Conference misery::feline

1000.0. "How Will Other Cats React to Newborn Kittens?" by WRKSYS::MATTSON () Fri May 10 1996 18:09

    Hi,
    
    I have the following feline population living in my house:
    
    Fred -  neutered, age 11 1/2, laid-back personality, good-natured
    Noogy - Fred's sister, spayed, also 11 1/2, touchy personality,
            very affectionate towards me but does not like cats. 
            Jealous of attention given to anyone else.
    Benny - Recently neutered 1 year old male, very hyper, in-your-face
            type of cat. Constantly trying to play with everyone, whether
            they like it or not. But basically sweet.
    Polly - PREGNANT 1 year old female. Pregnant by Benny before he got
            fixed. (This was a planned pregnancy--have homes lined up)
            Polly is very small--smallest cat in the house. Very sweet
            and not particularly assertive.
    
    Here's the usual dynamic: everyone is scared of Noogy. She goes out
    as much as possible, and keeps her distance when in. Fred sleeps most
    of the time, but he's gotten livelier since the kittens showed up.
    Benny bugs everyone almost non-stop. Polly is getting very fat, and
    will be due in about a week. She basically tries to steer clear of
    Noogy and Benny when he wants to rassle. She likes Fred, though.
    
    I am worried about how the other cats will react to the newborn
    kittens. Someone told me that, if the mother feels threatened, she
    will KILL her kittens. Is this true? Or do I need to keep the other
    cats away? It's a small house and it won't be easy. Any advice?
    
    thanks,
    Anne
       
              

    I have 5 cats, only one has kittens.  We have never had a problem with
    any of the other cats hurting a kitten in any way.  The best way to
    make the mother feel comfotable is put in a large cage or room by
    herself if possible until the kittens are about 4 weeks old.  We use an
    old cat show cage and leave the top open so the mother can come and go
    as she pleases.  We cover it at night with just mom and the babies in
    there while we are sleeping.  
    
    We do let the other cats come to see and sniff under strict watch.  As
    far as mothers killing thier babies I haven't heard of it ( doesn't
    mean it's not true).  I do know a whole male will try to kill the
    kittens to force the mother into heat to have his babies.
    
    Dennis