If youre able to choose from a group of kittens, avoid a kitten thats hissing, growling or engaged in serious battle with his mates. You never know how he'll react. The most troublesome senior cat pregnancy complications include: Rest assured, a healthy delivery is 100% possible with regular vet visits, a switch to high-calorie and uber-nutritional kitten food, and a generally stress-free environment (or refuge). The average onset of menopause in humans is age 51. They will probably still be playful, but now theyve learned the ropes and are much better at following the rules. Tomcats behave very much like lions. HayFarmGuyis a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. How Many Puppies can a Bull Terrier Have? Automatic cat feeder Your shopping research is done for you. They use their scent to distinguish who is who, allowing them to recognize who is in their territory. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. They do this for a few reasons.\n\nFirst, tom cats are territorial. Cats can only begin to have kittens once theyve experienced their first heat. Some tomcats have attacked and killed their own offspring as a means of getting the busy mother cats to focus on them and then go back into estrus for mating purposes. Keep in mind that each cat is unique. Another thing to keep in mind is that tomcats can sometimes be rough with kittens. If your cat is male, the same thing applies. Fortunately, the domestic cat is adaptable enough that happy families usually prevail. This is completely FREE for you. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. They produce viable sperm from around 8 to 12 months of age. When a tomcat takes over a new territory originally owned by another tomcat either dead or non-competitive, the new tomcat may be driven to kill the kittens that are in the new territory. Kittens are safe from tomcats at about four to eight weeks of age. and come to that Why do male cats eat kittens? Although genetics of the queen may come into play, multi-colored kitten litters will often vividly demonstrate multiple mating. When a new kitten is brought into the house, this type of behavior is common. Some may even act as protectors of the kittens. A cats sense of smell does not diminish with age. In felines, particularly speaking, the mama cat gets fiercely protective of her litter of kittens to keep them safe from other cats, especially the male ones. They are now starting to be gradually independent. You may install a water sprinkler in your yard or set up a triggering mechanism that detects the presence of tomcats. I am sure you are thinking; Why did my cat kill her kittens In this post, we hope to shed some light on the phenomenon and cover all you need to know about your cats and their safety. When your cat is about four months old, she'll start to attract the attention of tomcats, who'll want to mate with her. Alex Kountry is the founder of HayFarmGuy and has been a backyard farmer for over 10 years. However, cats are usually organized in groups just like the other cat families like a lions pride. Train your kitty before they start spraying Tomcats wanted their females to heat up as quickly as possible so they could mate again. Typically, the most theyll do is father as many litters as possible, then leave everything to the mother cat. Wet coffee groundswhich you may be able to get for free from coffee houses and fast food chainsand metal pans filled with vinegar also deter cats. In addition, well be discussing your cats pregnancy timeline, as well as how many kittens cats can have. . For more, read everything to know about a cat in heat. The answer is often as simple as making sure they get lots of exercise and activities to tire them out physically and mentally. If youre wondering whether tomcats kill kittens, the answer is yes. Kittens may be small and cute, but they are vulnerable to predators, including adult tomcats. This means the mothers have the responsibility of hiding their kittens when they are still vulnerable to the attack of the tomcat. Male cats have actually been recorded to inflict harm upon kittens that do not belong to them. Typically, the most they'll do is Your Kittens are safe from the above killing situations by father cat and kittens once they gain weight up to 2 pounds at least that usually happens when a kitten completes 8 to 12 weeks after the birth . They can be certain that those litters are theirs. Kittens can be kept safe from tom cats by keeping them away from the tomcats territory or having their mother cat present to protect them. While a cat's body may look fully grown by 1 year, they are still maturing. How do I stop my older cat from attacking my kitten? Tom cats are known to be territorial, and they will defend their territory against other cats, including kittens. A Comprehensive Guide, Is it OK to put frontline on a dog after a bath? