Why is my cat attacking her kittens?

All mothers have instincts to protect their offspring from potential danger. Maternal aggression can occur when a mother cat (called the queen) with her kittens is approached by people or other animals whom she perceives as a threat. It’s more often directed and other cats, but it can be directed toward people, too.

Why is my cat suddenly aggressive towards my other cat?

Some of the underlying non-medical causes for aggression between cats in the same household include fear, lack of socialisation, inappropriate introduction of a new cat, overcrowding (i.e. not enough vertical or horizontal space, too few resources etc), redirected aggression, play and predation.

Is it normal for a mother cat to hiss at her kittens?

Some cats may instinctively hiss or act assertively when you introduce a new kitten, so you’ll need to offer lots of reassurance and extra attention. If your cat is frequently hissing at your kitten, keep meetings short and brief, using a FELIWAY Diffuser to help them remain comfortable and calm.

Is it normal for a pregnant cat to be aggressive?

Will my cat’s behavior change during pregnancy? During pregnancy, the cat’s behavior alters very little, although some cats become more loving, and a few become aggressive. During the final week, the queen may search for a suitable kittening bed or nest.

Why is my cat biting her newborn kittens?

Her aggression is meant to protect her kittens and can be directed at humans, other animals, or other cats that come between a queen and her new litter of kittens. Male cats have been known to cannibalize kittens, so there is justification in the queen’s protective nature.

Why are my kittens so aggressive towards me?

Why Are Kittens Aggressive? 1 In kittens, most aggression is caused by fear or curiosity. 2 A kitten that’s protecting its “territory” from a perceived threat or interloper (such as a small child or another animal) also may become aggressive. 3 Of course, aggressive behavior may come from a mother cat protecting her kittens.

Why is my Singleton kitten so aggressive?

Owners are typical play aggression targets of singleton kittens. Nearly any type of movement, from walking to picking up an object, triggers the behavior. What begins as “play” can tip over into dangerous aggression, bites, and outright attacks when the kitten or cat becomes aroused.

Why does my cat attack me with its claws?

Either way, the cat is driven to use its claws and possibly its teeth to complete the attack. In kittens, most aggression is caused by fear or curiosity. In older cats, there may be other reasons for cat aggression and attacks, such as redirected aggression, or when a cat lashes out at its owner because it senses something is wrong.

Why does my cat keep fighting with other cats?

Why Cats Fight. Cat-on-cat fights can result from redirected aggression, play aggression, and fear aggression. Changes to the cat’s social group (addition or departure of a member) can prompt an increase in face-offs. Environmental changes, such as moving or rearranging cat furniture or feeding/bathroom stations, also can cause fights.