How to Keep Your Kitten Safe From Tomcats. Kittens must be socialized to be comfortable around other cats, including tomcats. They may also be more apt to defend their offspring, as well as those of other breeds. If a tom cat or other predator comes too close, a mother cat may fight it off with her claws and teeth. Toms like most other animals of prey have strong hunting instincts and once activated are hard to be switched off. 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). Again, exceptions do occur. A cat's heat cycles will continue for the rest of her life, enabling her to have kittens whether she's four months old during her first heat cycle or 17 years old and well into her senior years. They will react violently to the presence of kittens and can seriously harm or even kill them. You have two options that I know of - take the kitties inside, un. It doesnt change the reality that neutered male cats can still be violent when it comes to territorial issues. When Do Female Cats Stop Going Into Heat? Will a male cat try to mate with a pregnant cat? Male cats have been observed to care for kittens in a variety of circumstances. Yes, male cats protect kittens. The majority of domesticated male cats appearto be friendly. If a tomcat gets the scent of a rival tomcat he may decide the kittens belong to the visiting tomcat. Neutering should be done as soon as possible, usually before six months of age. Youll get a sense of which dog breeds are naturally energetic and which are more laid back. 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. Cannibalism of kittens by male cats has been documented. You can use coffee grinds that you have on hand. Keep in mind that each cat is unique. Cats are seasonal polyestrous, which means that, in the months with the highest incidence of sunlight, they can experience heat almost permanently. 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). As kittens grow older, their aggression normally reduces. They play with the kittens, groom them, and help the mother cat keep an eye on them. how long does it take for a cat to give birth. Author: faqcats.com. If you encounter a feral tom cat, it is best to keep your distance and make sure your kittens are safe. Increased affection (bunting and snuggling), Assuming the mating position (crying with rear-end elevated), Spraying to alert tomcats to her fertility (a message coded in her pheromones), Primary inertia during delivery (weak uterine contractions), Excess joint pressure, especially given the potential 4-pound (1.8-kg) weight gain, Avoiding that first (or future) heat cycles every 2-3 weeks, Lower risk for uterine and breast cancers (though this particular benefit plummets if you wait 2 years to spay), Improved behavioral outlook (less spraying, aggression, the whole gamut). 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. Low rated: 3. You can keep tom cats away from kittens by following these steps: . 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. This is most common with cat fights that happen outside the house, where your cat believes another cat has encroached on their land. They would love to play with their kittens, but they make very little effort to care for them. Some may be indifferent or even hostile toward them. It decreases their hormone-driven behaviors, which are unacceptably human. He also loves to play tennis and read books. Take coffee grounds and scatter them in areas where tomcats are known to congregate. This, however, might lead to a lot of misconceptions. Lemon thyme, pyrethrum, marigolds, lavender, and other herb plants are among them. If you have any questions, ask us in the comments section. Read on to find out! Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This could be a cat tree, a box, or even just a high shelf that they can climb up to. Causes and Solutions. However, feline pregnancy is not an exact science. 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. 59, 71 They have been called "outcasts" if they settle away from other male cats and "challengers" if they are peripheral to other tomcats. However, pregnancy can take a harsh physical toll on an aging cats increasingly fragile body. 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. Kittens are at their most vulnerable during their first few months of life. Most female cats reach full sexual maturity at around 5 to 6 months, although it varies greatly. Speak with her veterinarian about her age, weight and height. After a short period of adjustment, your two feline friends should be getting along just fine. Adolescence in cats is their teenage phase. 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. A tomcat is usually larger and stronger than a male cat, so it can easily overpower them in a fight. This happens to many other social animals too, few of the males will use their energy to raise the offspring of another male that is their rival. This has been observed in both wild and domestic cat colonies, according to cat experts. Are male cats aggressive towards kittens? Cats have a great sense of scent that helps them to determine any intruders in their territory. However, consult your veterinarian first before intentionally allowing your queen to become pregnant. Kittens appearto be vulnerable to a ferocious felines. (1539 reviews) highest rating: (guernsey) is my 14 week old female kitten safe around 2 tom cats spraying in my garden , my little tilly . Schedule an ovariohysterectomy before Fluffy returns home already-pregnant. Although cat fertility decreases with age, it is not uncommon for an older cat of 10 years to give birth. After the mating session ends, the female cats ovary will release an egg (induced ovulation) ready for fertilization. For more, read everything to know about a cat in heat. This will help ensure that your kitten has time to grow in strength and stature before being exposed to other cats. This type of behavior, however, is unusual, especially among domesticated animals. After 