My cats growls at her 5 month old kittens

Question
My cat had kittens when she was 1 year old and we kept 2 of them.  The kittens play together great.  Recently, the mom cat has started growling at her kittens.  All 3 of them are indoor/outdoor cats.  Why is she doing this and what can I do to stop it?

Thanks,


Answer
Robert,

There are all kinds of reasons this may be happening.  Some 5 month old kittens are beginning to get sexually active.  If they approach a female who is not in heat with amorous intentions, she will growl at them!!!!!  If they have begun marking territory as theirs, especially over her markings, that will lead to some tensions!!

If they are neutered, she will probably be friendlier toward them.

As far as the mama cat is concerned, she knows these kittens, but cats do not have familial bonds, like humans.  So, she will treat them like any other 5 month old kittens hers or anyone else's.

You might consider getting her spayed which will lessen any tensions even more so.

As far as doing anything else, there is nothing I know of to force cats to get along.  Either they like each other or they do not.  In time most cats develop some relationship with each other.  If there are no hormones in the way, these relationships are more often friendly than not.

Best regards... Norm.