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Keep in mind that each cat is unique. What to Know, How do you get a dog in Michigan? Mother cats are fiercely devoted to their kittens and will go to great lengths to keep them safe. Doing so can help protect them from any diseases that a wild cat may carry. However, it is important to note that kittens can still be vulnerable until they reach maturity at around 1 year of age. Continuous pregnancy in cats can lead to certain health problems, as well as reduce a cats life expectancy. Youll get a sense of which dog breeds are naturally energetic and which are more laid back. The Humane Society of the United States: Pets by the numbers, Alley Cat Allies: Newborn Kitten Progression & Cat Age Chart with Pictures, Mayo Clinic: Menopause Symptoms and causes, Banfield: News Room News, information, and updates from Banfield Pet Hospital. Yes, kittens are protected by cats. During this time, they are not yet able to defend themselves from predators. That fuzzy, miniature, four-legged bundle of joy will discover her independence well before the six-month mark. Thats eight or so months before reaching adulthood and full-size. With these ideas in mind, here are the steps to resolveor, better yetavoid aggression between cats: Adult cats will usually accept a new kitten much more easily than they will accept a new adult cat. Low rated: 3. Life Expectancy. Kittens are safe from tomcats at about four to eight weeks of age. In most cases, they will feel very stressed out if this is not provided. Here are some tips to help you do just that. You have two options that I know of - take the kitties inside, un. Yes, the surgery will not affect a mother's milk production. Male cats have very little involvement in their litters. This website is where she gets to share her knowledge and interact with other cat lovers. But be warned, keeping an intact male cat under house arrest can lead to spraying and marking behaviors, so desexing really is best. Other than siring as many kittens as possible, tom cats dont tend to get involved in the raising of the kittens. This includes - roaming around, catfighting, sexual aggression and urine marking. Kittens look so cute when theyre cuddled up together, but they can appear fierce during playtime. How to Keep Your Kitten Safe From Tomcats. Your email address will not be published. Most the household has domestic cats living with them. Kittens grow up, and fast. The best age to neuter a cat is when he is around five months old. This may be groups of female cats that he has control over along with deterring other male cats from coming into this territory. It may not affect a kitten younger than six months old, though. Such cats are capable of being good mothers and. According to the ASPCA, there are approximately 70 million homeless cats on the streets and in shelters, and they all were kittens at one point. A tomcat is usually larger and stronger than a male cat, so it can easily overpower them in a fight. Intact males typically leave the homes where they were raised between 1 and 3 years of age. Although cat fertility decreases with age, it is not uncommon for an older cat of 10 years to give birth. But when are kittens safe from tomcats? Find out in this blog post! Male cats are especially aggressive and these cats keep fighting. Read Also, Best Automatic Cat Feeder (Top 10) 10 Best Automatic Cat Water Fountain Reviews Cat not Eating or Drinking for 3 days Here are the 7 Reasons Kittens must be socialized to be comfortable around other cats, including tomcats. However, all cats sexually mature at slightly different ages, like how people hit puberty at slightly different times. As long as a queen cat is sexually mature, she can carry a litter of kittens. There are a few things you can do to keep your kitten safe from tomcats. Male cats have been observed to care for kittens in a variety of circumstances. Unless you watch Fluffy like a hawk and keep her strictly indoors, it could take weeks to realize shes expecting. Early puberty is especially common in breeds such as the Siamese, while others, such as the fluffy Himalayan, are comparatively late bloomers. While the majority of feline aggression is focused on other felines, it can sometimes be directed toward humans. This may cause him to kill all the kittens that have been born. As weve already mentioned, your cats first heat will mark the time with which it can begin to have kittens. A male cat is called a tom or tomcat (or a gib, if neutered). Are you worried about the safety of your kittens around tomcats? It isnt good for them and is likely to hurt them. To put it another way, tomcats will kill newborn cats who chance to have the same genetic composition as their rival cats. You could also alter your mind. Fading kitten syndrome affects kittens in the first four to six weeks of lifethe time between birth and being weaned from their mother. Who Can Benefit From Diaphragmatic Breathing? Tomcats also tend to spray urine around their territory, and kittens can get sick from this. Dominant males have also been observed caring for kittens within their own colonies. female since they are frequently in competition with other male cats, male cats have a proclivity for killing their own kittens, queen cat would most likely be protective of her babies, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0093691X12002087, https://www.petplace.com/article/cats/pet-behavior-training/how-mother-cats-take-care-of-kittens/, Do Black Cats Shed? All the scientific information that is available to us shows that it is not only safe to spay or neuter a kitten that young, but better. Tomcats are bigger and stronger than kittens and can hurt them if they fight. Some puppies are more energetic than others, which can depend on the breed or the puppys individual personality. 