Why is Momma Cat Attacking Her Kittens?

Momma Cat (Lily) had kittens on May 4. And I had her spayed right after. They're almost 2 months old now, we've already given 2 away but decided to keep the other 2. I've seen her playing w/ the kittens (wrestling) and I know the difference. All of a sudden, in the middle of the night, Lily started attacking one of the kittens. She was biting his throat and he was screaming! it woke us up because the kitten was screaming so loud. he was shaking and terrified by the time we got her off of him. he was also soaking wet and I have no idea why - maybe she was trying to drown him in his water dish.. i dunno. Her tail was all puffed up as was the rest of her body.. and the kittens are scared of her now. If I hold all of them on my lap together and pet Lily - she's ok.. but I'm scared to let them roam the house together. Is she trying to ween them? that's my only guess.. cuz she still lets them nurse sometimes...

what do i do??

Why is Momma Cat Attacking Her Kittens?
That's a tuff on, but I'll try. I would say yes, she's trying to to ween them. As you know kittens play, play, play until they they finally exaust them selves and then it's nap time. After their nap their ready to go again and even mom will have a little fun with to a point. If mom has had enough and the kittens don't recognize this because their wond up like tops, mom will let them know one way or another.



When a cat is sleeping you and I don't want to disturb that sleep. They'll get scared so you better get ready to back off or you could catch a claw. No one wants to wake up like that.



That could have happened when you woke up with the sound of a screaming kitten. Or it could have been the kitten wanted to play and mom didn't. Let's face it kittens are a hand full not to mention persistant. They don't give up easily until they are put in their place by mom. She's the mom, she's the teacher. Sounds like the kitten stepped over the line.



Keep your eyes open. See how things progress. Maybe grab a book from the library and do a quick read on cat behavior or kitten/mom behavior.



Did the vet say anything to you about having your cat spayed so soon after giving birth? Did he tell you anything about behavior regarding mom and kittenens after the spaying? That would be interesting to know.



Good Luck and let's hope there's no more screaming in the middle of night. That alone is enought to make your blood pressure hit the ceiling.
Reply:she is disiplining them. At 2 months old, they should be weened by now.



Have they had thier shots, yet?
Reply:Maybe they are trying to feed and having her spayed might be the cause of all the trouble you are having. I believe you did it too soon.. I would try to keep them separated for awhile as Lily might be in pain right now and does not want to be bothered with them..
Reply:As the kittens get older, the maternal instinct "wears off".

She is seperating herself from the babies, just like human parents send their kids off to college.



Some cats refuse to tollerate their grown children. It's almost an instinct! You can try to wait and see if she will calm down, but maybe you should give the kittens away.
Reply:hmm all i know is that my grand parents said when a cat or dog gives birth and u see them give birth they attack their young. Well thats my story but it could be like a myth.
Reply:It could be that something internally is wrong with the kitten and the mom knows...Sometimes they will attempt to kill their kitten and I have even seen a mom cat put very bad wounds on kittens to "put them down." Two months seems a little old for that to be happening but it could also be that they are still trying to nurse on her and it hurts.
Reply:Kittens start teething at 5-6 weeks and after that they sometimes bite and hurt mommy when they nurse. So at times moms get irritated and start discipline the kittens. So don't be afraid she won't hurt them, she might just have to get a little rough with them. Just make sure they are eating solids this will help them nurse less and make mom happy.

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