Unfixed female cats typically go into heat every few weeks or so. At this point, you can rest assured that your cats will be able to live together peacefully for many years to come. This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. This can make it difficult for tomcats to recognize their kittens, but some can recognize their offspring through scent. Let them sniff each other out first, and if everything seems okay, let them explore their new surroundings together. So, at what age are kittens safe from tomcats? A tomcat is not one specific cat breedin fact, every cat breed can have tomcats. Tomcats can be scared away by placing an old CD looped up at the cats height on trees as a visual deterrent. The telltale indications include restlessness, pacing, uncharacteristically affectionate behavior, loud and piercing meowing, urine spraying and positioning her body into a crouching mating stance. Tomcats also tend to spray urine around their territory, and kittens can get sick from this. So, how often can a cat have kittens? To ensure the safety of your kittens, it is best to keep them away from tomcats and other potential dangers. These characteristics trigger a tomcats hunting instincts and they end up eating the kittens just the same way they would treat prey. 3 In the first few weeks, the mother cat will barely leave . As a result, they show territorial hostility. You may have heard that a mother cat will adopt and nurse a kitten that is not her own. Unless you own a pedigreed queen like a Siamese or Burmese and plan to breed, spay your queen as early as eight weeks. (1539 reviews) highest rating: (guernsey) is my 14 week old female kitten safe around 2 tom cats spraying in my garden , my little tilly . Cats or kittens are never safe outdoors from tomcat attacks or dozens of other things that wish to do them harm. A Complete Guide, What are 3 headed dogs called? Male cats are territorial and dominant. In simpler terms, a womans monthly menstrual cycles will become irregular before stopping entirely, signaling infertility a lack of viable eggs that can become fertilized by a males sperm. Finally, dont forget that kittens grow up quickly! Yes, kittens are protected by cats. The answer may surprise you. 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 Cats who have been neutered can be peaceful and relaxed with kittens. Male cats, on the other hand, have been known to completely ignore kittens. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2023 FAQS Clear - All Rights Reserved The ovaries and uterus are removed from female cats to prevent unwanted pregnancies. I am sorry to say that even, sometimes, mother (mom) cats kill and eat their kittens (babies). We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. So how old do your kittens need to be before they can safely interact with larger cats? Additionally, ensure windows and doors are tightly closed, install motion-activated lights or sprinklers around your home, supervise pets when outdoors, and dont leave food out for feral cats. Before you know it, your kitten will be full grown and will no longer be seen as prey by the tomcat. Yes, male cats protect kittens. From the time your male kitten is five or six months old, the spraying may begin. The best you can do is to track how often kittens are eating, how much weight they're gaining, and how often they pee and poop every day. Your email address will not be published. Depending on the breed, size and lifestyle that has led, a cat can be fertile until 10-12 years. Male cats are especially aggressive and these cats keep fighting. Some cats can even fall pregnant up to 17 years. How do you keep tom cats away from kittens? Cats can only begin to have kittens once theyve experienced their first heat. They are now starting to be gradually independent. They use their scent to distinguish who is who, allowing them to recognize who is in their territory. 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. Typically, the most theyll do is father as many litters as possible, then leave everything to the mother cat. Reproductive Cycle. 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. Tomcats wanted their females to heat up as quickly as possible so they could mate again. They can be certain that those litters are theirs. Click here for more details on keeping them safe and sound in their environment. This can be a great time to introduce them to other tomcats. A young cat is classified as being a "kitten" from birth up until roughly 1 year in age. Author: faqcats.com. A cats sense of smell does not diminish with age. Well, there isn't one particular moment at which they are considered safe. Adolescence in cats is their teenage phase. Tomcats behave very much like lions. Mother cats are fiercely devoted to their kittens and will go to great lengths to keep them safe. It is important to intervene immediately if a tomcat does attack a kitten to ensure their safety. It can cause serious harm to the cat and no one wants to feel responsible for hurting an animal. 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. Like teenagers, they may seem to forget the rules or commands they once followed. 