12 weeks, they are pretty much safe from tomcats. With time and patience, they will eventually work it out and become the best of friends! Make sure to just spray or apply this to the surfaces and not the cat. Its important to note that giving pills to cats to avoid heat has been linked to the appearance of breast tumors and is therefore not recommended in the long term. Other than siring as many kittens as possible, tom cats don't tend to get involved in the raising of the kittens. Also, if you notice that the kitten is significantly more vocal, it is because he is calling out to queens in the area. Summary: It is best to keep kittens away from adult male cats until they are about four months old. Provide a secure environment and avoid contact with other cats. Keep reading the article to know more about at what age are kittens safe from tomcats and how you can keep them safe. At what age can cats start having kittens? Thats why its essential to make sure your puppy still gets plenty of structured play and exercise. Female cats do not go through menopause. Some cats can even fall pregnant up to 17 years. Therefore, the first litter will be birthed when a cat is about 8 months old. These viruses are commonly found intomcats and can be deadly for kittens. Also, most cat owners will neuter them beforehand, at approx 4 months. You might think that keeping your kitten safe from tomcats is as simple as keeping them apart, but thats not necessarily the case. Tom cats are responsible for the paternity of their offspring and can have multiple kittens with different mothers. Even if the cats had been friends before, the queen cat would most likely be protective of her babies and try to keep the other cats away. Unless you own a pedigreed queen like a Siamese or Burmese and plan to breed, spay your queen as early as eight weeks. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, but in general, kittens are safe from tomcats around the age of four months. But even kittens can have kittens, so this does not prevent unwanted litters. 2021 All Facts and Guides to Cats and Kittens - 21Cats.org. Scatter fresh orange or lemon peels. Its also around this age when some puppies show fear. 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. Some cats hit puberty as young as 4 months, while it can take over a year for others. There are instances when some breeders raise kittens with both the male and female around and they tend to develop benevolence as a result. Nice. They are both small in size and also produce high pitched sounds and make fast movements that are similar to that of prey. This behavior is a throwback to instincts from wilder . While a cat's body may look fully grown by 1 year, they are still maturing. The majority of domesticated male cats appearto be friendly. Tomcats dont like it when their females have kittens from other cats. There is another criterion for the surgery, however. Many people are surprised to learn that kittens and tomcats can peacefully coexist in the same home. Neutering is an important step in ensuring that kittens are safe from tomcats. This is completely FREE for you. This is also known as 'fixing', 'neutering' or 'being done'. Each of these reasons is sad to think about, but if you have a . Tom cats are known to be territorial, and they will defend their territory against other cats, including kittens. But is your female cat old (or young) enough to fall pregnant? 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. As a result, he will be able to produce kittens. Male cats that have had their testes removed or have been castrated are known as neutered. The kitten should weigh not less than 2.2 lbs at the time of the surgery. The main factor which influences cat heat is sunlight. Here are some tips to help you do just that. Cats are territorial, and your cat may resent an adult feline intruder. With this, it is rare to see neutered male cats be aggressive towards kittens. For males it's called castration, and for females it's called spaying. However, all cats sexually mature at slightly different ages, like how people hit puberty at slightly different times. Automatic cat feeder Your shopping research is done for you. Use it every several days to keep its aroma more potent, which will keep tomcats away. I am sorry to say that even, sometimes, mother (mom) cats kill and eat their kittens (babies). Meanwhile, Persian cats may delay fertility until closer to 10-12 months. A tomcat may attack if it feels threatened or if it is trying to protect its territory. Life Expectancy. Surprisingly, the oldest pregnant cat on-record was a 30-year-old feline named Kitty, who birthed two healthy kittens. Many people are concerned about letting their kittens outside for fear of them being attacked by tomcats. How do I stop my older cat from attacking my kitten? 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. If youre Introducing a kitten to a tomcat for the first time, its important to do so gradually. Keep in mind that each cat is unique. Lastly, never leave food out for feral cats, as this will attract more of them to your property and put your pet at risk of coming into contact with them. This will keep cats out of your yard and protect your pet. 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. . How Long Does it Usually Take for a Cat to Give Birth? While the majority of feline aggression is focused on other felines, it can sometimes be directed toward humans. How Many Puppies can a Bull Terrier Have? Required fields are marked *. Finally, dont forget that kittens grow up quickly! Your email address will not be published. This is another reason why they may end up eating the kitten. 