Male cats with kittens

Question
Hi Norm. . .

I have a male and female cat from the same litter, about 16 months old.  Before we got the chance to have the male neutered however, he got the female pregnant and we now have three kittens, actually a week old today.  Now this is neither here, nor there, my question to you is this; we have noticed the male trying to 'steal' one of the kittens out of the litter, and I am growing concerned that he will harm it, or cause the female to abandon it.  We have been trying to keep an eye on them, but we are a busy family and can't be there all the time.  Do I have to worry?  What can I do until they are weened?

Corrie

Answer
Corrie,

I would keep the female and her kittens in their own room until they are weaned.  It is doubtful the male will hurt the kittens, BUT a neutered male can make a great nurse maid.  So, I would get him neutered and wait a couple of weeks after they are weaned to let him see the kittens (it can take up to 6 weeks for the male hormone levels to dissipate).

Meanwhile, most queens prefer to not be disturbed by other pets or small children while nursing their kittens.

Best regards... Norm.