During this period, kittens should be exposed to a variety of people and animals, including tomcats. 10 Best Automatic Cat Water Fountain Reviews, Cat not Eating or Drinking for 3 days Here are the 7 Reasons, 5 Best Cat Claw Clippers and Nail Trimmer Reviews. This could be a cat tree, a box, or even just a high shelf that they can climb up to. During this time, they are not yet able to defend themselves from predators. When they reach this stage, they are a bit bigger and less vulnerable . Unless you own a pedigreed queen like a Siamese or Burmese and plan to breed, spay your queen as early as eight weeks. Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! The average age of heats in cats, however, is 6 months for female cats (which can oscillate) or 9 months in male cats. However, not all male cats will protect kittens. For more about cat neutering, we recommend reading: If you want to read similar articles to At What Age Can Cats Have Kittens?, we recommend you visit our Gestation category. 3. They would love to play with their kittens, but they make very little effort to care for them. Lavender has a pleasant scent for humans, but it is unpleasant for cats. Maternal aggression occurs when a queen (female cat) becomes particularly violent. Continuous pregnancy in cats can lead to certain health problems, as well as reduce a cats life expectancy. The males are only welcome when one of the females is available for mating or is on heat. Her rejection of the tomcat could cause it to be frustrated and attempt to mount her by force and the energy may break the neck of the kitten. Male cats are territorial animals, therefore when their territory is violated by an intruder, they are likely to feel intimidated. Please turn them over so that they are facing the wrong way. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'21cats_org-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-21cats_org-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Taking steps such as spaying or neutering your pet is a crucial part of protecting both other kittens in your neighborhood as well as your own pets. Tom cats are known to be territorial, and they will defend their territory against other cats, including kittens. That is highly unlikely. However, all cats sexually mature at slightly different ages, like how people hit puberty at slightly different times. They become gradually more independent as they reach eight weeks old, when their sense of sight and sound develops, and they start to move around a little more. Surprisingly, the oldest pregnant cat on-record was a 30-year-old feline named Kitty, who birthed two healthy kittens. Your Kittens are safe from the above situations once they gain weight up to 2 pounds or when a kitten is 8 to 12 weeks after the birth. If you encounter a feral tom cat, it is best to keep your distance and make sure your kittens are safe. Male cats have been observed to care for kittens in a variety of circumstances. It's important to act swiftly to discourage that behavior. These characteristics trigger a tomcats hunting instincts and they end up eating the kittens just the same way they would treat prey. With this information, you can rest assured that your kittens are safe from tomcats at the right age. Alex Kountry is the founder of HayFarmGuy and has been a backyard farmer for over 10 years. For more about cat labor, we recommend reading our article where we discuss how long does it take for a cat to give birth. This means that they may inadvertently hurt a kitten while playing. Male cats have been known to kill kittens, usually kittens that they didn't father. 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). The kitten should weigh not less than 2.2 lbs at the time of the surgery. When a cat is about to give birth, you will be able to feel the kittens moving when touching your cats abdomen. Are male cats aggressive towards kittens? Even if a kitten has been neutered, it is important to supervise them when they are around tomcats. Therefore, it is not only important to avoid unwanted pregnancies, but to choose the best contraceptive method for your cat, adapted to its individual health status. Some may even act as protectors of the kittens. Kittens are safe from tomcats at about four to eight weeks of age. Some cats hit puberty as young as 4 months, while it can take over a year for others. This is how puppies start to identify where they fit in with a group. As a result, he is motivated to assassinate them. Expect there to be some hissing and growling at first this is perfectly normal behavior as they are trying to establish dominance over each other. There are a few things you can do to keep your kitten safe from tomcats. This, however, might lead to a lot of misconceptions. The answer is often as simple as making sure they get lots of exercise and activities to tire them out physically and mentally. Experts Weigh In, Are Black Cats More Vocal? Yes, male cats protect kittens. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form. The telltale indications include restlessness, pacing, uncharacteristically affectionate behavior, loud and piercing meowing, urine spraying and positioning her body into a crouching mating stance. This is one of the most commonly recommended ways. Do Cats' Nipples Become Larger When in Heat?. Physical deterrents include metal or plastic wires, PVC piping on your fence, and other similar items. Do you still have any queries related to cats or want to share some experience with your feline friend, why don't you join us on Facebook with other cat lovers? While there isnt much reason for such behavior today, killing kittens is in males instincts. That means a rapidly maturing female cat can deliver a litter herself by the time shes six-months-old. At What Age Are Kittens Safe From Tomcats? So how old do your kittens need to be before they can safely interact with larger cats? Other than siring as many kittens as possible, tom cats don't tend to get involved in the raising of the kittens. All Facts and Guides to Cats and Kittens - 21Cats.org. . A tomcat can be attracted to a nursing female cat due to her hormonal state. Its understandable to be concerned, as feral cats are wild animals that can be dangerous. Most toms do not know how to change between these modes. Some puppies are more energetic than others, which can depend on the breed or the puppys individual personality. It is important to intervene immediately if a tomcat does attack a kitten to ensure their safety. Its not uncommon for kittens and tomcats to become friends, even when theyre from different litters. Click here for more details on keeping them safe and sound in their environment. This is completely FREE for you. You can keep tom cats away from kittens by following these steps: . , Best Outdoor: Natures Mace Cat Repellent at Naturesmace.com. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This will help shield them from any potential encounters with wild cats. Kittens should never be left alone with a tomcat, as they may not have the skills to defend themselves against an aggressive cat. Kittens should always be supervised when theyre around tomcats, and its important to keep an eye out for any signs of aggression from either animal. Shortly before giving birth, a cat in labor will appear restless, hide or stop eating. Its not uncommon for people to ask if its safe to have kittens and tomcats living together. I am sorry to say that even, sometimes, mother (mom) cats kill and eat their kittens (babies). Neutering or spaying If you want to deter your cat from starting to spray, you want to consider having them neutered or spayed before they reach sexual maturity at around 4 to 5 months of age or when your veterinarian recommends the procedure. Other than siring as many kittens as possible, tom cats dont tend to get involved in the raising of the kittens. Heres What to Do Next, Why cant I get rid of my dogs fleas? While a cat's body may look fully grown by 1 year, they are still maturing. He can then father kittens that are his own. When Does a Dog Go Into Heat After Having Puppies? Many people are concerned about letting their kittens outside for fear of them being attacked by tomcats. Scientifically dubbed the ovariohysterectomy, the spaying surgery in female cats removes both the uterus (the womb) and the ovaries (the egg storage unit). Humans, other animals, and other cats who come between a queen and her new litter of kittens to guard them are the targets of her wrath. Kittens and tomcats can start becoming friends as early as two months of age, but its best to wait until the kitten is at least four months old. It is their obligation to keep their litter safe from animals, particularly male cats. If the kittens find themselves in an unfamiliar environment or if the tom cat feels threatened, they can be at risk of attack. Its also important to note that not all male cats can protect kittens from a tomcat attack. But its only a matter of time before that pint-sized kitten discovers her independence and sets off on her first solo voyage. 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? At what age are kittens safe from tomcats? If the kittens are older than six months and the tomcat is neutered, then there is generally no problem having them live together. 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. Most queens become fertile by 7-9 months. Lastly, spayed and neutered cats are less likely to roam, meaning they will stay closer to home and be more available to protect their kittens if necessary. Author of Book: Secrets To Keep Your Cat Healthy There are instances when some breeders raise kittens with both the male and female around and they tend to develop benevolence as a result. When You Breathe In Your Diaphragm Does What? Mother cats often use this area to carry their new kittens. When introducing a kitten to a tomcat for the first time, its important to do so slowly and carefully. This is a quick way to kill prey, so your cat is likely keeping his hunting skills sharp. 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. When we have cats as domestic pets or even in feral situations we tend to think of them as solitary animals. The behavior of male cats to kittens sired by others varies. Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. The main factor which influences cat heat is sunlight. Domestic male cats as well as male cats in the wild arent known for their fathering skills. It may not affect a kitten younger than six months old, though. Normally the Tom will put the kitten in their mouth and shake them violently and not leave a mark. By this time, most kittens will have been spayed or neutered, which will help to reduce the risk of aggression. Like teenagers, they may seem to forget the rules or commands they once followed. It is also important to keep an eye on their interactions, so that you can intervene if necessary. A female cats hormones and fertility will follow these seasonal changes, too, thanks to her polyestrous nature (meaning shell cycle in and out of heat multiple times during the season). At what age are kittens safe from tomcats? How many puppies can a French bulldog have? Cats are ready to go to new homes at about 12 weeks of age, . Most kitten attacks usually happen at a time when the female is away from the nest as it has been seen commonly that any nesting female drives away any males that may try to attack. Male cats are more likely to mature into affectionate and well-adjusted members of the household. Cats can only begin to have kittens once theyve experienced their first heat. Male cats are especially aggressive and these cats keep fighting. At What Age Are Kittens Safe From Tomcats? Keep reading here at AnimalWised for more about cat mating, cat sterilization and at what age can cats have kittens. 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. How to Keep Your Kitten Safe From Tomcats. But when are kittens safe from tomcats? (1539 reviews) highest rating: (guernsey) is my 14 week old female kitten safe around 2 tom cats spraying in my garden , my little tilly . They are now starting to be gradually independent. This has been observed in both wild and domestic cat colonies, according to cat experts. Aside from that, texture and visual sorts of deterrents can be used. Here are some tips to help you do just that. If your new cat is a similar size to your resident kitty, or they are both males, their instincts may cause them to be aggressive. While tomcats can be any breed, shape, and color, they do all share similar physical characteristics, like a large, muscular build and a broad neck. By neutering your Persian cat, you will decrease undesirable behaviors, as well as the risk of certain infections and cancers. Even tomcats that are not aggressive can see kittens as prey because of their size and movement.