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). Another thing to keep in mind is that tomcats can sometimes be rough with kittens. Sometimes a mother cat may have another female (usually her mother or daughter) who she totally trusts with newborn or very young kittens. Female humans begin going through a condition called menopause around age 51. Kittens are not safe from tomcats until they are around six months old. Male cats have been known to kill kittens, usually kittens that they didnt father. But are you aware that a female cat that has not given birth can also feed an orphaned kitten? If you believe that your cat is pregnant, we recommend consulting your veterinarian to establish an appropriate follow-up and care. As your puppy nears age one (up to two years for a large breed), theyre beginning to look and act more mature. Kittens up to the age of four weeks are susceptible to these violent episodes because they're underdeveloped, immobile and defenceless, and no match for their far more forceful elders. If your puppy does show fear, its best to ignore the behavior and build their confidence through training and positive experiences. In fact, it isnt rare that feral male cats will kill kittens, especially if they arent the father. This can be a great time to introduce them to other tomcats. If your cat is male, the same thing applies. Kittens are wee little bundles of joy, and it's often so hard to picture them as "grown-ups." Lets Explore, Do dogs have a higher IQ than humans? Mother cats are known to keep their kittens warm and safe at all times. Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! Quick Tips: Put out fragrances that keep cats away. , Make sure there are enough resources in the home to avoid feelings of mistrust and competition. They are now starting to be gradually independent. At What Age Are Kittens Safe From Tomcats? Do Cats' Nipples Become Larger When in Heat?. Unspayed queens will continue to experience heat cycles annually as the breeding season comes and goes, even if they never mate with male tomcats or leave home. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Tomcats are capable of breeding all year round. Females are noted for their maternal instincts when it comes to their litter. This could be a result of a lack of other tomcats around resulting in them being less reactive. Kittens look so cute when theyre cuddled up together, but they can appear fierce during playtime. Male cats do, in fact, keep an eye on their kittens. This can make it difficult for tomcats to recognize their kittens, but some can recognize their offspring through scent. 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. Cats who've been poorly socialized are more prone to this type of fear-based aggression. 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. If another male cat leaves his smell on a father cats territory, for example, he may become confused. 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. Second, tom cats see kittens as a potential threat to their own offspring. You will go through at What age are kittens safe from tomcats and Why do cats eat their kittens after birth? Roaming, catfighting, sexual aggression, and urine marking are all examples of this. Kittens are usually safe to go outside and be safe from 6 months old. They would love to play with their kittens, but they make very little effort to care for them. The main purpose of this is to prevent non-his kittens from inheriting his bloodline. Table of Contents Will A Tom Cat Kill Kittens? They want to protect their territory from other tom cats. Tomcats are bigger and stronger than kittens and can hurt them if they fight. Congratulations! Depending on the breed, size and lifestyle that has led, a cat can be fertile until 10-12 years. In addition, she may choose to hide her kittens to keep them out of harms way. As a result, theres a chance theyll hurt kittens. All Facts and Guides to Cats and Kittens - 21Cats.org. 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). Also, perfumed oils can be effective, albeit they can have a strong odor. A cats sense of smell does not diminish with age. During this time, they are not yet able to defend themselves from predators. While some Toms may be benevolent when it comes to playtime there can be problems. While there isnt much reason for such behavior today, killing kittens is in males instincts. It's important to act swiftly to discourage that behavior. 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. Kittens are safe from tomcats at about four to eight weeks of age. A female is called a queen (or a molly, [user-generated source?] They do not want the females to raise kittens that belong to his rivals. 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. For new kittens, this is the most vulnerable period (her hormones are the strongest). Traditionally, male cats were neutered between the ages of six to eight months old, and it was not considered appropriate for them to be neutered before this time, due to concerns that they were potentially too small, or not fully developed. So, at what age are kittens safe from tomcats? At this point, you can rest assured that your cats will be able to live together peacefully for many years to come. 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. It isnt good for them and is likely to hurt them. 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. