Breeding Queens Behavior

Question
I have a female Sphynx who has just had her second litter.  She is doing the same thing to these kittens as she did with the first litter... unfortunately she has started much earlier this time.  The habit she has is that of chewing the kittens ears.  She left a scar on one kitten from the last litter and she did not begin this behavior until the kittens were about 1.5 months old.  These babies are three days old and she has split both ears open on one of the babies.  Do you know what causes this and is there anything at all I can do to "curb" this behavior?  I am worried she will do long-term damage.  

Answer
Amanda,

This is very aberrant behavior.  I have heard of similar problems with other breeds (on rare occasions) and know that there seemed to be no way of curbing these behaviors.  I agree she may do long term damage and all you can do is be vigilant.  Personally, I would not breed her again.

You may want to speak with other Sphynx breeders (especially where you got the mama from) and see if they have heard of this in their lines.  They may have some suggestions.  One question would be are the kittens' ears clean?  if not (like they may have ear mites), this may be a possible cause of the problem.  Mama is trying to clean the kittens' ears but getting carried away doing it.

You may have to put up with this until the kittens are weaned (you can begin weaning them at 3 weeks of age).  Once the kittens are weaned, they can be isolated from her.

Good luck and best regards... Norm.