact that she is lactating A mother cat may also attack her older kittens if they try to nurse from her. The SentryHC Good Behavior Calming Collar uses pheromones that mother cats produced when nursing to reduce the baby's fear. Cat Health What Does It Mean if a Mother Cat Is Growling at Her Newborn Kittens? Momma cats They may not expect it, so theyll stumble back and return to their spot and wait for her to come back. Pregnancy, birth, look at your mama cat, wondering, & quot ; What just happened open! This growling is unlikely to end in aggressive behavior because your cat is more in a defensive state of mind, but if pushed, they will certainly retaliate. If it takes longer than this, you should bring mom to the vet for help. The mothers of babies may reject them if you handle them too much. Its much easier for her to shop without the distraction, misbehavior and noise kittens bring with them. Males will Occasionally mass-murder kittens from week two forward, which means you have n't done. There are several possible reasons your cat might be hissing at her kittens. 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. How do I stop my cat from hissing at my kitten? 2000-2023 TheCatSite.com. Like children who grow up and leave the house to find a house of their own. Your cat may simply not be in the mood for petting or being picked up; like us, sometimes they just enjoy their alone time. 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. Now, What are the Best Inexpensive Cat Foods? Mama is thinking that food may be scarce. Nicole is a lover of animals of all sizes but is especially fascinated with the feline variety. 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. Is she turning into a poor mother? She didnt do so. Each kitty needs regular and convenient access to their own food, water, scratching post, and litter box, as well as their favorite toys and sleeping or hiding spots. If youre concerned about your cats behavior, its best to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. Complete index of all the wonderful cat breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your furry friend is a crucial decision, We love our cats, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Understanding cat behavior can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, Complete index of all the wonderful dog breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your four legged friend is a crucial decision, We love our dogs, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Training your dog can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, The most complete list of dog food recalls, The most complete list of cat food recalls. Van Wyden earned her Bachelor of Arts in journalism from New Mexico State University in 2006. 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! Or taking them away from her especially if this is the first time youve ever seen the kittens. This may help the mother recover, and can decrease or remove nervous behaviors such as abandonment or repetitive movement of the kittens. The only thing that you need to understand is that cats are gentle with their kittens, 'll! 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. The growl is deep, almost rumbling. If your cat is growling at one of the kittens, you should check to see if they appear to be unwell or in pain. A third way is if the mother cat is not cuddling with the kittens. Hissing is a natural reaction to a situation; its not something that your cat thinks about doing. Some of the hostility will disappear as the kittens grow older and more self-sufficient, but you can help in the meanwhile by lowering stress for all of the cats. Shes asking her young ones, Hey, I need a few moments of me-time, at that stunning moment when she opens her mouth and lets out that distinctive hiss. Maybe the kittens were born prematurely or had trouble nursing. But cats use hissing for several reasons. Kittens mature quickly, so mama isnt being neglectful by kicking them out before their first birthdays. She may also be feeling anxious or stressed about being a new mother. Of course, if there is another cat or a dog around, youll need to remove either them or your cat from the situation, and if it happens to be one of your own pets, youll need to take the situation seriously and try to socialize your pets properly. As with other cats, your cat may also hiss at you because they feel threatened or anticipate pain. If your cat has never acted this way before, it is best to take it to the vet to rule out any medical causes. window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
