Spraying is one of the most annoying things your male cat can do, though females can spray too. Its possible that youll want to spray it on your doors and windows. Many cat owners, however, claim that their male cats show paternal instincts toward kittens, regardless of whether or not they are their offspring. This is a common occurrence in the home. Kittens are at their most vulnerable during the first few weeks of life. You will go through at What age are kittens safe from tomcats and Why do cats eat their kittens after birth? If a tomcat gets the scent of a rival tomcat he may decide the kittens belong to the visiting tomcat. Moreover, if you have a mother cat with her litter of kittens, she will usually be able to shield them from potential threats. To learn about what age cats can have kittens, read on. For tame cats, it is recommended to wait until the . For more, read everything to know about a cat in heat. The telltale indications include restlessness, pacing, uncharacteristically affectionate behavior, loud and piercing meowing, urine spraying and positioning her body into a crouching mating stance. Speak with her veterinarian about her age, weight and height. Fortunately, the domestic cat is adaptable enough that happy families usually prevail. For more about cat pregnancy and the timeline of cat pregnancy, read about how to tell if a cat is pregnant and how long are cats pregnant for. Since then he has decided to write helpful articles that will help you become a better backyard farmer and know what to do. Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. Male kitten-killing behavior is most often due to their highly competitive natures, which have been modified by selective breeding but have not been completely eliminated because it is part of the male instinct. As a result, he will be able to produce kittens. Well, there isn't one particular moment at which they are considered safe. 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. If you do happen to spot a tomcat in the area, make sure you stay vigilant and keep an eye on your kittens at all times for their protection. But even kittens can have kittens, so this does not prevent unwanted litters. The average age of heats in cats, however, is 6 months for female cats (which can oscillate) or 9 months in male cats. Feline sexual maturity does not always occur at the same age, as it depends on the individual cat. . A tomcat can be attracted to a nursing female cat due to her hormonal state. Automatic-Catfeeder.com is part of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Because tomcats dislike getting wet, they will avoid coming near-certain regions. The key to keeping your kitten safe from tomcats is to make sure that theyre introduced slowly and carefully. If a female cat, her mate, and all resulting offspring deliver two, 2.8-kitten litters a year, heres how many cats that snowballs into within the next nine years: The half-year mark for kittens is full of milestones sporting permanent teeth, growing into her lean torso, and reaching sexual maturity. However, the only hormone that is being lowered is their sexual hormone. Although some father cats may be completely harmless around their newborn kittens, it may be smart to keep them away, just for cautions sake. 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. How Many Puppies can a Bull Terrier Have? . The first changes or signs a cat is pregnant include an increased size of abdomen and breasts. You may have heard that a mother cat will adopt and nurse a kitten that is not her own. Tomcats are bigger and stronger than kittens and can hurt them if they fight. 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. You never know how he'll react. They produce viable sperm from around 8 to 12 months of age. Click here for more details on keeping them safe and sound in their environment. The average onset of menopause in humans is age 51. At what age are kittens safe from tomcats? To stop your female cat from having kittens, she'll need to have a simple operation known as 'spaying' before she turns four months old. Qualifying sales earn us a small commission from Amazon. Its a legitimate concern, as cats can be territorial and aggressive toward each other. This is another reason why they may end up eating the kitten. If you have any concerns, its always best to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviourist. They use their scent to distinguish who is who, allowing them to recognize who is in their territory. Tom cats are known for killing kittens. Tomcats have a reputation for being territorial. Kittens grow up, and fast. This establishment of territory may include killing any kittens which may have been fathered by another male cat and have the genetic makeup of the rival male. This is expected behavior. By week 12: Begin losing her baby teeth one-by-one and reveal her adult eye color. These characteristics trigger a tomcats hunting instincts and they end up eating the kittens just the same way they would treat prey. It's important to act swiftly to discourage that behavior. Each of these reasons is sad to think about, but if you have a . The main factor which influences cat heat is sunlight. However, consult your veterinarian first before intentionally allowing your queen to become pregnant. After a short period of adjustment, your two feline friends should be getting along just fine. So not only are you protecting other kittens in your neighborhood by spaying or neutering your pet, but youre also protecting their offspring as well. They may also be more apt to defend their offspring, as well as those of other breeds. However, breed and living conditions ultimately determine when a female cat becomes fertile. 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. Queens are dominated by feline protective aggressiveness for the first three to four weeks after the kittens are born. Sometimes a mother cat may have another female (usually her mother or daughter) who she totally trusts with newborn or very young kittens. This will help reduce the risk of contact with wild cats. So how old do your kittens need to be before they can safely interact with larger cats? Cats of any age can enjoy catnip. 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. 71 Male cats are generally regarded as polygamous, fertile, and sexually active throughout the year; however, studies indicate that . 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. Some cats hit puberty as young as 4 months, while it can take over a year for others. Are you worried about your kittens safety when a tomcat is around? Thats why its essential to make sure your puppy still gets plenty of structured play and exercise. Are you a pet owner looking for ways to protect your furry friends? Before you know it, your kitten will be full grown and will no longer be seen as prey by the tomcat. Causes and Solutions. Try to safely introduce the male to the new family addition - even if he is the father. Therefore, the best way to know whether your cat is sexually mature is to look for signs of heat. Male cats will only kill and devour their kittens if they are severely malnourished. At this age, you might see bursts of puppy energy levels and continued boundary testing. Most cats can be neutered at 4 months old. However, it isn't because male cats are cruel, evil creatures. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Feral tomcats may keep an eye on the kittens while the mother cat is out looking for food. There is another criterion for the surgery, however. Required fields are marked *. Kittens are safe from tomcats at about four to eight weeks of age. He also loves to play tennis and read books. A male cat is also likely to be violent against one of the familys cats. Take a look at our reviews of Cat Calming Sprays and Dewormers For Cats for more options. Sure, they may butt heads from time to time (literally), but they can coexist peacefully if introduced properly and given enough space to roam. 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. However, cats are usually organized in groups just like the other cat families like a lions pride. Neutering is an important step in ensuring that kittens are safe from tomcats. 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. Finally, dont forget that kittens grow up quickly! Yes, male cats protect kittens. If you are worried that your cat is old enough to have kittens -- especially if she goes outdoors a lot -- spare yourself the grief and get her spayed immediately. So, it is clear that mother cats are incredibly protective of their young and will go above and beyond to keep them safe from potential danger. Castrating cats involves the removal of the testicles in male cats and the uterus and ovaries in females. This part of the throat, on the other hand, is nothing to be worried about. Male cats, on the other hand, have been known to completely ignore kittens. Some may even act as protectors of the kittens. I am sorry to say that even, sometimes, mother (mom) cats kill and eat their kittens (babies). Kittens must be socialized to be comfortable around other cats, including tomcats. At What Age Are Kittens Safe From Tomcats. 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. 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