Mother cat agression against her kittens

Question
Our young, first time mother cat has started batting with her front paws, biting and then kicking her kittens with her back feet as though she is playing with a toy. The kittens are 3 weeks old and her actions seem to be too rough and aggressive toward her own kittens.  We didn't know that she was pregnant when we adopted her and she's only about 7 months old now.  She just started this yesterday and we've seen her do this twice now. We immediately redirect her attention and she stops.

Answer
Hi Paulette,

I know this looks bad but it is totally normal. She is discipling the kittens. She will stop this when they stop what they are doing that is bringing on that behavior. Redirecting her is ok because it is removing her attention from the kittens behavior. She and the kittens will be fine. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen