new mom playing rough with kittens

Question
I am caring for a 10 month old (approximate) cat that gave birth three weeks
ago. She had six kittens and all seem to be doing well. I noticed sometimes
the mother looks as if she is starting to groom a kitten and then gets a little
rough. She puts her mouth around their neck, kicks their bottom with her
back feet. The kittens are more vocal now and I am worried if she is hurting
them. The rest of the time she is gentle. Is this behavior safe? Is the mother
cat too young herself?

Answer
Hi Sonia, This is pretty normal behaviour and nothing to worry about. Some moms actually make sores on the kittens necks because they are always picking them up and chewing on their necks... but it is really just teaching the kittens how to start playing which will eventually lead to teaching them to hunt. So, don't worry.
Teresa