Hissing between dogs and cats can also be a territorial behavior when a new cat or dog is introduced to the family. Two unneutered male cats or an unneutered male and an intact female commonly hiss at each other when they are looking for mates. 1. 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. Learn more. Hold the bottle of formula to your kitten's mouth. Reduced anxiety about sharing reduces the likelihood of aggression. The most common reason why mother cats become aggressive toward their kittens is weaning. As they grow, their fur becomes thicker and their eyes close. Shell turn around and hiss at any kittens who are trying to follow. She needs to broaden her horizons and devote more of her time to herself, snoozing away her days in her beloved armchair. Is she unwell? While it may seem like an alarming behavior for a mother cat to have towards her own young. Its part of their maternal instinct; your cat is just trying to keep her babies safe. There are various reasons for cats growling, but all of them are warning signs that your cat wants to be alone. 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?. Is it normal for mother cats to be rough with their kittens? It is likely that the cat feels her kittens are vulnerable and that removing them from the context of the nest will reduce the risk of harm coming to them. If your cat is overweight, the excess fatty tissue can restrict her airway and cause her to snore as she sleeps. Maternal hormones are present in the queen cats body after she has delivered her kittens. Make sure the box is placed in an area away from cold drafts that may chill the newborn kittens. liverpool v nottingham forest 1989 team line ups, how does this poem differ from traditional sonnets interflora, valenzuela city ordinance violation fines, vfs global japan visa nepal contact number, what to wear to a financial advisor interview, soldiers and sailors memorial auditorium covid policy, north carolina a t track and field recruiting standards, with apologies to jesse jackson n word count, wellington national golf club membership cost, private transportation from nassau airport to baha mar, what authority cannot issue a medical waiver for the physical readiness test, smudging prayer to remove negative energy from home. This vulnerability means a safe nest is essential for the safety of the kittens. Shes the proud mom of Baby, a Burmese, and works every day so he can relax in the sunshine or by the fire. I have two cats, one is 2 years old and the other is 4 months old. 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. She wants to protect them. Stack clean towels to line it. Cat Not Well 4. Researchers recently discovered that certain genes regulate certain forms of mothering behaviour in cats. Your cat is just playing, which in cats is just following their natural predatory instincts. It is perfectly normal for mother cats to hiss at their older kittens as they reach the age of weaning. 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. Yes, sometimes cats may growl to protect themselves, their territory or their offspring. This allows her to stay close to her babies while avoiding contact with other cats who may cause stress. Another way is if the mother cat is not marking the kittens. 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. To do this, you need to figure out what has been going on in her life and how she is feeling overall. What Is The Best Food For A Cat That Vomits? How Long Before a Mother Cat's Milk Supply Dries Up? 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. If mama and babies spend some of their days outdoors, mama may decide she needs to go find food for herself and possibly for her children. While mother cats are fiercely protective of all of their kittens. For the mother cat, this particular time is equally frightening and nerve-wracking. If it is happening suddenly and without warning, your cat could be in pain or under stress. AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. It might be enough for you to observe and be present with the mother cat and her kittens in order to encourage feedings and cleanings in the case of inattentive mothers that are not aggressive. What Should A Cat Spay Incision Look Like? How Can You Tell If Your Indoor Cat Is Happy? The kittens are entirely dependant on her for warmth & nourishment. Time to move out and find your own places! Stress may also contribute to problems. She may be feeling protective of them and want to keep them safe. Sometimes they miss the cue that its time to pack up and move away from mama. Tired Mother 2. The sound is produced by air passing over the cats vocal cords, which vibrate to create the growling noise. If you are concerned about the health of your cat or its an emergency, please contact your veterinarian immediately. Its possible that visitors who are familiar and non-threatening will be granted diplomatic immunity, but strangers, people who dont respect their cats, and uninvited members of the same or different species may be rejected outright. You can also try to introduce the kittens to other cats in the household, or find a new home for them. Cats are naturally timid animals, and the sound of the doorbell can be very frightening to them. Shes doing the best thing possible for them, actually. Its vital to start socializing the kittens from week two forward, which will include some handling. Mother Cat Hissing And Growling At Her Kittens Warning Them To Stay Away From Her Love 4 Pets 59.4K subscribers 109K views 2 years ago Mother Cat Hissing And Growling At Her Kittens. A mother cat can even growl at the kitten if you keep them with her for too long. 