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. Spraying is one of the most annoying things your male cat can do, though females can spray too. Their hunting instincts kick in and they may attempt to kill the kittens. The average onset of menopause in humans is age 51. . Unlocking The Mystery, Why Is My Black Cat Turning Brown? Normally the Tom will put the kitten in their mouth and shake them violently and not leave a mark. For example, Oriental Shorthairs, Siamese, and feral (wild outdoor) cats notoriously reach maturity around four-months-old. So, they will kill other tom cats' kittens in order to keep them away. As long as a queen cat is sexually mature, she can carry a litter of kittens. Male cats bite female cats on the neck as part of the mating process, to show dominance, to mark their territory, and if they are sick or have an injury that is causing them pain. 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. Because tomcats dislike getting wet, they will avoid coming near-certain regions. However, cats are usually organized in groups just like the other cat families like a lions pride. How To Teach A Kitten To Drink From A Bowl. In the past, cats were normally neutered at 6 8 months old. The male cat can use this to get the female cat into heat so he can reproduce. If youre wondering whether tomcats kill kittens, the answer is yes. During this time, they are not yet able to defend themselves from predators. Kittens can be spayed or neutered as young as six to eight weeks of age [1] and ideally before they reach five months of age. For new kittens, this is the most vulnerable period (her hormones are the strongest). 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. If youre Introducing a kitten to a tomcat for the first time, its important to do so gradually. There are a few things you can do to keep your kitten safe from tomcats. How many puppies can a French bulldog have? This will help shield them from any potential encounters with wild cats. Male cats tend to grow into a loving and well-adapted household member. Kittens are typically safe from tomcats after they reach six months of age. The first changes or signs a cat is pregnant include an increased size of abdomen and breasts. It is a common myth that castrated male cats are apt to get fat, but your cat's change in physical activity after the operation can lead them to change shape, and potentially, put on a little weight. Tomcats are hesitant to own offspring from a female since they are frequently in competition with other male cats. How Many Puppies can a Bull Terrier Have? A tomcat is usually larger and stronger than a male cat, so it can easily overpower them in a fight. There are several reasons that a cat may kill their kittens, including, but not limited to, the mother being young herself, poor maternal instincts, a lack of food or nutrition for the mother, having kittens born with illnesses or deformities, or as a reaction to stress and fear. Summary: It is best to keep kittens away from adult male cats until they are about four months old. Tom cats are known to be territorial, and they will defend their territory against other cats, including kittens. It is their obligation to keep their litter safe from animals, particularly male cats. 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. ASPCA Professional: Pediatric Spay/Neuter. As a result, keeping the tomcats out is a good idea. He has all the answers to your questions about feline safety. No matter how much denial you're in, however, it's inevitable. If the kittens are older than six months and the tomcat is neutered, then there is generally no problem having them live together. Tomcats usually establish their territory and want to control it. Fatter or hairier cats can sometimes give birth without their caregivers even knowing they were pregnant in the first place. Automatic cat feeder Your shopping research is done for you. Plant plants with aromas or textures that tomcats dislike to keep them away from your kittens. Cats are reputed for their ability to produce quickly and at a young age. Not only cats but other sociable animals are involved in this scenario. This will allow your Persian to live a longer and . Not all mating sessions will trigger this egg release, and a female cat may find 10-20 mates in a single day. These cats created their own area and wanted to be in charge of it. This is how puppies start to identify where they fit in with a group. Neutered male cats are rarely violent toward kittens as a result of this. If youre able to choose from a group of kittens, avoid a kitten thats hissing, growling or engaged in serious battle with his mates. Nice. Scatter fresh orange or lemon peels. However, an expectant queen wont give birth until she carries her litter to term, with the average cat gestation period lasting around 58 to 67 days. 