3 In the first few weeks, the mother cat will barely leave . A Step-by-Step Guide, Can I put febreeze on my dog? Most queens become fertile by 7-9 months. This will help them avoid any confrontations with tomcats. At What Age Are Kittens Safe From Tomcats? As a result, they show territorial hostility. Kittens and tomcats living together Your dog has graduated from puppyhood. Required fields are marked *. Are you worried about your kittens safety when a tomcat is around? Sure, they may butt heads from time to time (literally), but they can coexist peacefully if introduced properly and given enough space to roam. . For example, a Sable German Shepherd and a Fluffy Frenchie will have much different energy levels. With this, it is rare to see neutered male cats be aggressive towards kittens. Many people are concerned about letting their kittens outside for fear of them being attacked by tomcats. However, consult your veterinarian first before intentionally allowing your queen to become pregnant. Each of these reasons is sad to think about, but if you have a . A male cat is also likely to be violent against one of the familys cats. Some cats hit puberty as young as 4 months, while it can take over a year for others. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Domestic male cats as well as male cats in the wild arent known for their fathering skills. In order to know at what age can cats have kittens, we need to analyze a cats heat period. The males are only welcome when one of the females is available for mating or is on heat. The kittens should be developing rapidly, and the queen will be most at risk for postpartum problems during this time. , Best Spray: PetSafe SSSCAT Spray Pet Deterrent at Chewy. Your Kittens are safe from the above killing situations by father cat and kittens once they gain weight up to 2 pounds at least that usually happens when a kitten completes 8 to 12 weeks after the birth.When they turn six months, they should be able to handle your 8-hour workday. This situation can emerge, especially if male cat rivalry in the area is fierce. Community cats who are currently nursing should be released back to their environment only when they are alert and moving around normally. This will help reduce the risk of contact with wild cats. The reality is that even as an adult a cat can be a victim of an aggressive . Third Eyelid Showing in Cats - Causes and Treatment, How to Control a Male Dog Around a Female in Heat, How To Tell If A Cat Is Pregnant - Symptoms. I had a full grown feral stray that used to come here for meals occasionally that got one scratch onthe face in a fight and it got so badly infected the only merciful thing I could do was trap it and put it down. The consensus in the veterinarian community is that all young cats should undergo sterilization as soon as possible unless theres a medical reason not to or a desire to breed in the future. This means that they will mark their territory with urine, which can be a problem for indoor cats. You do not need to be concerned because this cannot damage cats; it is only the aroma or touch that they dislike. This simple 15-minute procedure has plenty of underlying perks, including: Once the surgery is complete, your kittys body will no longer produce estrogen, stopping (or preventing) all future heat cycles and ending any lingering pregnancy risks. By this point, they have grown robust enough to protect themselves from an attack. Therefore, it is important to provide your kitten with a safe place to hide if they feel scared or threatened. Most cats can be neutered at 4 months old. At some point, a tomcat may try to assert its dominance over the kitten especially the unruly ones that keep on disturbing it. A juvenile . Rather, weaning should be a gradual process in which they alternate between nursing and eating cat food, slowly increasing the amount of cat food consumed and decreasing the nursing time until nursing ceases altogether. This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. If you have other cats, keep them separated from the tomcat until youre sure everyone gets along. Yes, male cats protect kittens. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy Why would a cat steal other cats kittens? You might think that keeping your kitten safe from tomcats is as simple as keeping them apart, but thats not necessarily the case. Score: 4.6/5 (17 votes) . The behavior of male cats to kittens sired by others varies. This means that cats can mate and reproduce from as early as 6 months, without having completed their physical development. Fear Aggression. However, while mothballs work as a cat repellent, theyre toxic to cats, other animals and birds. Tomcats do not usually contribute to the raising of kittens but there are a few instances when some toms tend to the young ones, supply their food, and are willing to play with them. This will help reduce their chances of getting into fights with tomcats over territory or mates. For new kittens, this is the most vulnerable period (her hormones are the strongest). At What Age Are Kittens Safe From Tomcats? Tomcats are usually not present to protect their offspring, though a colony male tom may drive away any intruders that may try to come in their territory mostly to protect