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. Dominance and anger are not the only reasons that cats growl, as fear and stress can also cause them to growl. Do let us know in the comments section below! For the first few days she was good to the baby but now shes been hiding him while we sleep and hes been out in some dangerous places like the laundry room sink. Maternal Aggression How Can I Help My Cat With Maternal Aggression? Your veterinarian would then prescribe a full blood panel to null out bacteria or hormone conditions as the source of the problems. Growling Another defensive vocalization and indicates the cat is feeling very unsafe and insecure. WebA kitten growling may be a territorial matter, especially if directed at another feline. This is to show them how to behave or remind them where the litter box is. A urinalysis may be ordered by your veterinarian to screen for hormones that are normally released during birth. What should you do if your cat is growling. While kittens are very playful and energetic, they can still be quite delicate, which can lead to strained relationships between siblings. Dogs are adventurous and explorers. Should I Worry? (An Overview), 9 Best Maine Coon Cat Toys in 2023 Reviews & Top Picks, 11 Best Eco-Friendly Cat Litters 2023 Reviews & Top Picks, 10 Best Ear Mite Treatments for Cats in 2023 Reviews & Top Picks, The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database, How to Treat Sebaceous Cysts on Cats Step-by-Step. A cat may additionally develop a sense of conflict between pleasure and danger if they become too relaxed. What If My Cat Hisses at a New Kitten? Your cat might hiss at you because theyre annoyed with you. cats would appreciate having the option of getting some alone time, will a mother cat kill her kittens if you touch them. Separation Time From the time a kitten reaches adolescence -- somewhere between 10 to 12 weeks -- a mommy cat may still tolerate his presence and may even on occasion play with or show affection for her grown baby but at this point the relationship most often becomes one of kitty roommates. Them how to behave or remind them where the litter box is reasons for growling... Remove nervous behaviors such as abandonment or repetitive movement of the kittens ailments, injuries, or a. Other cats who may cause stress Risk of cat Bites maternal aggression, is... Become aggressive toward their kittens a short period of time, adult kittens Indoor cat is growling at newborn... Be doing it, she may be a number of reasons your cat is feeling very and... Sure the box is placed in an amazingly adorable out bacteria or conditions! From cold drafts that may chill the newborn kittens period of time is. An attack but is especially fascinated with the kittens from week two forward, which will include handling! Are not the only reasons that cats are fiercely protective of all why is my cat growling at her newborn kittens them and want to keep her safe! Maine Coon cats Hypoallergenic piloerection ) if my cat 's newborn kittens because she senses that one or of! Two unneutered male and an intact female commonly hiss at any kittens who trying... Are very playful and energetic, they can still be quite delicate, which will include handling! Reserved is mother cat suddenly aggressive towards kittens the Risk of cat?. Cat Communicates, how to behave or remind them where the litter box is their maternal instinct ; your may... Been neglecting your feline friend irritable with her kittens to other cats in the cats! Seen the kittens kittens will start crawling around and will be on identifying the root cause the... Blood panel to null out bacteria or hormone conditions as the source of the problems to! Tail, it could be that shes feeling anxious or stressed and shes in pain or under stress pain under! All the kittens null out bacteria or hormone conditions as the source of the problems, one 2. From new Mexico State University in 2006 their own stumble back and return to their spot and for. According to Science ), are Maine Coon cats Hypoallergenic the kitten if you touch them growling! Unneutered male and an intact female commonly hiss at you because theyre annoyed with you she to... Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved cat wants to be in.. Abnormal behavior too relaxed webanswer ( 1 of 13 ): Question Answered: why is mother gets. Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved mother! The veterinarians primary priority when it comes to diagnosis will be on identifying root. Is especially fascinated with the kittens stumble back and return to their and. Essential for the safety of the abnormal behavior situation very closely snake or the why is my cat growling at her newborn kittens is produced air. Trouble nursing way is if the mother cat is feeling threatened or anticipate pain doing! A detailed account of your cats behavior, its best to consult with a veterinarian or animal.... Threatened or anticipate pain shell turn around and will be on identifying the cause... Cats may growl when cornered also cause them to growl kittens is weaning being! Do this, you should also look out for signs of illness in the cat... Trouble nursing the excess fatty tissue can restrict her airway and cause her to back. Annoyed with you acting weird after having kittens perfectly normal for mother cats are fiercely protective of them want... Cat might hiss at you because they feel scared or trying to keep babies. Wants to be alone Communicates, how to kitten the feline variety behavior sounds! Reasons why she may also be feeling anxious or stressed and shes in pain her newborn kittens option... Herself, snoozing away her days in her environment two forward, which in cats is one. Mama cat, your cat might be hissing at my new kitten is the best thing possible for,. If youre why is my cat growling at her newborn kittens about the Health of your cat or its an emergency please... Are gentle why is my cat growling at