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First-time mothers of cats may encounter some puzzling behaviors exhibited by their feline after the birth of their kittens. Watching a cat discover its maternal instincts is undoubtedly charming, but occasionally, your cat may engage in seemingly aggressive actions, such as biting her offspring. However, it’s generally unnecessary to fret over these occurrences, as biting is a common form of communication among felines. Although it might appear as if the cat is hurting the kittens, this is often not the case.
Why does your cat bite her kittens? There could be numerous reasons behind this behavior. It could be a swift nibble to discipline inappropriate conduct, or perhaps the mother cat simply desires a moment of peace from the commotion. Let’s delve into the possible reasons why your cat might engage in this behavior.
Why Is My Cat Biting Her Kittens?
There are numerous reasons why a cat might bite its kittens, and it’s crucial to understand that the biting behavior we’re discussing here should not be excessively harsh or aggressive. Here are the most probable explanations:
1. Discipline
If a kitten exhibits improper social behavior, such as engaging in excessive roughness, failing to respect boundaries, or climbing excessively on its mother, the mother cat may discipline the kitten by biting. This biting serves as a corrective measure, informing the kitten that its behavior is unwanted and encouraging it to learn how to appropriately interact with other felines. Alternatively, a mother cat may choose to distance herself from her kittens or hiss at them to communicate that their actions are unacceptable.
2. To Get a Kitten’s Attention
Similar to discipline, a cat may bite her kittens to attract their attention. This behavior often occurs when the kittens are engaging in activities that the mother cat disapproves of. Biting serves as an effective means to redirect their behavior towards more acceptable actions or to keep them safe from harm.
3. Self-Defense
In this context, it’s not that your cat is defending herself from her kittens. Instead, she’s instructing them on how to defend themselves. A significant responsibility of a mama cat is imparting survival skills and self-defense mechanisms against predators and other hazards to her kittens. Even in a domesticated environment where there are no apparent threats, this primal urge remains intact. Consequently, your cat might occasionally nibble her kittens to instill in them the knowledge of how to respond to threats and safeguard themselves.
4. Playing
The young kittens are incredibly playful and full of energy, often engaging in roughhousing and tumbling antics. Occasionally, they attempt to involve their mother in their games, which might appear as though they are attacking or biting each other harshly. However, appearances can be deceiving, as this type of play is actually beneficial for fostering strong bonds between the mother cat and her kittens, as well as teaching them important social behaviors. Unless your cat appears genuinely angry or upset, it is best to allow them to continue their playtime together.
5. Being Affectionate
A tender bite from a mother cat towards her kittens can also serve as an expression of affection. You might observe her meticulously grooming them, followed by a gentle nibble, possibly as a demonstration of her care and love.
6. Redirected Aggression
When a mother feels threatened by a new animal or human presence in the home, she may redirect her aggression towards her kittens, biting them as a result. Unable to take action against the unwanted intruder, she opts to attack the nearest available target, often her own offspring.
What if My Cat Is Biting Her Kitten’s Neck?
A common misconception among first-time kitten owners is that their cat is biting her kittens on the back of the neck. However, this isn’t actual biting; it’s just how mama cats carry their babies around when necessary. Kittens have loose skin on the scruff of their necks specifically for this purpose. Since cats don’t have hands, this is the only effective way for them to move their kittens. This loose skin, along with a kitten’s natural tendency to go limp when picked up this way, ensures that they don’t get hurt or harmed.
What if I Think My Cat Is Being Aggressive When She Bites?
In all instances mentioned, aggression or excessive biting towards her kittens by your cat is unacceptable. If such behavior persists, it might indicate an underlying problem. The most probable cause for this aggressive conduct is the rejection of one of the kittens by the mother cat, although this occurrence is relatively infrequent.
Why would a cat reject one of her kittens? There are several reasons for this. Firstly, the kitten might be ill, and the mother cat rejects it to safeguard the other kittens.
She might reject a kitten if her litter is too large to handle, as too many kittens can mean insufficient milk supply. By rejecting the kitten (or kittens) she deems weakest, she ensures that the healthiest among them have a better chance of survival.
If a kitten has been rejected, you might observe your cat exhibiting aggressive behaviors such as hissing or biting towards the smaller feline. In such cases, it is crucial to consult your veterinarian as you will be responsible for feeding the kitten until it grows large enough to consume adult cat food. It is important to ensure that you provide proper care and nourishment to the kitten.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous reasons why your cat might bite her kittens, but in most cases, there’s no need for concern. Mama cats often bite their offspring as a form of gentle discipline, play, or even affection. However, if you observe aggressive biting, hissing, or swatting, it could indicate that the mother cat has rejected the kitten for some reason. In such cases, it’s important to intervene and provide care for the kitten.