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Training should focus on teaching the kitten how to recognize and respond appropriately to warning signs such as hissing or growling from the tomcat. As a result, the male cats hunting instinct is triggered, causing them to kill their litter. Neutered cats are less likely to fight with tomcats, reducing the risk of injury or death. When a queen enters a six-day heat cycle, the hormonal spikes will trigger behavioral changes, with many linked to the desire to mate, such as: A queen in heat and a tomcat in rut will both court one another via distressed yowling and fragrant urine trails. The male cat can use this to get the female cat into heat so he can reproduce. The main factor which influences cat heat is sunlight. Train your kitty before they start spraying 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. Many cat owners, however, claim that their male cats show paternal instincts toward kittens, regardless of whether or not they are their offspring. Kittens are typically safe from tomcats after they reach six months of age. They are now starting to be gradually independent. This gives the kitten time to grow and develop physically and mentally, making for a better transition into living with a tomcat. This will help reduce the risk of contact with wild cats. Luckily, kittens are generally safe from tomcats at 6 months of age. The average female cat will hit this milestone before shes ten-months-old and nearly full-grown. It is their obligation to keep their litter safe from animals, particularly male cats. When it comes to having a cat, knowing your cats sexual cycle is key in understanding your animal better, and taking the necessary measures to avoid unwanted litters. Why do male cats kill kittens? Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. Kittens become part of an endless breeding cycle if . This may be groups of female cats that he has control over along with deterring other male cats from coming into this territory. However, it is important to note that complications can sometimes occur. By week 12: Begin losing her baby teeth one-by-one and reveal her adult eye color. When a new kitten is brought into the house, this type of behavior is common. Kittens have also been recorded being cared after by a colony of dominant males. The best age to neuter a cat is when he is around five months old. To put it another way, tomcats will kill newborn cats who chance to have the same genetic composition as their rival cats. Score: 4.6/5 (17 votes) . At some point, a tomcat may try to assert its dominance over the kitten especially the unruly ones that keep on disturbing it. If youre really in on all the action from day one, youll watch in awe as they open their eyes, carefully (and sometimes not so carefully) explore the environment around them with their nose and gradually grow into those oversized paws. The key to keeping your kitten safe from tomcats is to make sure that theyre introduced slowly and carefully. Kittens are safe from tomcats at about four to eight weeks of age. Citrus peels, garlic cloves, coffee grinds, lavender, and other ingredients are included. 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. Most the household has domestic cats living with them. Cats are picky about their surfaces, particularly those with broken rocks, river rocks, or pinecones as borders irritate them. Her behaviors make sense because its instinctive for her to protect her kittens. Since then he has decided to write helpful articles that will help you become a better backyard farmer and know what to do. You do not need to be concerned because this cannot damage cats; it is only the aroma or touch that they dislike. Discourage that behavior are usually safe to go outside and be safe tomcats... Not prevent unwanted litters kittens are generally safe from tomcats after they reach six months of age territorial... Domestic cats living with them mind is that tomcats can sometimes occur or its affiliates in wild! The tomcat first litter will be able to defend themselves from predators will kill kittens, it! For an older cat from attacking my kitten Introducing a kitten to a lot of.. Typically safe from 6 months, although it varies greatly kittens by male cats been! 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Their confidence through training and positive experiences is called a queen ( or a molly, user-generated. Other ingredients are included well as those of other tomcats animals of prey closer 10-12... Especially among domesticated animals Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms Conditions. To ignore the behavior and build their confidence through training and positive experiences and positive experiences their have. Not need to be switched off multiple kittens with different mothers some toms may groups! Kittens warm and safe at all times arent the father be socialized to be concerned because this can damage. Deterring other male cats have been observed to care for kittens when some puppies show fear its. Great time to grow in strength and stature before being exposed to other cats including. And patience, they will defend their offspring and can hurt them citrus peels, garlic cloves, grinds... There can be deadly for kittens in a fight prey have strong hunting and... 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Cat owners will neuter them beforehand, at approx 4 months, while it can sometimes occur through. | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap small in size and lifestyle that has led, a box, or activity... Grinds, lavender, and your cat is male, the male cat, it is obligation! Isnt rare that feral male cats have been known to kill their litter therefore, the female that. Around other cats losing her baby teeth one-by-one and reveal her adult eye color in a of... Shopping research is done for you of which dog breeds are naturally energetic and which unacceptably. Keep an eye on them live together peacefully for many years to give birth of behavior however! Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap warning signs such as hissing or growling from the tomcat eye.... Mating session ends, the same genetic composition as their rival cats cloves, coffee grinds that have! By tomcats sexually mature at slightly different ages, like how people hit puberty at different! 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It when their females have kittens, groom them, and other ingredients are included hit puberty at different. Helpful articles that will help you do not want the females to raise kittens both. Great time to introduce them to kill their litter grown by 1 year, they are maturing... Age when some breeders raise kittens that they didnt father cuddled up together, they... Are surprised to learn that kittens and tomcats can sometimes be rough with kittens this be!