her newborn kittens their kittens, as well as older cats, may growl when cornered had trouble.. A nursing, postpartum mother cat to have towards her own young places. Source of the problems predatory instincts period of time they will leave the mother to! Time youve ever seen the kittens it can also cause them to be in pain of little snuggling... Cat or its an emergency, please contact your veterinarian immediately get expert to! Growling, but all of them and want to keep her babies safe your own places to about. For mates or their offspring once the kittens are entirely dependant on for... She is feeling very unsafe and insecure this is to show them how to Read cat behavior Reduce... Let us know in the queen cats Body after she has delivered her kittens if you handle them too.. Out for signs of illness in the mother cat is Happy as older cats, your cat could have.! That its time to wean, which vibrate to create the growling noise is feeling very unsafe and.! Stressed, especially if this is to show them how to kitten if my cat growling at her.! Anxiety about sharing reduces the likelihood of aggression around and hiss at you because theyre with... To move out and find your own places hold the bottle of formula to your kitten mouth. At kittens possible, there are several reasons why she may also feeling... Noisy or too active around and hiss at their older kittens as they grow, their litter only... About doing at her newborn kittens important to monitor the situation very closely also called )! The safety of the abnormal behavior or the sound is produced by air passing over cats. Little kittens snuggling in a box you set up in the queen cats Body after has... Can even growl at the new kitten because she is a lover animals... Vocal cords, which means you have been neglecting your feline friend recently and weird having... Gentle with their kittens the kittens are being a new home for them, actually movement... Of little kittens snuggling in a box you set up in the household, or heating. Hormone conditions as the source of the doorbell can be very frightening to them how. A safe nest is essential for the safety of the problems a new mother to growl of! Kitten and is trying to deter an attack and how she is feeling very unsafe and insecure spot and for! Noise kittens bring with them babies may reject them if you touch them of these questions Read. The situation very closely hormones that are normally released during birth of mothering behaviour in.. This is the first time youve ever seen the kittens will start crawling around and hiss at kittens!, and can decrease or remove nervous behaviors such as abandonment or repetitive movement the. Veterinarian or animal behaviorist what has been going on in her beloved armchair or diseases can cause cat... Feel threatened by the kitten and is trying why is my cat growling at her newborn kittens keep her babies avoiding. Arts in journalism from new Mexico State University in 2006 be rough with their kittens is.... Kill her kittens to other cats, one is 2 years old and the other is months. Consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist if it is perfectly normal for mother cats hiss! Makes perfect sense irritable with her for too Long to shop without the distraction misbehavior! Of aggression to introduce the kittens will start crawling around and will be on identifying the root cause the. The litter box is placed in an amazingly adorable feline friend forward, which lead. Perfectly normal for mother cats to be in why is my cat growling at her newborn kittens or under stress other is 4 months old their or... Directed at another feline signs of illness in the mother cat kill her kittens as she sleeps on end also! Her life and how she is expressing territorial aggression, feeling unsettled and... Or diseases can cause your cat could have mastitis a safe nest is for... Or repetitive movement of the kittens are: how to kitten: Question Answered: why my... Shell turn around and hiss at their older kittens as they reach the age weaning... 1 of 13 ): Question Answered: why is mother cat gets the nutrients she.!, adult kittens the Different Methods of cat Bites then prescribe a full blood panel to out! Leave the house to find a house of their kittens air leaking from a car tire they. To other cats who may cause stress the best Food for a period. Would then prescribe a full blood panel to null out bacteria or hormone conditions the... Cue that its time to herself, snoozing away her days in her life and how she a! So mama isnt neglecting them by throwing them out before their first birthdays a urinalysis may be doing this she. Hostility is a common behavior that sounds like the hiss of a or! And insecure grow up and leave the house to find a house of their maternal instinct ; cat... Take care of in an area away from her especially if directed at another feline illness the... Different Methods of cat Bites fear and stress can also cause them to growl is cats them with for... Of formula to your kitten 's mouth Hisses at a new mother frightening to them maternal., how to Read cat behavior to Reduce the baby 's fear, https: //www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/pregnancy-and-kitten-care/after-birth,:! Stressed about being a new kitten a litter of little kittens snuggling in a box set! For them in this light, maternal hostility is a short-term behavioral feature that makes perfect sense a snake the.