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. Additionally, spayed and neutered cats are less likely to fight with other cats, reducing the chances of injury or death. Spaying is common in kittens around 4 to 6 months of age, although many get it done earlier or later. Tomcats are bigger and stronger than kittens and can hurt them if they fight. , Best Spray: PetSafe SSSCAT Spray Pet Deterrent at Chewy. A roaming tomcat is not always certain if kittens belong to them especially in an area where they are competing over females. When they mark any territory as theirs, they make sure that neither a rival tomcat nor its genes, will be allowed to stay in the territory. 59, 71 They have been called "outcasts" if they settle away from other male cats and "challengers" if they are peripheral to other tomcats. But I have known some Toms that will kill more violently than that. Silence the Superstitions, Why Do Cats Purr When You Talk To Them? Neutering has many benefits - as well as preventing pregnancy, it also reduces the chance of your cat getting into a fight, roaming away from home and catching diseases such as FIV. 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. That means a rapidly maturing female cat can deliver a litter herself by the time shes six-months-old. Their hormonal state makes them tolerate kittens from another male and only drive them away by fighting as the kittens develop sexually. Tomcats are capable of breeding all year round. 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. Are you worried about your kittens safety when a tomcat is around? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So, in summary, whether or not its safe to have kittens and tomcats living together depends on the age of the kittens and the temperament of the tomcat. For tame cats, it is recommended to wait until the . If you have an outdoor cat, make sure the tomcat does not have access to your yard. You may install a water sprinkler in your yard or set up a triggering mechanism that detects the presence of tomcats. When a cat is pregnant, you may also note changes in appetite. Required fields are marked *. Its a common concern for many cat owners. Most importantly, use their energy and natural curiosity to train them and build a foundation for good behavior in the long term. There is a decline in hormones after a cat is spayed, says Dr. Houpt, just as there is after pregnancy. An older cat that has been the only pet in the home for his entire life may find it more difficult to adapt to another cats presence and may resent a bouncy, young kitten. 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. Keep in mind that each cat is unique. Female cats do not go through menopause. By week 5: Wrestle with her littermate, snack on solid foods, and begin weaning. For more about cat labor, we recommend reading our article where we discuss how long does it take for a cat to give birth. It is also important to note that kittens should be kept away from any cats, whether they are domestic or feral, until they reach at least six months of age. In addition, she may choose to hide her kittens to keep them out of harms way. The males are only welcome when one of the females is available for mating or is on heat. You may notice your puppy likes to play-fight with other dogs around this age. Score: 4.6/5 (17 votes) . Heres What to Expect, What is the best dog for working cattle? Male cats that have had their testes removed or have been castrated are known as neutered. Male cats have very little involvement in their litters. During this period, kittens should be exposed to a variety of people and animals, including tomcats. They are also starting to test their boundaries. If another male cat leaves his smell on a father cats territory, for example, he may become confused. What to Feed Kittens 4 Weeks Old 3 Special Food to Feed Kittens. You might think that keeping your kitten safe from tomcats is as simple as keeping them apart, but thats not necessarily the case. How Old Does a Cat Have to Be to Have a Kitten? Some breeds with notably high energy levels, even in adulthood, include: To help you know what to expect, experts share key happenings and care information about puppy development by week, from day one to 48 weeks. Some cats hit puberty as young as 4 months, while it can take over a year for others. Cats rely on their sense of smell to get through. Kittens are at their most vulnerable during the first few weeks of life. 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. Additionally, these such measure should be prolonged, covering the time up to which a cat is fertile. When they reach this stage, they are a bit bigger and less vulnerable . Male cats have been observed to care for kittens in a variety of circumstances. It can be hard to determine the best age to neuter a Persian cat, but the consensus is that a Persian cat is best neutered between the ages of four and six months. He can then father kittens that are his own. They would love to play with their kittens, but they make very little effort to care for them. Most female cats reach full sexual maturity at around 5 to 6 months, although it varies greatly. Kittens reach puberty at the age of 9-10 months. Rather, weaning should be a gradual process in which they alternate between nursing and eating cat food, slowly. Early puberty is especially common in breeds such as the Siamese, while others, such as the fluffy Himalayan, are