their space rather than to secure the young ones. Tomcats notoriously prey on female cats, but at what age can cats have kittens? As a result, he will be able to produce kittens. The main factor which influences cat heat is sunlight. In asserting their dominance, they may end up breaking the neck of the kitten. As part of responsible guardianship, to avoid problems associated with heat stress, complications in cat heat and cat pregnancy complications, as well as pathologies associated with the reproductive cycle such as the pyometra or uterine infection, cat sterilization is recommended. It is important to intervene immediately if a tomcat does attack a kitten to ensure their safety. Cats can have kittens as early as six-months-old if they hit sexual maturity by four months, most common in feral cats and certain breeds (like Siamese). If a tom cat or other predator comes too close, a mother cat may fight it off with her claws and teeth. Male cats, on the other hand, have been known to completely ignore kittens. Training should focus on teaching the kitten how to recognize and respond appropriately to warning signs such as hissing or growling from the tomcat. According to a study, in the wild, the mother and father will kill their own babies in order to survive. Kittens should never be left alone with a tomcat, as they may not have the skills to defend themselves against an aggressive cat. First of all, it is important to introduce the two gradually. However, there are a few things you need to know in order to make this arrangement work. At what age are kittens safe from tomcats? The answer to this question depends on a few factors, but in general, kittens are safe from tomcats around the age of four months. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. At first, everything was OK, but after couple of weeks the male started attacking one of the kittens, to the point that I had to take the kitty for life saving surgery. There have been no studies to determine whether rogue fathers pass on their tendencies to their offspring because they rarely have access to the kittens. So, how often can a cat have kittens? Cats are reputed for their ability to produce quickly and at a young age. Second, get them vaccinated against feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Most likely not, since in feral colonies cats will breed repeatedly and can end up with a litter from more than one father. Mother cats often use this area to carry their new kittens. Humans reach sexual maturity during adolescence (12-13), our distant cousins chimps do the same by age 15, and dogs outpace us all by reaching fertility in 6-18 months. They want to protect their territory from other tom cats. Normally the Tom will put the kitten in their mouth and shake them violently and not leave a mark. Neck biting is also exhibited when the cats are mating and showing dominance. Yes Toms will kill kittens because the grief in the momcats throw the females back into heat quickly and the toms can mate again. Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. They will react violently to the presence of kittens and can seriously harm or even kill them. The main factor which influences cat heat is sunlight. Spraying is one of the most annoying things your male cat can do, though females can spray too. Most female cats reach full sexual maturity at around 5 to 6 months, although it varies greatly. 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A Step-by-Step Guide, is it OK to put it another way tomcats... Founder of HayFarmGuy and has been a backyard farmer for over 10 years feel scared or threatened he & 92. Cats often use this area to carry their new kittens an adult a cat steal other kittens..., medication, or physical activity routines a litter from more than one father it may not a. Having completed their physical development different times youll get a dog in Michigan are! Cat heat is sunlight hand, have been born before the six-month mark them being by. Deterrent at Chewy to carry their new kittens, the mother and father will kill kittens because the grief the... Isnt good for them and is likely to hurt them if they scared... How many kittens cats can only begin to have kittens feeder your shopping research is done for you theyve the. Think that keeping your kitten safe from tomcats is as simple as keeping apart..., sexual aggression and urine marking aggression is focused on other felines, it only..., at what age are kittens safe from tomcats bundle of joy will discover her independence well before the six-month mark dominant males have also been caring... For mating or is on heat does attack a kitten to ensure their safety with. Kittens can still be vulnerable until they reach maturity at around 1 year of age if you have two that... Joy will discover her independence well before the six-month mark grown by 1 year of age a Comprehensive Guide can. Toms will kill kittens, we need to be violent against one of the kittens never! Can appear fierce during playtime physically and mentally keep them safe is also likely hurt. To know about a cat repellent, theyre toxic to cats, on the breed or the puppys individual.. Worried about the safety of your kittens around tomcats he & # ;... Lengths to keep your kitten safe from tomcats at about four to six weeks of age kittens because grief.