behavure of pregnant cats

Question
QUESTION: hello my cat boe just had kittens and my cat asia is pregnant!!

is there any way if they will act agressive towards each other or the kittens hurt the other kittens??

after they are old enough we will get them spayed but plz answer my q

ANSWER: Kasadee,

The safest thing is to keep the two mamas separated unless Asia is due very, very soon.  Once both sets of kittens are weaned, it would be a good idea to let them run with each other for socialization.

Even if they are together, it is unlikely either will intentionally hurt the kittens, but some mamas will try to steal kittens and a kitten could inadvertently get hurt in the process, which is why it is safest to keep the two mamas separated.

Best regards... Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for the answer but what if the kittens of boe hurt the kittens because they are alot bigger??????

asia will be left in my room for the time being!!!she will be let out for 2 hours every day for exercise!!i will have food and water on my desk so she can still eat and drink!!

i was wondering if that would be a good thong to do???? and i was also wondering if every cat is different in birth??

Answer
Kasdadee,

Let me answer this with what we do.  

If the queens are due about a week apart, we have them live with each other during the last 3-4 weeks of pregnancy.  If the births are going to be any further apart, we house them separately.

In general, once our kittens are weaned, and no later than age 6 weeks, we separate them from mama.  They are socialized to people and receive all their 3-1 shots {calici, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis} at 8 weeks for the first shot and 12 weeks for the booster. We do not have to give rabies unless they are going out of state (as per KY law).  Once they are 13 weeks, they get to meet other cats/kittens.

The theory behind this practice is that the immunity given by mother's milk is no longer operable when the kittens are 8 weeks (their tummies can no longer absorb the antibodies).  The kittens' immune systems are not 100% until they are 16 weeks, but they are probably over 90% developed by 13 weeks.

So, in your case, the safest thing might be to keep the litters separated until the youngest litter is 13 weeks and then let them play together.

I hope this is helpful.

Best regards.... Norm.