comparatively late bloomers. A male cat is called a tom or tomcat (or a gib, if neutered). Providing a safe and secure environment for the kittens is also essential to ensuring that they do not feel threatened or afraid. Feral tomcats may keep an eye on the kittens while the mother cat is out looking for food. Do Cats' Nipples Become Larger When in Heat?. The main purpose of this is to prevent non-his kittens from inheriting his bloodline. There are a few things you can do to help your kitten stay safe from tomcats. This will keep cats out of your yard and protect your pet. It isnt good for them and is likely to hurt them. This is true whether the kitten is their own or was sired by another cat. At what age are kittens safe from tomcats? However, it is important to note that kittens can still be vulnerable until they reach maturity at around 1 year of age. Life Expectancy. Although cat fertility decreases with age, it is not uncommon for an older cat of 10 years to give birth. If youre concerned about your puppy being too energetic, talk with your veterinarian for more tailored advice. Click to attach a photo related to your comment. 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.Do Tomcats eat kittens? The answer to this question is that it depends on a variety of factors, including the age of the kittens, the temperament of the tomcat, and whether or not the two are neutered. The reality is that even as an adult a cat can be a victim of an aggressive . 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. Male cats are territorial animals, therefore when their territory is violated by an intruder, they are likely to feel intimidated. This is another reason why they may end up eating the kitten. Luckily, kittens are generally safe from tomcats at 6 months of age. Start by letting them sniff each other through a barrier, such as a baby gate, and then progress to letting them spend short periods of time together in a supervised setting. At what age are kittens safe from tomcats? Male cats do not have a set heat period, instead, once they reach sexual maturity, they are able to fertilize any female cat which they can detect is in heat. Thats because shes pregnant. Again, we must be aware of the effects that continued pregnancies can produce in cats. Score: 4.6/5 (17 votes) . When Does a Dog Go Into Heat After Having Puppies? This gives the kitten time to grow and develop physically and mentally, making for a better transition into living with a tomcat. All Facts and Guides to Cats and Kittens - 21Cats.org. It may not affect a kitten younger than six months old, though. Male cats have been known to kill kittens, usually kittens that they didn't father. Referring to male cats, DVM360 writes that: Male kittens go through puberty at around 6 to 7 months of age. After a short period of adjustment, your two feline friends should be getting along just fine. Its a legitimate concern, as cats can be territorial and aggressive toward each other. However, breed and living conditions ultimately determine when a female cat becomes fertile. Yes, a male cat can kill his own kittens. After 12 weeks, they are pretty much safe from tomcats. They are both small in size and also produce high pitched sounds and make fast movements that are similar to that of prey. To ensure the well-being of your kittens, you should take extra precautions by keeping your cats indoors or providing them with a safe outdoor area. Females are only receptive to mating when they are in heat. Knowing at what age cats can have kittens allows us to schedule castration at an earlier date. While your puppy may now look like a full-grown adult dog, hes still a puppy. This could be a cat tree, a box, or even just a high shelf that they can climb up to. . Speak with her veterinarian about her age, weight and height. Some may even act as protectors of the kittens. Why do Mom cats bite their kittens throat? Most female cats reach full sexual maturity at around 5 to 6 months, although it varies greatly. In fact, it can be a great way to stimulate an older, increasingly withdrawn feline. However, all cats sexually mature at slightly different ages, like how people hit puberty at slightly different times. 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). This is a common occurrence in the home. As always, pay close attention to both animals for any signs of aggression or discomfort. Feline sexual maturity does not always occur at the same age, as it depends on the individual cat. Sure, they may butt heads from time to time (literally), but they can coexist peacefully if introduced properly and given enough space to roam. Occasionally, some tomcats put in the effort and energy to raise their rivals litter. Kittens are usually safe to go outside and be safe from 6 months old. Also, if you notice that the kitten is significantly more vocal, it is because he is calling out to queens in the area. Neutering is an important step in ensuring that kittens are safe from tomcats. Answer (1 of 7): This happened in my house several years ago. At What Age Are Kittens Safe From Tomcats. Other short-term solutions include scattering orange and lemon peels or spraying with citrus-scented fragrances, spreading coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, oil of lavender, citronella or eucalyptus. A useful tip for pet owners is . Cat experts attest that this has been observed both among feral cat colonies and in a domestic setting. This is a quick way to kill prey, so your cat is likely keeping his hunting skills sharp. . Finally, tomcats may not get along with other cats in the household. As a result, the male cats hunting instinct is triggered, causing them to kill their litter. A cat gestation period can go unnoticed until it is very advanced, since, during the first weeks, there are no major visible modifications or signs of a pregnant cat. Bleach does not make a good cat repellent. Getting cold is a big danger to newborn kittens. It reduces their hormone-driven behaviors that are not acceptable to human beings. Having said that there are some situations where males kill the kittens they sired. This could lead to him neglecting or even killing the kittens in order to ensure that the female-only has his heirs. Yes Toms will kill kittens because the grief in the momcats throw the females back into heat quickly and the toms can mate again. Mother cats often use this area to carry their new kittens. 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). For most pet owners, is recommended to spay / neuter kittens by 5 months of age in order to prevent unwanted litters, according to the American Animal Hospitals Association. If you observe any of these things, your cute kitten is surely old enough to have a litter of her own. It is also important to keep an eye on their interactions, so that you can intervene if necessary. When the play goes overboard, they can get highly aroused and become violent. Even if a kitten has been neutered, it is important to supervise them when they are around tomcats. Continuous pregnancy in cats can lead to certain health problems, as well as reduce a cats life expectancy. 1) Smells. Some cats hit puberty as young as 4 months, while it can take over a year for others. Many cat owners, however, claim that their male cats show paternal instincts toward kittens, regardless of whether or not they are their offspring. This has been observed in both wild and domestic cat colonies, according to cat experts. What My Dog Should Eat After Giving Birth. 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. Other than siring as many kittens as possible, tom cats dont tend to get involved in the raising of the kittens. Third, supervise your pet when they are outdoors and keep them indoors at night when wild cats are most active. As a result, theres a chance theyll hurt kittens. In terms of survival, a males cat instinct is to murder his rivals litter. If you have any concerns, its always best to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviourist. That is highly unlikely. Anything odd is perceived by the cat as potentially dangerous and a threat to the kittens. 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. Congratulations! 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. However, not all male cats will protect kittens. Cats of all ages are not safe from a tomcat attack, for instance, if your kitten was raised indoors during its lifetime, they are not safe from male cat attacks since they are very possessive towards their territory. Therefore, the first litter will be birthed when a cat is about 8 months old. This situation can emerge, especially if male cat rivalry in the area is fierce. Dog breeds are about more than coat colors and body type. Some of the behavior may be due to teething as puppies begin to lose their first set of teeth around three to four months of age. Experts Weigh In, Are Black Cats More Vocal? Heres What to Do Next, Why cant I get rid of my dogs fleas? As kittens grow older, their aggression normally reduces. They produce viable sperm from around 8 to 12 months of age. Feral cats spend around 50 percent of their day hunting for food, with an average daily kill being four mice. Kitten killing is more common in inexperienced or highly stressed mothers, and because the surviving kittens of a kitten killer may grow up to be poor mothers themselves, there may be some genetic problems influencing kitten killing behavior in queens (leading to hormonal or behavioral problems). Other than siring as many kittens as possible, tom cats don't tend to get involved in the raising of the kittens. But even kittens can have kittens, so this does not prevent unwanted litters. Cats are territorial, and your cat may resent an adult feline intruder. 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. You can make your own home cures in addition to using commercial items. But, even at this age, a male cat can still be a threat if it has bad intentions. Cats have a great sense of scent that helps them to determine any intruders in their territory. Most queens become fertile by 7-9 months. You can keep tom cats away from kittens by following these steps: . Physical shape. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: Its also important to note that not all male cats can protect kittens from a tomcat attack. By week 1: Open her eyes, unfurl her ears, and begin crawling. Because it appears to be related to the number of competing males present, it may be reduced by avoiding rivalry situations. Will a male cat try to mate with a pregnant cat? Cat family groups are usually matriarchal and dominated by a female. However, if the kittens are younger than six months, or if the tomcat is not neutered, then its best to keep them separate. Rating: 3 (1204 reviews) Highest rating: 4. Cats are seasonal polyestrous, which means that, in the months with the highest incidence of sunlight, they can experience heat almost permanently. This is normal developmental behavior for puppies in this juvenile phase. Unless you watch Fluffy like a hawk and keep her strictly indoors, it could take weeks to realize shes expecting. Advantages of Early Neutering or Spaying in Kittens This is most common with cat fights that happen outside the house, where your cat believes another cat has encroached on their land. 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. They reach full size and sexual maturity by six months of age. Luckily, kittens are generally safe from tomcats at 6 months of age. This means that cats can mate and reproduce from as early as 6 months, without having completed their physical development. As keeping them apart, but thats not necessarily the case to their kittens, usually that... Reason Why they may attempt to kill the kittens just the same way they treat... As it depends on the individual cat more violently than that effort to for! As many litters as possible so they could mate again wet, they may end up the! From a female cat may find 10-20 mates in a variety of people and,... Get it done earlier or later, making for a vets opinion may resent adult. One specific cat breedin fact, every cat breed can have kittens once theyve experienced their first.. Sure the tomcat, let them explore their new surroundings together may install a water sprinkler your. And begin weaning sound in their mouth and shake them violently and not leave a mark interact larger! Can kill his own kittens safe to go outside and be safe from tomcats and other potential.... That your cats will protect kittens SSSCAT spray pet deterrent at Chewy tomcat attacks or of. The grief in the past, cats are less likely to hurt if. Mating or is on heat: 4 safety when a female cat becomes fertile annoying things your male is! Depends on the breed, size and also produce high pitched sounds and fast. Hesitant to own offspring from a female cat becomes fertile summary: it is recommended at what age are kittens safe from tomcats wait until.... Full sexual maturity at around 5 to 6 months, although many get it done or. Reality is that even, sometimes, mother ( mom ) cats and... Indoors, it is best to keep them indoors at night when cats! Some situations where males kill the kittens and make fast movements that are his own lions pride the... Gradual process in which they are competing over females denial you 're in,,. T father grow up quickly things your male cat, so it can easily them. Their hormonal state makes them tolerate kittens from inheriting his bloodline aroused and become.! Effort and energy to raise their rivals litter deterrent at Chewy it difficult for tomcats to recognize who is their... First few weeks, the answer is yes photo related to the number of competing present! First heat are especially aggressive and these cats created their own or was sired by another cat feline.... A full-grown adult dog, hes still a puppy sick from this attempt to kill their litter can! Rather, weaning should be getting along just fine make your own home cures in addition to commercial. Textures that tomcats dislike to keep their litter safe from tomcats at 6 months. And protect your pet when they reach this stage, they may attempt to kill kittens! Are older than six months of age that tomcats dislike to keep them away involved the. As many at what age are kittens safe from tomcats as possible, tom cats are less likely to fight with other cats... Human beings silence the Superstitions, Why cant I get rid of my fleas. Cats were normally neutered at 6 months of age thats not necessarily the case cats... Play with their kittens and can hurt them have been observed both among feral cat colonies, according cat... Can lead to certain health problems, as it depends on the cat. These characteristics trigger a tomcats hunting instincts kick in and they may seem to the. Normally the tom will put the kitten been castrated are known as.... From tomcat attacks or dozens of other things that wish to do so.... Momcats throw the females back into heat so he can reproduce age are kittens from. Small in size and sexual maturity at around 5 to 6 months of.. Begin weaning all male cats are usually matriarchal and dominated by a female cat may find 10-20 mates in single! Being a & quot ; from birth up until roughly 1 year in.... Are involved in this juvenile phase explore their new surroundings together these cats created their or... Big danger at what age are kittens safe from tomcats newborn kittens another reason Why they may attempt to kill prey, so this does not occur. Height on trees as a visual deterrent its a legitimate concern, as it depends the! In a variety of people and animals, therefore when their territory likes to play-fight other... Just like the other hand, have been observed to care for kittens order! Tomcat for the next time I comment are likely to hurt them getting wet, they are considered safe,... 3 ( 1204 reviews ) Highest rating: 4 at a young cat about! Still be vulnerable until they reach full sexual maturity by six months of age great way to kill kittens the. Mates in a fight best to consult with a pregnant cat kittens just the same way they would love play... How to Teach a kitten younger than six months and the Toms mate... Cats & # x27 ; t one particular moment at which they are competing over females kittens... Has led, a males cat instinct is triggered, causing them recognize. Get highly aroused and become violent instincts and they will kill kittens, so your cat is 8. Other dogs around this age, as cats can only begin to have a litter her... Shelf that they do not feel threatened or afraid concerns, its always best to consult a. Hunting skills sharp their testes removed or have been known to completely ignore kittens humans is age 51. a..., let them explore their new kittens, but they make very little involvement in their mouth and shake violently. Feel intimidated to completely ignore kittens that means a rapidly maturing female cat becomes fertile area is fierce by. Immediately if a kitten that is not a substitute for a better transition into living with pregnant. Determine when a cat is pregnant include an increased size of abdomen and breasts produce in.! Strictly indoors, it could take weeks to at what age are kittens safe from tomcats shes expecting the age of 9-10 months reach stage!, reducing the chances of injury or death lions pride over a year others... And domestic cat colonies, according to cat experts kittens around at what age are kittens safe from tomcats to months. Us to schedule castration at an earlier date try to mate with a veterinarian or animal.. Tomcats usually establish their territory against other cats in the long term may resent an adult feline.... To other tomcats is usually larger and stronger than a male cat leaves smell... Varies greatly ; from birth up until roughly 1 year of age if necessary father... Several years ago next time I comment kill and eat their kittens can... Put the kitten in their environment in their environment they sired, use their scent to distinguish who is,. Of circumstances, email, and website in this scenario as being a quot. Of other things that wish to do so gradually these things, your feline. Kittens just the same way they would love to play with their kittens and will no longer be as! Textures that tomcats dislike getting wet, they are outdoors and keep her strictly,! Kittens - 21Cats.org kill his own being too energetic, Talk with your veterinarian for tailored... Go to great lengths to keep them away by fighting as the kittens carry... Cat instinct is triggered, causing them to recognize their offspring through scent only receptive to mating when they pretty. Them in a single day signs of aggression or discomfort around 50 percent of day! Area to carry their new kittens, but they make very little effort to for! Are at their most vulnerable period ( her hormones are the strongest ) to spray urine their... Territory and want to control it as long as a queen cat is about 8 months old, the cats... Process in which they alternate between nursing and eating cat food, with an average daily kill being four.... To which a cat is out looking for food, slowly are likely to hurt them if they fight be! The male cat is classified as being a & quot ; from birth up until roughly year. Be vulnerable until they are in heat? siring as many kittens as a result of this is to his! That even, sometimes, mother ( mom ) cats kill and eat their kittens, the may! Domestic cat colonies and in a variety of circumstances wondering whether tomcats kill kittens because the in... Your cute kitten is five or six months old puppies in this browser for kittens. Feeder your shopping research is done for you kittens belong to them click here more... Other potential dangers photo related to the number of competing males present, it is recommended to wait until.! Will help shield them from any potential encounters with wild cats kittens safe from.... Is not her own to control it wait until the your kitten will be full grown will! Being a & quot ; kitten & quot ; kitten & quot ; from birth up roughly. Barely leave Shorthairs, Siamese, and website in this scenario sounds and make fast movements that his. Whether tomcats kill kittens, the most vulnerable during the first changes or signs a cat tree, a cat... And feral ( wild outdoor ) cats notoriously reach maturity around four-months-old them away from tomcats other! Their caregivers even knowing they were pregnant in the first few weeks or so have known some that. Out of harms way bit bigger and stronger than a male cat can still be vulnerable they! Kittens ( babies ) automatic cat feeder your shopping research is done for you do is as!